A Journey Through My First Homes: From a Narrow Barn Apartment to Parisian Dream
Every person has a first home, a place where they started their life journey, filled with innocence and wonder. For me, this place was not a grand mansion but a cozy, loving abode with a story as unique as me. Let me share these first homes with you through my lens.
My First Home: A Narrow Barn Apartment
At the tender age of three, I remember my first home vividly. It was a long, narrow, dark ‘apartment’ built on the side of a barn that served dual purposes as a meeting hall for a boys' youth summer camp where my father held an art counselor role. The apartment, while dark and cramped, was a warm and welcoming place filled with colorful decorations and the love and laughter of my growing family.
A Cozy Abode Filled with Love and Silly Collections
From my record player to mismatched furniture, this home became a repository of my childhood treasures. It wasn’t magnificent or grand, but it was perfect for learning and growing. The place was cozy and welcoming, allowing me to collect and cherish my silly things, forming lifelong memories within its walls.
The Parisian Dream: A 2-Bedroom Apartment in Neuilly-sur-Seine
By the time I was a young adult, I found myself living in a luxurious 2-bedroom apartment in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France, just a stone's throw away from the bustling city of Paris. This apartment was a dream come true for me, with a large balcony, proximity to the Bois de Boulogne, and a direct metro line to work. The streets were lined with trees, making for a serene and beautiful neighborhood.
The apartment was truly a fortress of light, being a corner apartment with windows and glass doors covering nearly all outside walls. I could bask in sunlight even in the coldest winter months. The kitchen and bathroom were spacious, and I even remember a coffee table picture book depicting my apartment in the air, taken around the time I lived there.
Life in the City: A Home With My Parents
After moving out on my own, I continued my adventurous living in a home that had three bedrooms, situated on several acres of cultivated land. My room was attached to a large lounge with a separate entrance, and there was even a garage for my car. This home became my haven, a place where I could come back at the end of the day and find solace and peace.
Each of these homes played a significant role in shaping who I am today. They are more than just physical spaces; they are the backdrop of my life—a journey from the innocence of a barn apartment to the luxury of a Parisian dream, and then to the comfort of a suburban home. They are memories to be cherished and stories to be told.