I began my two week vacation with a solo trip to Paris. I thought three days in Paris alone would be the perfect way to end a busy month of work. I planned to visit the Louvre, catch up with old classmates, picnic in the park – all of which did not happen;) It really was a wonderful 3 days, but not in the way I thought it would be. And I’m only saying that in retrospect. At the time, I was a little flustered, tired, cranky, and ready to be in Berlin with my dear friends within the first 15 hours on Parisian soil.

I decided early on that I would pack really light only allowing the absolute essentials. I had one carry-on. One, silly carry-on that I foolishly decided to check so I wouldn’t have to run across Heathrow airport with it. I should have known better. The airlines managed to lose my luggage. Now this wouldn’t have been that big of a deal, but I hadn’t slept in 36 hrs upon landing & I had nothing in my backpack but a random pair of black shorts, books, and my passport. That’s it. I took this whole packing light situation very serious (hard to believe, i know!). I was ready for a nap. Made a claim with the airlines and headed to my airbnb rental – or so i thought.

After an hour of repeatedly getting off the wrong subway stop while it poured rain I knew a taxi ride was the only safe bet. I finally arrived to my quaint, charming airbnb flat conveniently located next to the Guy Môquet subway stop. I gave myself 5 minutes to sob & feel sorry for my situation. I then reminded myself I was in Paris! I could do anything I want. Naturally, I sprinted to the cheese shop below my flat & continued to the bakery for the most satisfying, delicious, put-you-in-the-best-mood meal in Paris. side note * I could easily eat cheese & bread for every meal – for the rest of my life:)

The airline finally called to tell me my bag would find me in Berlin. My little dream of strolling around Paris looking like a local was hopeless. I was forced to sip my espresso in the random black pair of shorts found in the bottom of my backpack. The airline kindly offered to reimburse anything I bought, but lucky for me it was a Sunday – Everything was closed.

Truth be told, spending two days in the same clothes in a romantic city filled with the most beautiful women does not make you feel the least bit pretty. Whatever. The rain subsided – I was off to see Paris!

The views from my flat – the buildings, that light! completely in love.The next morning i went to Galerie Lafayette and splurged on lingerie. That’s right, lingerie. Who needs a coveted ensemble when you’re wearing the most elegant, luxurious piece of lingerie? Not me. That’s for sure. I instantly felt Parisian chic & ready to wander through my favourite spot in Paris – Montemarte. (ladies – if in Paris, splurge on the lingerie. so worth it!)

 this neighborhood – sigh.. at this point, i wanted to stay forever. cheese shops, flower shops, little old men sipping coffee with their beloved wives…this was the Paris I remembered.

There you have it – Not the most romantic, Parisian trip ever taken, but it’s my little story:) Au Revoir, Paris. Until next time!

* Have you been to Paris? How was it? Favourite thing to see, eat, and do?

xx

Angela

ps: Berlin, Prague, Vienna & Budapest pics soon to follow:)

pps: select photos edited with vscocam