Any word is so limited to describe my excitement. Since college, I've had a deep passion for French literature, which makes my heart race. One of my favorite French classic writers is Victor Hugo, best known for "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." Quasimodo's story fuels my longing to see Notre Dame, photograph the Eiffel Tower, and indulge in some delicious treats at the local boulangerie, inspiring a sense of shared cultural love.

Sadly, the bell stopped ringing because Notre Dame was on fire last year. Quasimodo's heart was broken into pieces, since the bells' rhythm conveyed his feelings: his anger toward Frollo and his love for Esmeralda. All doors into the Cathedral were closed. All dangerous scaffolds surrounded the building. The spire was down. However, Notre Dame still looks stunning with its unique Gothic architectural details. I can't wait to go back to Paris to see it open.

Visiting bakeries in Paris is a must, and eating a baguette should be on your checklist. The aroma of freshly baked bread fills the air, reminding me how something so simple can bring so much joy. We stayed across from one of the local boulangeries. As I open the window in the morning, the cold air of October in Paris and the smell of freshly baked bread are so lovely. I could taste the sweetness of the yeast, the crisp crust, and the nutty sesame flavor, one of my favorite baguettes. And the best part? A baguette costs less than two euros. Add cheese, some fruit, and a bottle of wine, and then you will have a perfect picnic along the Seine River. One of the local tour guides from "Emmanuel's hidden gems" told us his favorite dinner is cheese, a baguette, and wine, and I can totally see why!

Paris is also the place for book lovers. There are many bookstalls, known as Les Bouquinistes de Paris, along the Seine River. These bookstalls are more than just second-hand book sellers; they are a symbol of Parisian literary life. It is the perfect pause for a peaceful moment to look at some old books before you get back to the bustling atmosphere around you. Oh, I can't wait to show you the iconic Shakespeare and Company bookstore. The third time is the charm, right? Because I could go inside the bookstore on my third visit to Paris. I vividly remember the narrow staircase leading to the upstairs. Imagine Ernest Hemingway sitting there with his cigar, pounding out word by word on the old typewriter to write his books, including The Old Man and the Sea, one of my favorite books. Also, the musty smell of the old books brings out my nostalgia. It reminds me of some old bookstalls in Saigon from Vietnam, which is my motherland.

How do you feel when you see the Eiffel Tower? I am over the moon. I shouldn't carry my camera because I will keep shooting her to death. I should stand still and admire her in the chaos she creates. People come here to celebrate the special occasions that are imprinted in their memories. They wear colorful, avant-garde dresses or hats, trying to get the best picture out of her. Tourists wander between shops to buy fake gold Eiffel Tower keychains and other souvenirs before boarding bus tours, which come swiftly. They patiently wait in line to climb up to the top to see Paris. At night, her beauty shines with all the light, and she puts a spell on you to make you return to see her again.

I will return to Paris to hear Quasimodo ring the bells at Notre Dame and to watch Esmeralda dance on the street. Paris is always my dream, a paradise I have longed for.

Paris is my dream!

Hands tell stories.

The Tulip Land