We've reached that time in the week, when we can all just breathe a little easier. Put our feet up. Kick back a bit. Yes - it's not over, but with only a day left, it might as well be. And I'll be the first to admit I'm happy this week is coming to a close. It's been a bit too crazy and I'm looking forward to having an affair with my bed the next two days.
But before the week officially ends - let's watch some videos..
Now, all of you know I love Los Angeles. I honestly do. While there are times I hate it, get sick of it, want to pack up my things and move away, I know I'll be here for a little while. But as much as I'm now a "Californian" or become one of the beach bums of the West Coast, my heart will always be in the East, where I was born and raised. This following piece deals with NYC. A city I also love and have spent much time in (brother living there, family growing up there, visiting, etc). Realistically I need to stay in LA for a bit to grow my career in the film world, but I would love to make it back east and live in NYC, even for a short period. Ideally I'd be bicoastal if I could - but no way do I have the money for that yet (one can dream). But back to it - this piece shows how amazing New York is by asking its inhabitants one simple thing. How would you describe NYC in only three words?
Not only is it great to hear so many different takes on the question, I love the montages relating to each topic addressed. Hearing the different accents and languages. The changes in music. The joy in everyone's faces.
It all makes me miss the Big Apple.
3 words for NYC from Cokau on Vimeo.
So why the Vs. in the title you ask? I'll admit, this isn't really about two different cities squaring off for which is better. Both are wonderful for their own reasons. New York's wonderful characteristics are showcased above, but now it is time for Paris to shine. At first I was going to use the name "City of Lights" which Paris is also known as, but lets be honest - New York itself is massively bright as well, so that just didn't seem fitting. Take what I have to say with a grain of salt though - since I've only been there for four days. Yes, the people can be a little frigid at first - but as long as you "attempt" to speak French, as poorly as it may turn out, they'll quickly warm up to you. Man, what can I say about Paris. Just about everything is wonderful to me. The architecture, the smells, how the city blueprint mimics the rings of a tree, the accents, the love in everyone's eyes, The Eiffel Tower. Cobblestone streets, fresh bread, coffee, art. It's one of the few places I've instantly fallen in love with (along with Lisbon and San Francisco - which strangely enough both remind me of Paris in their own ways).
And in reference to the video - it's just beautiful. I've posted some of this guy's work before (the Big Sur video) and love discovering when he posts new videos. This is just another example of why I need to buck up and buy a Black Magic camera. The images it captures are just absolutely stunning.
Also - you may ask why the videos I'm showcasing are so different. Well, personally, I think the charm of NYC comes from the people, who live there, while Paris is about the city itself - the streets, the walls, the buildings. New York is bustling, loud - so a video full of dialogue makes sense. Paris is slower, quieter, a tad more on the quaint side - thus a video that allows you to just observe.
Enjoy.
The Quiet City: Winter in Paris from Andrew Julian on Vimeo.
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Thanks for the explanation - I don't know that I would have caught the meaning if you hadn't offered it up.
ReplyDeleteYou captured it well with your words, and with your choices of videos. NYC is alive, urgent, alive, while Paris seems to be historical, architecturally focused, and mellow. Each has its nuances and appeals.
My three words when thinking about NYC - Christopher, home, Grandpa.
ieyu, ilys!