When a Bird Pooped on Me in Paris

My day in Paris captivated me. Bird poop and all.

We left our hotel in the morning to begin our jaunt around the city. The buildings were like nothing I’ve ever seen. Everything looked like a movie set. We began our walk past the shops and cafes and found ourselves in the middle of the Place de la Concorde. Staring up at the obelisk, the fountains, the Ferris wheel—just a typical Tuesday, right?!

It was a warm spring morning with the sun shining through the spray from the fountains. The beauty of it all was already overwhelming, and we hadn’t even had breakfast yet. We continued our walk in search of breakfast and found the prettiest Parisian restaurant and bakery.

Everything in this place made me feel girlie and giddy. The keepsake tins with charming, little prints on them. The cases of colorful macaroons and chocolate treasures. The exquisite murals on the walls and sparkling chandeliers on the ceiling.

After our delicious brunch of cappuccino, tea, eggs benedict and pastries, we continued on our journey. On our way toward the Louvre, we came upon a park area with dogs running free and playing. My friend and I are probably two of the biggest dog lovers you’ll ever come across.

Watching these guys run and play anywhere would make our day, but add the Eiffel Tower in the distance—breathtaking. Seeing the Eiffel Tower peek out from various points throughout the city is incredible.

A woman prancing down a city street with her arms outstretched

After making our way across the idyllic grounds of the Louvre and the iconic glass structure, we were on a bridge over the Seine. An older gentleman was playing a perfect, Parisian song on the violin. In hindsight, I wish we just sat there and watched him longer. I dream of being back in that moment.

I sent the video to my parents later that night, and my mom told me the song is called La Vie en Rose. Naturally, I Googled. “La vie en rose” literally translates to life in pink. However, it more precisely means to see life through rosy (pink) glasses. The idea is to depict a state where everything around you is a source of joy.

After that perfectly pink moment, we visited Notre Dame. Like, the Notre Dame. The history and grandeur of it all continued to overwhelm me. We walked back along the river watching the ducks and dogs enjoy the day. We stopped for a treat and a spot in the sun in the parks outside the Louvre. We continued along the Champs-Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe.

Landmark after landmark, two Minnesota girls walking through the streets of Paris—was this real life?

It was only when we sat down to dinner, after walking through the people gathered on blankets with wine and baguettes, that I realized I had bird poop on my jacket. A bird had pooped on me in Paris. Yet, it was really hard to care.

A bird had pooped on me in Paris. Yet, it was really hard to care.

There was only one thing left to do—see the Eiffel Tower sparkle. I was adamant about this. We were having a drink at a sidewalk café with it in view, waiting. When the clock on my phone turned to 10 p.m., it happened. I ran across the three lanes of traffic in the roundabout, leaned against a tree and just watched.

It’s funny how seeing certain things in life can stir so many emotions in you. I was insanely gleeful and grateful to be experiencing this. It made me want to be a part of something bigger. To feel this energy, excitement and happiness every day.

That was my magical day in Paris. I realize how lucky I am to be able to have such an experience. There’s beauty in everything—even a day in Paris when a bird poops on you. It’s up to us if we will see it. We get to choose if we will see life through the pink glasses and appreciate the beauty in every day. To find the extraordinary in the ordinary if you will.

There’s beauty in everything…It’s up to us if we will see it.

So, whether it’s the clouds sweeping across the sky, the leaves swaying in the breeze or the grass glistening with dew—I notice it. And I’ll always remember fondly the day a bird pooped on me in Paris.