Several times per year, Malibu Seen goes on the road to soak in the cultural magic of cities overseas. Paris is a favorite and, if it’s December, my husband Barry Glaser and I are sure to be in Venice. But this year, there was an exception. Fear is in the air following the Paris attacks on Nov. 13. And, like Sept. 11, that will not deter us. We refuse to give in. Barry’s favorite place is the City of Light and Venice is my second home, and they can’t take that away from us.
We watched in horror as the tragic events in Paris unfolded and didn’t waste any time trying to reach out to family and friends to make sure everyone was okay.
Our dear friend Jean-Marie Ancher, who manages one of Paris’ most highly rated and beloved restaurants, Le Taillevent, assured us he and his fellow citizens were prepared to keep calm and carry on. This is our world, and this is just too important. Not necessarily big things, world landmarks, priceless art, but also the little things we so often take for granted. With permission, I am sharing my letter from Jean-Marie and look forward to my next overseas dispatch.
Dear Barry and Kim,
Thanks for your very nice email.
First, my prayers are with all the people who died in Paris.
You know my strong support of your country, and I will never forget 9/11.
The risk is still here, but the life needs humanity and peace.
All my family, staff and friends are safe.
Le Taillevent, your second home in the world, is waiting for you, and this tragedy makes us stronger for the future.
I have read a marvelous thing in the New York Times last night.
With Love,
Jean-Marie Ancher, Director Le Taillevent.
“France embodies everything religious zealots everywhere hate: enjoyment of life here, on earth in a myriad little ways: a fragrant cup of coffee and buttery croissant in the morning, beautiful women in short dresses smiling freely on the street; the smell of warm bread; a bottle of wine shared with friends, a dab of perfume, children playing in the Luxembourg Gardens, the right not to believe in any god, not to worry about calories, to flirt and smoke and enjoy sex outside of marriage, to take vacations, to read any book you want, to go to school for free, to play, to laugh, to argue, to make fun of prelates and politicians alike, to leave worrying about the afterlife to the dead. No country does life on earth better than the French. Paris, we love you. We cry for you. You are mourning tonight and we with you. We know you will laugh again, and sing again, and make love, and heal, because loving life is your essence. The forces of darkness will ebb. They will lose. They always do.”
Thank you, Jean-Marie. We will see you soon, but till then, vive la France. Nous somme Paris!