No Fashion Limits

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 content, 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. At the time, I was in the midst of a separation from my ex, and looking back now, I can honestly say that I almost lost myself for a moment. I had gained a lot of weight, and perhaps I was eating my sorrow and frustration away because things hadn’t panned out the way I had expected them to.

I received a small sum of money from a family member, and instead of using it to pay my bills, I closed my eyes and booked a trip to Paris. That’s right. I audaciously booked the trip. It reminded me of the decision I made 7- years earlier, when I booked a one-way ticket from San Francisco to New York with $400.

This time, I packed everything I could fit into a carry-on for the next five days and boarded a plane from JFK airport to Europe. When I arrived to Paris, I was so excited, zealous, and eager to explore.

I was pleasantly surprised by how cozy and chic my Airbnb apartment was. I even had a balcony that gave me 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. Starving because I hadn’t eaten anything since I left New York, I founded a beautiful restaurant where I sat outside, and people watched.

I indulged in Tuna tartar for the first time, frites (fries), and a glass a rosé. 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 Eiffel tower. When I made it to the Eiffel 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 Eiffel tower where I met other black women who were apart of a traveling group. One of the ladies among the group, a relatively older woman, was so surprised and scared for me that I had traveled to Paris by myself. She said, “don’t ever do this again hunny….it’s so dangerous,” as I delightfully sipped on a glass of champagne enjoying the scenery.

But in all honesty, I’ve seen so many of my friends do it, and they’ve all come back alive. Plus I figured that I only have one life to live, and I can’t wait for anyone to enjoy it. Prior to Paris, I had traveled to the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas with my significant other at the time, so this trip felt very different. It was rebellious and quite liberating.

After touring the Eiffel 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 and Hermes down to Zara and H&M, 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 simply walk into Hermes, and just splurge.

During one of my bike rides, I stumbled upon a beautiful château with the most stunning garden. It was one of those unexpected discoveries that made exploring Paris even more magical.

Later in the evening I met a cute African boy who took me to a restaurant. He was dark, handsome and very kind. He also had a nice style which was a plus. We had a great conversation, and let just say he had a certain je ne sais quoi.

It was also great to simply get out, and take my mind off of things. I didn’t realize just how much I needed a change of scenery until I was actually there. Being in a completely different environment gave me space to clear my head, and momentarily step away from everything I had been carrying back home.

The next day, I toured the Louvre Museum, where I saw the iconic Mona Lisa. Here I was, standing in front the Louvre in Paris, thinking about how far I’ve come.

Later in the evening I decided to do a boat ride on the Sienne River and there are no words to describe seeing there Eiffel Tower lit up at night time.

The next morning, it was my last day so I grabbed one last flaky croissant and latte, and did some last minute shopping. I came across the legendary Notre Dame that partially burned down a few years prior. There was so much entertainment happening in the streets nearby. From a guy tap dancing, to an opera singer belting out the most beautiful lyrics, I couldn’t believe all the free entertainment that I came across.

When it was time for me to pack up my belongings and leave Paris, I didn’t want to leave. I waited up until the last minute to check-out. It started to rain on my way to the airport which felt symbolic to how I felt. I was sad to be leaving. Over the course of 5-days, I had regained my independence, confidence and sense of self, and my trip to Paris was the perfect catalyst.

If you made it all the way to the end of this blog post, this is your sign to book the trip! Stop waiting to live your life. You have one life to live, and it’s so important that you make the most of it. Whether you decided to go with friends, a partner, or solo, I encourage you to add richness to your life through traveling.

XoXo,
Rashidah

Instagram: @The.Rashidah.Young

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