La Belle Paris

One of my favourite things in the entire world to do is travel! I have been very blessed in my life to have had the opportunity to travel as much as I have. You can learn so much about life and culture through travel, it is incredible. As much as I love laying on a beach and unwinding, some of my most amazing memories have been from learning about different cultures, trying new foods and exploring fascinating places. Being self-employed, I haven’t traveled much in the last few years but I am hoping to change that soon!

I was talking to a friend recently and he sparked my imagination and reawakened my wanderlust! He got me thinking about places I have been and places that I want to visit. One of the countries on my list is France, specifically Paris. I have actually been to Paris twice before but it is definitely a city that I want to go back to and explore more.

I won’t lie, my first time in Paris wasn’t the best experience. My brother and I were young kids, traveling with my mom who did not speak a word of French. I don’t even think we did any sight seeing. We were basically on a stop over and had to transfer between the bus station and airport. So maybe this doesn’t really “count” as a real visit!? All I really remember about my first time in Paris is my mom being flustered and frustrated because the Parisians we encountered weren’t very helpful. I also remember we ordered a grilled cheese sandwich in the airport and rather than bringing us Wonderbread with melted Kraft slices in the middle (like how they made it at home in Canada) I think they brought us melted Brie on a baguette and neither me nor my brother would eat it because it wasn’t our typical grilled cheese sandwich. I know, the gall of us right?! I would take Brie and fresh baguette any day of the week now! I was only like seven at the time though, so I didn’t know any better!

My second time in the city was much different. It is when my love affair with Paris officially began. This time I was a young teenager, who now understood and could speak the language, and we actually got to explore the city a bit. I remember watching people as they passed thinking how fashionable everyone looked and wanting to be like them.

Getting to see the Eiffle Tower, the Louvre, walking down the Champs-Elysees and even just stopping at a Cafe were amazing. Being surrounded by so much history and beauty was breathtaking. Unfortunately we only spent a day or two there so I didn’t get to see everything that I would have liked to. It left me wanting more!

As an adult, I have a romantic view of the City of Lights. Honestly who doesn’t though? When you think of some of the most romantic and awe inspiring cities in the world, most people would think of Paris. Although I have loved and been drawn to the city for many years, I want to go back to Paris and really fall in love. Fall in love with the incredible architecture, the culture, the art, the language, the food and the people. I want to explore and truly experience all this magnificent city has to offer. I can’t wait to go back, hopefully soon!

Paris je t’aime! xo

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