When is just living in a place not enough?

Point Neuf in Paris at night was the beginning of new journey in life.

That was the question that I realized one evening when I was walking home from the office. I had lived in this city for almost 17 years and the initial thrill of moving to a new place had long since faded.

“We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.”

— T. S. Elliot

I can't help but think of T. S. Elliot's quote about returning to a place and knowing it for the first time. As my work has taken me to many places all over the world I am constantly struck by the things I have seen and experienced. Traveling has become a compulsion now to find more and new experiences so I can just feel. And when I return to my daily routine I feel lost and dull.

Then one night in September as I was walking back across Point Nuef to my home in the Left Bank I was struck enough by the moment to stop and take the phone from my pocket and snap a picture. When was the last time had I done that? Something in the moment made me realize that I could bring those experiences back home for me and see it again for the first time.