 |
No big deal... |
Seeing
Paris through a first-timer’s eyes is a precious experience. Just when I think
that the Eiffel Tower is boring, that Notre Dame is dull, or that the Opera is
just kind of blah, a tourist comes around with an audible, “Wow” as we take in
the view from in front of the Sacre Coeur and I am revived.
This is the
coolest part about being a tour guide. Having just wrapped up a few weeks of
intense guiding with a few Paris newbees of all ages, I feel like Paris and I
have hit the reset button for a moment. Don’t get me wrong, I am chomping at
the bit to get out of the city for some vacation, but I feel like I’ve
readjusted my appreciation of the city, tightening it up just ever so.
Tour
guiding is one of those professions like journalist or barista that just anyone
can do – and I have done them all – with the right training. You don’t need a
degree in tourism and hospitality to share a city with visitors. You need a bit
of passion and a sprinkling of knowledge and voila, you can do it. Of course
it’s not in everyone’s comfort zone to get in front of a group and spout
stories from the 1600s in Paris, but I made it work for me. It’s easy, however,
to get jaded.