Despite the fact that the Olympics are over, who can forget some of the memorable moments?
The most decorated Olympian in American history, Simone Biles; Lady Gaga in a Parisian Betty Boop costume; and, most of all, the legendary return of Celine Dion in a performance that will live for the ages. There aren’t many sites that can compare to Paris’s twinkling lights but maybe some might bring back memories. https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024 Memories such as warm croissants, a romantic stroll in the park, or world-class artwork . As a self-confessed fan of Emily in Paris https://www.netflix.com/title/81037371, I was eager to explore the Paris and Philly connection. I spent a day in the City of Brotherly Love for a day of French culture.
We want to revisit certain inspirations to give you that “mangez bien, risez souvent, aimez beaucoup” sensation if we can’t be in Paris to experience the joie de vivre. Put another way, enjoy good food, lots of laughter, and lots of love while in Philadelphia. A location that holds a particular significance is the Rodin Museum. I made the decision to go on a short trip and spend the day in French fashion.
My first stop before that was the Sofi Corner Cafe. A light-filled, spacious French Moroccan cafe with large open windows contributed to the feeling of a Mediterranean retreat. There are art deco posters, bright yellow walls and cushions, and a small patio to enjoy a laissez-faire afternoon for that extra St. Tropez flair. The menu during the early afternoon included a chicken b’stilla and a mocha coffee. I got the impression from the front window’s ample assortment of French candies and sweets that you might not find them elsewhere in the world.
A picture-perfect backdrop supplied by the Rodin Museum on Benjamin Franklin Parkway lends a gateway its’ spectacular indoor beauty. There is a large, open courtyard with a few little tables and seats beyond the gate known as The Garden. Particularly on a day with lovely weather, it is worthwhile to relax, sit, read a book, or spread out a picnic blanket. One of the benefits of visiting the museum is that you can pay what you want or a suggested amount. Moreover, entry to the Rodin is complimentary with the purchase of a Philadelphia Museum of Art ticket. Every chamber is lined with magnificent sculptures that capture texture and detail, such as versions of The Thinker, The Kiss, and Two Hands, among many more.
I didn’t have the intention of flying out to indulge in croissants and macarons, but I did found a tiny spot with the ideal ambiance. The spacious and open J’aime French Bakery located on 12th Street in Center City features wide open windows. It was there that I relished a café au lait and a chocolate croissant. It was the ideal way to recharge after a day of touring, discovering Rodin, and being motivated to attempt new things.
While I was seated observing others, I spotted visitors, individuals working on the side of the road, and corporate professionals rushing around, reflecting on my own experiences of relaxing in cafes across foreign cities. All with similar atmospheres and ambiance. My own city transformed my perspective. I let myself immerse in the buzz, the mood, and the tranquility. I behaved as though I was in Paris. I envisioned the cars revolving around the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, gazing at The Thinker, witnessing beautiful kids on picnic mats, and savoring each moment of sipping coffee in a cafe. Emily in Paris finds her Parisienne adventure and I was happy savoring the mine. https://rodinmuseum.org
