Turning 34 in Paris!
I spent a week wandering around Paris the year I turned 34 (2023). What a dream! I had recently moved to London and knew that if I could get to London by the start of July, I would get to Paris for my birthday. Because, I mean, who doesn’t love Paris?! And anyone that doesn’t love Paris … well, does that person even exist?!
So there I was at St Pancras station, in London, it was like dream inception. I’d moved to London just the week before and now about to travel to Paris. I’d been told about this champagne bar in the middle of the station and because I over estimate time, I had plenty of time to sit and have a glass of champagne to start the trip off on a happy wonderful note. I was, after all, celebrating so many things. I was moving into a new era of my life. Business owner - I had found my true purpose in life - I was given an opportunity to explore this purpose, so I was also celebrating my mum. It is because of her that I am here, more on that in another blog (or perhaps a podcast). I was also celebrating the move to the UK, a life long dream that I was finally fulfilling. Lastly, I was about to celebrate my 34th birthday. How the hell am I here? How am I 34 already? That’s not to indicate that I don’t feel I haven’t done much with my life, but also, what have I done? What have I achieved? These are questions forever taking up free space in my mind. Perhaps they always will, but just changing the age.
I arrive in Paris and it is even more amazing than I remember. The worst problem I had for that first day was wheeling my suitcase over stone roads and footpaths, whilst also dealing with immense heat and continually saying to myself “how the fuck am I even here?!”. I get to my Air BnB, carrying my suitcase up four flights of stairs up to what could only be described as quaint attic, with the toilet in the same room just round the corner of the bed and the shower right next the kitchen sink. It was just what I needed for the week. Arriving at dinner time, I decided to go for a bit of a walk to find a somewhat popular Italian restaurant that had been recommended, I think through Instagram or some social media platform. I was taken to the back room to sit at the bar, but I didn’t need any more than that.
On this trip I decided to immerse myself into the culture, and wander for most of the week, rather than have strict calendar for the week. There were, however things I wanted to do throughout the week, such as, eating all of the croissants, walking everywhere, shopping, reading and just generally ‘be’. I was successful in all of these areas, especially shopping. For my birthday, as it was immensely hot that day, being in the mid thirties, I decided to stick to shopping that day, treating myself to some goodies throughout the day, with one big purchase, as my, ‘congratulations! You did it!’ present to myself. The rest of the day was spent, wandering around Paris, through the beautiful gardens, buildings and culture on offer. The gratitude I felt on this day and trip was like no other. I am to this day, so incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to stay in what I would call, the most beautiful city in the world.
I had been introduced to someone who lives just outside of Paris who provided me with no end to a list of things to do, see and eat. On that list was a patisserie that had the most divine pan au chocolat I have ever eaten! So yes, I had one every morning from that day on. This same place was a joint business with the restaurant next door. I can’t recall which night I went there for dinner for the first time. I think it must’ve been the Wednesday night. I was sat outside where they had extended the restaurant onto the bridge, connecting Il Saint Louis with the Left Bank side of Paris.
By Thursday I was getting a bit tired, so I thought it would be a great idea to do something low energy. So I thought I’d do the one and only super touristy thing, a River Cruise along the River Seine. Totally worth it. Sat down for an hour and saw the sites of Paris, only €13 (around $23AUD). The weather was amazing the whole week, with only a little bit of rain here and there.
I had also taken myself to Shakespeare and Co. Twice. I had visited Paris twice before, but never been to Shakespeare and Co, so now was the time. Now that I am here on this side of the world I could start buying books again. Which is exactly what I did. I got a couple of gifts while I was there as well.
By complete fluke I was in Paris for Bastille Day. In the morning I stood on the bridge between the main land and the little island I was staying on, Ile Saint Louis. A beautiful little island in the middle of Paris. As I stood there, the flyover for Bastille Day celebrations took place. A sight to behold and something I am incredibly grateful to have witnessed.
After the flyover, I made my to Shakespeare and Co again. I spent a lot of the day walking and wandering around, taking in all of the sights.
By Saturday (the 5th full day into the trip) I was starting to get a bit tired, but equally wanting to ensure I was enjoying as much of this beautiful city as I could!
Things like this, this trip to Paris, I thought would never happen, they seemed so far from possible, what was the point in even thinking about, right?
That’s the old Rose talking. The Rose that thought her dreams were just dreams. The Rose that didn’t think much of herself. The Rose that thought her life wouldn’t amount to anything.
To be honest it’s hard to think I was ever that person. When you change and evolve you get this new way of thinking that is above what you previously thought. It gives new meaning, new perspective, new perception. You are elevated.
This week in Paris was a celebration for so many things, it was a celebration of this new chapter of my life. It was a celebration of not settling, of telling life what I want from it, of making this, a life I once truly dreamed about.
Love Rosie xo
(originally published in 2023)
