Hey everyone!

I do not often lend myself to this exercise, but here is some news about me and the evolution of the disease.

Last week, I went to Paris for 3 days. Alone, I took the train to join friends who are very dear to me. Friends who have never stopped supporting and encouraging me, who believe in me and in my recovery. I will be eternally grateful to them for all they have done for me. And above all, I admire them for their humanity, their intelligence and their generosity.

I fell ill in March 2018, and it was in October 2018 that I promised my friends to visit them in Paris as soon as my condition allowed. I thought it would be spring 2019, but this trip kept getting postponed because I just couldn't.

My condition has greatly improved over the past 6 months, and I was able to undertake this first trip alone at the end of March 2023.

Admittedly, these were not ideal conditions given the strikes and demonstrations currently underway in Paris.

But Paris will always be Paris. Magical and beautiful, historic and elegant. The atmosphere of small bistros, the wonder aroused by museums and exhibitions, the delight of living for a few days the “hectic” life (not too much though!) of a “Parisienne”.

What beautiful memories lived in Paris!

The city has changed. Lots of cyclists (without protective helmets on their heads), tourists who wear colorful berets and take pictures in front of the Eiffel Tower with their arms laden with flowers, electric scooters on the sidewalks. But the Parisian accent still floats in the streets of the capital like a light and insolent song.

A lot of rest in the program of my days. I was still able to visit the Kimono exhibition at the Quai Branly museum, a stone's throw from the Eiffel Tower, attend a conference and walk along the alleys of the Champs de Mars and around the Grand Palais Éphémère. Traveling through the city of light in a taxi under the spring sun after 5 years spent pretty much housebound had this special taste of days of victory.

In the end, a lot of fatigue, but not too much pain. I was able to moderate my efforts, including visiting the Kimono exhibit which offers seats from which to admire the beautiful garments displayed there.

It's a real success and I feel that my condition is improving. I am getting closer to a return to normal life, which brings me a lot of hope to be able to travel again and take up new leisure activities.

It took four and a half years to finally be able to make this trip to Paris that was close to my heart. Magical and rejuvenating days. Pure joy.

Illness often has the bitter taste of defeat. Moments like these have the flavor and sweetness of days of celebration and victory.

CELEBRATE EVERY LITTLE VICTORY, MY FRIENDS!

Pericordially yours,

Vali