It’s three minutes and seven seconds. It’s a love letter to Paris. And no matter how many times I see it, I’m still smitten.

I’m talking about the opening scene of Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris.” I’m not a huge fan, but I enjoy this one. The time travel aspect is fun, and I especially like the various characters from an earlier age: Hemingway, the Fitzgeralds, Gertrude Stein and Salvador Dali among them.

But the scene-stealer in every shot is the city itself. The opening sequence captures the city in all of her splendor.

I visited Paris once, for a short vacation. That little taste let me know I wanted to go back when I could spend six months at least.

Despite only being there for a few days, we saw and did a lot of things. So many of the scenes in the movie opening are reminders for me.

Set to a song by Sidney Bichet, “Si Tu Vois Ma Mère,” Allen includes images from all times of day, in sun, rain and darkness. It includes famous landmarks and various street and outdoor scenes. It’s a visual love letter to Paris, or perhaps it’s a love letter from Paris for those of us who miss it.

I can’t quite explain how it makes me feel. Surely everyone has experienced something like this. Love and longing but for a place barely known. I realize it may not make sense, but it doesn’t change my feeling.

I used to think of Paris every day. Then I moved to Lisbon. Now I think of Portugal every day, and I know it’s possible to love cities in different ways but very deeply.

Paris will always be my first love, and I still plan to go back for that six-month stay. It will be there, waiting for me to rediscover it and recall those feelings of love.

Until then I have a love letter to this magnificent city, courtesy of Allen’s film.

How to Be a Better Writer Tip

Reread a favorite book

Going back to our favorites provides comfort. Just as we crave “comfort foods” in times of stress or uncertainty, we also desire and can benefit from our favorite writers and stories. They can bring joy and a sense of solidness when nothing seems quite certain.

I don’t often reread books, but there have been a few that I enjoyed that I’ve gone back to. Fairly recently, I reread “The Elegance of the Hedgehog” and was delighted all over again, finding new insights. It helps that it was probably a decade since the last time I’d read it, and my life is very different now.

If you’re seeking a little comfort, try this trick. It also may inspire and encourage your own writing!