PARIS

So with this whole move, I haven't been able to blog about my time in Paris or the other places I visited for that matter. But I'll do it slowly. (The internet still isn't set up at my place, soo..)

When I arrived in Paris, I was beat! So tired! I didn't sleep well, I had a middle seat in the middle rows on the airplane with an older woman that enjoyed being shoe-less and putting her feet up (on me), anyway, thats besides the point. When I arrived, I met my friend in the airport and we navigated the Paris Metro System to make our way to our lovely apartment we would call home for the next few days.

At 4pm we arrived, showered, dressed and stepped out into the charming streets of Paris, stopping for wine, having street food, shopping in small boutique shops, it was so glamourous, I felt like a million bucks! The energy of Paris intoxicated me in a way that no other city has. I was blown away by its architecture and the beauty of its people.

The best part was:

I have friends living in Paris so everyday, like pros, they showed us around, took us through the side streets, invited us to their home for brunch, and the most perfect experience (for me) was that we had picnics!

My dream was to spend the summer in Paris drinking wine, cutting fresh flowers and eating Brie cheese and baguettes, and thats just what we did. Our picnics included an Eiffel Tower backdrop, we sat on park benches eating and drinking, along the river, where ever we were inspired.

And thats how I spent the first leg of my Euro Trip. Living my life with no cares, no worries, doing as I pleased, sleeping as much as I wanted and staying out until the crack of dawn, practicing my French and feeding my soul.

Here's some pictures:

Parisian Clothing

In preparation for my trip to Paris, I went on a four hour Soho shopping spree. You know how you have images in your head about how people from different places dress? Well, I happily explored all the shops in Soho in search of French inspired clothing. I had a ball! I found button-downed collar-tied silk shirts, bouncy skirts, lots of stripes-- CLASSIC EUROPEAN ATTIRE-- and I topped it off with some new jewelry, including a medi ring!

I'm not trying to fit in (It's very diverse there), but I think it's so fun to dress up! 

I Can't wait to walk the Parisian streets again.

About to live my Dream

For the last two years, I've had an extended France stay on my new years resolution list. Its one of the only resolutions that I never met, and in a few days I'll finally live my dream of spending the summer in France because I'll be boarding a plane to Paris and staying there until September!

My dream has always been to relax in French Cafes drinking French wine, eating Baguettes and Brie Cheese while I people watch and learn a few french words. I've also wanted to go to the French Wine country and drive along the coast to Monaco, Nice, and Marselle. And thats EXACTLY what I will do! I've been to Paris before, but it was with a heavy heart, many years ago and in the winter. This will be a different, more mature experience.

I have never been more excited in my life! I can't wait!

When you live life with no fears and when you set your life up in an intentional way (going to college, saving money, living below your means, and realizing that materials are worth so much less than experiences), only then will true happiness emerge! I've been very happy for a long time. We all have our ups and downs, but my ups are far more frequent than my downs.

France, ici je viens!

Here's a few pictures of me in Paris in 2006, seven years ago!

New Years Eve at a French House Party

At a French event in the center of Paris

I'm free to do as I please!

I've been debating whether or not to spend a few weeks in France this summer, its been on my new years resolution list for the past three years and I never did it for different reasons. But recently I've been thinking about it and I thought, WHY NOT!?? I have NO kids, I have a good STABLE job, an adventurous spirit, theres no reason not to go! I can't live my life with fear, worrying about money, happiness, or any of that, I just have to live and do what I want! So thats what I'm going to do. In a few weeks I'll be flying into Paris!

I CANT WAIT! I'm So excited! Every time I travel, I leave a bit of my love in the places I spend time in and I take a little bit of the cultural love with me. It's a beautiful thing.