#2 A Nanny in Paris

Spring of 1999
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I was on a bridge in Paris, when this little face caught my eye!

First trip to Paris!

I was in Paris for the first time, after wishing on birthday candles since I was about 5! 

I was finally in this beautiful city, but I was wandering alone. I had tagged along on my husband's business trip, so I was exploring with my camera.

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A Little Intimidated

First I spotted the serious looking nanny, pushing a ritzy pram across the bridge. What a perfect snapshot! But taking pictures of strangers is sort of rude anywhere, especially in France.

But when I passed this sweet baby in her striped hat and sweater, I couldn't help myself.  I  paused and managed to express my delight with what few words I knew in French.

To my surprise, the Nanny was as  eager to share this darling child and encouraged me with my camera. With my non-digital Canon, I snapped only one shot. I lucked out and captured the baby's giddy laugh. If only I had snapped one more, I could have captured the Nanny's grin. A split second after my camera clicked, the Nanny turned to me and gasped with delight. We both shared a sweet moment, acknowledging how perfectly the baby laughed when the camera clicked.

So, thank you Nanny!

It was the baby I had on focused first, but you are the one who impressed me. You made my first encounter with a French person, relaxed and comfortable.  You didn't roll your eyes or frown, like the cartoon images some Americans still have of the French. You gave me a good snapshot memory of a kind stranger from a foreign land.

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