After years of dreaming about Paris I took the plunge last spring and travelled to Paris.
It was a bit of a risk...travelling alone.
Having never flown to Europe or been on a flight longer than 4 hours I wondered if the flight would be daunting or if I would experience anxiety.
There were so many unknowns...
I was optimistic and did not let any doubts cloud my determination.
A carry on with 3 weeks worth of clothes and cosmetics was packed with the help of seasoned carry on advocates whose posts on blogs and Pinterest that I avidly followed before departing.
I stayed awake the entire flight from Vancouver to Paris...9 hours and a time change were involved.
The service on the direct Air France flight was amazing...champagne and crisps were served shortly after take off...the dinner menu circulated and there were 3 options for dinner which included wine and dessert...all included in the original airfare fee...no added expenses.
The bar cart came by regularly, but I did not imbibe as I had heard that too much alcohol at 30,000 feet might not be a good idea...and I wanted to arrive in France fresh, with a clear head.
At Charles De Gaulle airport I was met by a limo driver and whisked off to my hotel...
after I checked in I unpacked and stored my extra credit cards and euros in the safe.
I ventured out and explored the area around my hotel.
The Sorbonne and The Luxembourg Gardens were nearby...the streets were crowded with people and the shops and cafes were bustling...
Fresh air, the Parisians strolling along the boulevards.
I was in Paris and felt so alive and energetic!
I walked for hours...and while I walked I kept thinking...this is really happening!
The Monoprix was located a short 3 minute walk from my hotel so I popped in and purchased cheese, a small baguette, fresh strawberries and a bottle of wine. Dinner was easy fresh and tasty...
I opened the windows wide so I could hear the sounds from the street below.
I took a refreshing shower and put on my nightgown ~ inviting sleep...
as difficult as it was to close my eyes on Paris ~ I did.
Awakened after about 6 hours of slumber around 6am by the street sweeper...
and just in case you were curious, it was a man with a broom!
The days become a bit of a blur...I packed so many things into each day.
(I kept a travel journal)
I met up with friends before the official start of the Ooh La La Tour.
Friends were renting an apartment about 5 minutes from my hotel in the 6th.
(they are seasoned travellers and visit every year in springtime for 2 months)
They took me "under their wing" and showed me the sights...we walked for many hours every day.
I took in all the sights and sounds...the city is truly enchanting...but that is a serious understatement.
You have to find out for yourself.
With so many museums, galleries, shops, cafes, and parks one has an opportunity to see and experience new things every day...and I never felt overwhelmed and absorbed as much culture and ambiance as one could in 2 weeks.
Jamie Cat Callan, author and our tour leader asked us to write a letter to ourselves about how Paris has affected us and she collected them and she sent them to us this Christmas.
I recently received my letter in the mail...
I wept when I read my letter.
It was written with such passion about what I was seeing, living and how I was feeling.
WOW!
I felt incredibly fortunate to be able to take this trip.
It was a "big deal."
I had never been apart from my husband for more than 4 days.
Here I was taking off to France for 3 weeks and it was expensive.
After Paris I took the TGV and travelled to the south of France where I spent an idyllic week in the one of the most beautiful villages where friends were living.
They showed me the sights and drove me to other quaint villages.
I wandered about the village daily exploring and taking pictures.
I will remember...
The busy weekly market day, the cafes, the shops, the food, and the friendly people.
It was wonderful to experience the daily routines of life in the country.
The pace is slower and the scenery is exquisite.
It was difficult saying goodbye when it was time to leave...
Travelling to France was a gift to myself.
On the occasion of my 60th birthday...
a trip that I had dreamt about for as long as I can remember had become a reality.
It was selfish in many ways but looking back it has satisfied me and quieted a yearning.
I am content.
If I never travel far again it matters little...
having had this time in Paris.
Following my dream was worth it...
I have great memories
wonderful pictures and I met lovely women on the tour.
We are connected by our mutual experiences and I think of them often.
Roses in Paris on Rue Racine
Thank you for stopping by...
Hope your week is off to a great start.
Hostess
