Okay friends so I’m finally sharing content from my trip to Paris in May 2024, and while I’ve just been sitting on all this conent, it’s now time for me to share why I went to Paris, and how the trip changed my life in many ways.
I’ll just be raw, and transparent. I was in the midst of a seperation from my Ex at the time, and now looking back, I can honestly say that I almost lost myself for a moment. I had gained alot of weight, and perhaps I was eating my sorrow and frustration away that things hadn’t panned out how I’d expected.
I recieved a small sum of money from a family member, and instead of paying bills, I closed by eyes and booked a trip to Paris. That’s right. I audaciously booked the trip. Similar to how I booked a one-way to New York 7 years prior from California. I packed everything I could in my carry-on for the next 5-days, and boarded the plane to Europe.
When I arrived to Paris, I was so excited. I got off the plane, hopped in an Uber and went to my AirBnB. I was pleasantly suprised by how cozy and chic the apartment was. I even had a balacoly that gave Parisian vibes. Here I was, 6-hours away from home, and 12-hours away from where I was born . Didn’t Dr. Seuss once write a book entitled, “Oh the places you’ll go?”
Once I arrived to Paris, I settled into my place and then strolled around the neighborhood where I came across a bakery that had the most beautiful pastries. Starving because I hadn’t eaten anything since I left New York, I founded a beautiful restaurant where I sat outside, and people watched as I indulged in Tuna tartar, frites (Fries), and a glass a Rose. I definately felt bougie for that moment lol. I then left to a bar called “Paris New York” where I had a specialty cocktail, and when back home and called it a night.
The next morning, I woke up at 6am to prepare for a photoshoot I booked in front of the Eifle tower. When I made it to the Eifle tower, I was in absolute awe. It was stunning. Breathtaking. I got some really cool shots from a photographer that I found on Airbnb Experiences. I then decided to tour the Eifle tower where I met other black women who were apart of a traveling group.
One of the ladies, an older woman, was so suprised and scared for me that I had traveled by myself. She said, “don’t ever do that again hunny.” But in all honesty, I’ve seen so many of my friends do it, and they’ve all come back alive. Plus I figured, I only have one life to live, and I can’t wait for anyone to enjoy life’s experiences. Prior to Paris, I went to the Dominican Republic and Bahamas with my signficant other at the time, so this trip felt very different.
After touring the Eifle Tower, I went to Avenue des Champs-Élysées which is a long shopping avenue that has every store you can think of. From Louis Vuitton down to Zara, it is once of the most regal streets. Even the Mcdonalds was fancy. I rented a bike and strolled through the different blocks dreaming of the day when I can go into Hermes and just splurge.
Later in the evening I met a cute African boy who took me to a restaurant. He was dark, beautiful and very kind. Timid and a bit soft with a nice style. We had a great conversation, and let just say he had a certain je ne sais quoi that drew me in. It also was great to get my mind off of my recent seperation. I didn’t realize how much I just needed a change of scenary.
The next day, I grabbed a croissant from a local bakery and cooked a beautiful breakfast that I ate on my balcony. I then went to the tour the Louvre museum where I saw the iconic Mona Lisa.
Later in the evening I decided to do a boat ride on the Sienne River and it was magical seeing there Eiffle tower lit up at night time. The next morning, it was was my last day so I did some last minute shopping, and toured the legendary Notre Dame that burned down a few years prior. There was so much entertainment happening in the area. From a guy tap dancing, to a opera singer belting out the most beautiful lyrics, I couldn’t believe all the free entertainment I came across.
When It was time for me to pack up my belongings and leave Paris, I didn’t want to leave. It started to rain on my way to the airport which felt symbolic to how I felt. Over the course of 5-days, I had regained my independence, confidence and sense of self, and my trip to Paris was the catalyst.
If you made it all the way to the end of this blog post, this is your sign to book the trip! Whether you decided to go with friends, a partner, or solo, don’t wait for the perfect moment to enjoy life and add richness to your life through traveling.
XoXo,
Rashidah
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