In all honesty, as of last night my suitcase is packed and I could walk out the door right now and get on that plane and go. Finally after thirty eight years I am going on my pilgrimage to France. Marseille and Paris with side trips here and there. Off to photograph and shoot video of the streets that have fueled and inspired many of my lifelong influences. To drink the wine and absinth on the same streets as some of my literary heros. To eat a few classic dishes but also discovering the emerging new wave of Prix Fixe of smaller, more casual places like Frenchie (http://www.frenchie-restaurant.com/) with a special someone who may be more excited then me, but I think its safe to say its a tie.

I have to say for as much as I have waited for this trip, I am more excited about seeing the Paris and Marseille of today. Few items from antiquity are on my things to do list. Besides the Musée d’Orsey and walking by the Eifel Tower, I am not as worried about the thoughts of “I must see this or go there”. I want to absorb and take in the people, the culture, the every day. The sense of what makes Paris, well, Paris and Marseille, Marseille. I am grateful for all the greats that have come and created and left their mark on these cities, but it is up to those there now to cary the torch. To keep the fire of the city alit. I look forward to capturing that and marking my generations mark on Paris, even if as an outsider for now.  Isn’t the role of an artist, explorer, traveler to see the new and now with their vision based on past influences and  document, and observe as you interact? It is a constant give and take to walk the fine line of observer and creator.To simultaneously take it all in but also create the environment it is all taking place in. I think I am up for the challenge. It is going to be one hell of a trip either way. Stay tuned for more…..