As I have been scrolling about IG I have seen so many bloggers posting about Paris and it kind of comes across to me as a trip that is used as a status symbol and while I can understand why someone would be estatic to be there, I wonder sometimes if people value cities for the emotions they bring up in you? I love the fun of Paris and the cute photos of it, don’t get me wrong but a more substantial thing for me lies in Paris. The City of Lights changed my life and taught me about who I was as a woman. So let me tell you a quick story about determination, and trying to let go.
About 6 years ago, a friend of mine asked me to go with her on a cruise in Europe. It was leaving from Spain and she was going home right after the cruise. I had never been to Europe before and I was determined to see as much of it as I could before I came home, so I extended my trip to include London and Paris. I was going to explore these cities alone. Keep in mind…I had never really traveled alone at that point! I really didn’t care. I was not going to be that close to these cities I had dreamed of and not go! So I booked a flight from Barcelona to London and found myself on a train going straight into Paris.
When I landed there, Paris reminded me of a movie that never ended. I had never seen a city so spectacular. The taxi driver that was taking me to my hotel could see I was so excited and said to Me: “Mon Ami, Welcome to Paris!” just as the Eiffel Tower came into view. I screamed! I felt like I was the star of the best movie ever. I went to my hotel and couldn’t believe the beauty I saw. It was perfect for a young woman venturing into Paris for the first time (it was called 7 Eiffel btw). As soon as I could I asked the front desk where the Eiffel tower was and I literally ran there.
As I sat there waiting for a friend of a friend to show me around the city I watched the people & how engaged they were with their friends when they were at bistros. They were so engrossed in conversation with each other and no one looked at their phones. I loved that. When my friend showed up we rode bikes around the city. Now keep in mind, I had not been on a bike since I was probably 10 years old. I was determined to try and I failed miserably. Interesting note, even if you speak no French, when someone yells at you to get out of the way, you know what they are saying. The tone is international. While I hated it, it gave me memories I will never ever forget and some pretty awesome pictures.
My trip pretty much continued like that, me trying things that were way out of my comfort zone and then a new memory was made. Now, why did this change me?
Paris changed me because my experience there cemented my belief in myself. I could do anything, even if I had to do it alone. I did not believe that before that trip, I wasted many years waiting for friends to go with me to experience my own life! Paris taught me that I could try and fail at things and that is ok and allowing that can bring me lots of memories and funny stories if nothing else. The tail of the girl in long flowy linen pants and scarves, with the bike with brakes that don’t work in Paris, kills at a party…trust me. While Paris feels better than any movie for me, it also seared into my brain that anything that I dreamed could come true! I feel like a creative when I am there (I like to think of myself as an analytical creative which is such a contradiction, lol) I feel more in Paris, because I lower my defenses when I am there, and appreciate more because it feels like a dream that you can live each moment of to the full. And huge plus, Paris is gorgeous! Who are we kidding…
I think you can choose to feel like I felt absolutely anywhere, but for me, Paris made a huge connection to my head and my heart and I have only been there a couple times. I really want to harness some of those feelings and learn to feel that way no matter where I am. Until I do, I will always treasure Paris. The place where I feel I am my best self. J’adore Paris.
xo Danie
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I loved that you found the courage to finally go. It always looks like a wonderful place to be. I hope I get to visit there one day.
Looks like your thoroughly enjoyed yourself 🙂
Sounds like a life-changing visit 🙂 I’m glad to hear you had an amazing time there! I’d love to visit Paris one day 🙂
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What a great article! I’ve always dreamed of taking this trip on day!
Amazing post and story. Love to heard about your experienced and your holiday alone in Paris. Paris is my dream as well, I hope I can visit Paris soon as not really far from where I live. So glad to heard that your enjoying yourself through Paris city.
XOX
Sounds like a life-changing visit. I loved that you found the courage to finally go!
Beautiful story 🙂 I think I felt the same when I came to NYC…. So totally understand your feelings! But – I do love Paris, too 😉
Author
That is awesome. NYC is pretty dreamy and awesome too. Each city has so much character and there is NO PLACE like NYC!
I love this! I do think most people post pictures of Paris just for the likes. I am glad your experience had an impact on your life. I always wanted to travel alone but I am too scared lol. At least this gives me hope.
Author
Lolo you can absolutely do it. I know it seems scary but I wrote this post about traveling alone I hope you will check it out because it really helped me get my mind together and ready to travel alone. Lemme know what you think!
I’m glad you realized that by going out of your comfort zone is always good as you realize that you can do a lot more than you imagined!
I love your story, you are right. We can not sit around and wait for others to go experience something fun for ourselves.
Author
It took me so long Michelle. I had allowed tv to make me think a “best friend” was who you were supposed to do everything with. I wasted so much time with that. Glad I moved on from that thinking. If you have a friend to hang with its grand but definitely not a necessity to experience life.
The excitement you must have felt was palpable when I read ““Mon Ami, Welcome to Paris!” just as the Eiffel Tower came into view. I screamed! ” What a delightful memory you will always have.
Author
I will seriously never forget it. It is seared into my brain.
We were just in Paris in the summer for our anniversary. It was my second time there, but the first was in high school and I feel like I just had so much of a greater appreciation for the city now that I am older. It is truly amazing! We did the Velibe bike, as well 🙂 I had not ridden a bike in years, so it truly took a little acclimating. I had a similar experience with the “tone,” and you are so right…you know when you are doing it wrong lol 🙂 It made a memory, for sure. I am so glad you had an amazing time in the incredible city!
This is a very beautiful blog post! It just makes me happy reading it! lol I can’t wait to one day go to Paris and share my experience as well! Thank you for sharing!
Author
I know you will have the best time ever. Thanks so much for reading it, I appreciate it
Moi aussi j’adore Paris – but I have to say, your story of how and why Paris came to mean so much to you is truly heartwarming! Thank you for sharing, and I’m so glad you had such positive experiences there solo – not sure I’d be brave enough to do that!
Author
Thanks Flossie. It is kinda freeing but does make you appreciate those at home very much.
These photos are so pretty!
Author
Thanks 🙂
What a beautiful story! I love Paris, i am so glad you loved it from the very first time. Really a life changing trip. I used to travel alone when i was younger and never regretted, i found myself in these trips.
Author
Helene, I agree. That is the best part. You find yourself and it is so empowering. Thanks so much for reading
I’ve always wanted to go to Paris and your story left me even more sure that I should DO IT! 🙂
I think some places seem to resonate with us on a deeper level of being. Those places we feel most like ourselves. Who knows where that is. But that is a place you need to keep going back to fulfill your destiny, to be who you were meant to be.
I love this! I love how happy this trip to Paris has made you.
I’ve never been but I’m definitely putting it on my wishlist now.
Tadeja
http://www.happynami.com
glad to have read about your joinery in Paris!
I’ve never been to it before but I wish I have a chance later.
can’t wait to see more of your blog posts
A great read. That photo of the senset is amazing.
Paris is just amazing. I lived there for a few months in grad school, and it was some of the best moments of my life. I’m glad you had a great time!
Love this!!! Now i want to go to Paris alone lol!!
Konyinsola |
I kinda get what you mean – when I visited Paris I found this independent and free spirit inside me that has never since then gone away. I started to do more with my life and be more selective who I invited to it. Also, if you’re going to get an epiphany anywhere, it may as well be in one the most beautiful cities in the world.
Katja xxx
So good to hear you had an amazing time while you were there! Paris is definitely on the bucket list & I wish to uncover some true hidden gems!
A trip of a lifetime, so happy you made that a reality. I need to go see Paris for myself as well.