What is a comfortable life?
With restrictions on going out,
I am thinking again.
Japan finally declared a state of emergency.
As I write this blog on April 8, 2020,
I heard from French radio that "more than half of the world's population is under restrictions on going out."
The coronavirus tragedy is sweeping across the world.
France's curfew has entered its fourth week.
Now Parisians, Parisiennes too,
It looks like you are getting used to this life.
But that's why we have to be careful.
As of today
Jogging, which used to be allowed once a day for an hour,
It is prohibited from 10:00 to 19:00.
When the restrictions on going out began,
I have often thought about "comfortable living".
Praise for the modern minimum life.
A Japanese tidying book was translated into French and became a hot topic.
The choice to borrow rather than own,
The lifestyle of living lightly by skillfully incorporating the functions of the city into life is attracting attention.
I myself felt that it was "free".
For example, Paris' bicycle rental service "Vélib"
It is my favorite.
Rather than buying and owning a bicycle,
Borrowing when you need it
It is smart without worrying about maintenance or theft.
From now on, owning a car or anything will not be popular! and.
However, "this way of thinking does not work in the event of a disaster,"
I knew it at the same time.
And right now we are in that time of disaster.
"Don't go out"
When it comes to "I have to stay at home",
People who have been incorporating the functions of the city into their lives are in trouble.
For example, without cooking at home,
People who have eaten out
"I don't cook, so I don't need tools,"
Maybe you don't even have a frying pan.
What if the restrictions on going out suddenly start in such a state?
By the way, in my case,
"I don't mind if my house is small, so I choose to live in the city center where it is convenient to move around."
I managed to buy a property in Paris.
And now, on the 1st floor facing the road, 30 square meters without sunlight,
I live a life where I can't go out.
"The suburban house I lived in four years ago
It was bigger and had a nice view.
I was able to exercise at home,
If it was that house, it might have been easier to restrict going out. ”
I think so.
However, since this situation is not normal,
I don't regret moving.
Nonetheless,
“What would a comfortable life be like for me?”
I will rethink that.
For me, a comfortable, if not luxurious, home is...
・There is a certain amount of area. ←Currently, I live with my daughter and occupy 30㎡. It's narrow, but it's manageable.
・Direct sunlight. ←I almost never enter
・The sky can be seen from the window. ← Almost invisible
・It would be great if there was a terrace or a garden! ←No
・The view from the window is good. ←I put a planter on the sidewalk and try to improve the scenery even a little.
There are many things that haven't been granted, but it can't be helped. Real estate is a big purchase.
It doesn't go as expected.
However, the interior, which is the "content" of the real estate,
I can devise it to some extent.
For example, the necessary minimum is properly enhanced,
The ingenuity of not having what you don't need.
The minimum necessary items are frying pans, pots, bath towels, etc.
If you're going to have one anyway, it's good to have one that's comfortable to use.
What you don't want
Things that I keep thinking, "I might use it someday."
Clothes you haven't worn in years, old magazines...
We don't have many at home, so
The narrow space is also refreshing.
And the ingenuity of living with things that moisturize the heart.
This is absolutely necessary!
What warms your heart
Greens, scented candles, fine tea?
Now, while experiencing restrictions on going out for the first time in my life,
I'm glad we have green in our house,
I think it was really nice to have aroma candles.
If you want, I want cut flowers.
Cut flowers not only brighten up our sunny homes with their beauty,
Because I think it cleanses the air in my house with a fresh scent.
However, the flower shop is currently closed because it is not the bare minimum.
Furthermore, it was salvation that there was a green in our house.
The life of everyone in Japan,
I expect that the tightening of going out will be stricter in the future.
Inevitably, you will spend more time at home.
The interior that I thought was luxurious until now,
Many people may realize that it was actually indispensable in life.
If you have been devising the interior so far,
You will be able to spend a satisfying time in the space you created.
From me, who has experienced restrictions on going out before everyone else,
let me send you a message
"Rather than being disturbed by hoarding information, calm down,
It may be better to arrange a comfortable life. ”
In the Paris supermarket in the 4th week of going out,
There is also toilet paper and pasta.
Please value your time and life.
The posted photo is our breakfast and
Goods that liven up the room during outing restrictions.
Then there is the flower arrangement of a neighborhood cafe that I shot a year ago.
Cut flowers, even the simplest ones,
You have the power to change the whole atmosphere of a place!
Then again
A Bian To♪
Keiko SUMINO-LEBLANC
Paris-based writer/coordinator Japanese-French translator
Moved to Paris in 1997.
After getting married and raising children in Paris, she is active as a freelance writer and coordinator.
As a journalist specializing in food and lifestyle,
Contributed to numerous magazines and media in France and Japan.
He also co-authored a book as a translator.
keiko's paris journal <Paris News - KSL> Updating the lifestyle of Paris