Autumn in Paris

And just like that, the summer is gone and we're back to umbrellas and jeans.

Paris is packed. I got too used to the emptiness of the city. Thanks to the Olympics pushing so many people away from Paris, combined with the usual vacation exodus, we got to enjoy a much quieter capital than usual for a couple of months.

And now, suddenly, we're back to full inundation. /sigh

The second punch in this one two combo is the sudden departure of summer. A season we barely had to begin with. It feels like we skipped straight to November this week. /sigh2

Now, before I go on complaining, I've been reassured (by Lindsey, who will read this and rightly demand credit where it's due) that the weather is going to swing back into warmer territory this weekend. And while we may be swarmed by Parisians and Fashion Week-a-nistas, it seems like everyone is in a much better mood than usual.

Even though the Olympics had some truly negative impacts on tourism and hospitality businesses of all stripes, it gave us a brief and much needed reprieve from reality. Those of us that got to experience the Games in person are spent, but also refilled by our shared sense of awe and appreciation. Those that missed out still felt the boon from wherever they were, even above and against their sense of FOMO, and there's a light buzz left lingering in the air.

We may lament this bizarrely cold and rainy summer, but we also love our light jackets. Any excuse to throw those on is a welcome one. Especially if there's some leftover Olympic Spirit going around.

~ Jay