Hi there! How are you? I missed you! I missed this space! But oh, it felt so good to step back for two weeks and clear my mind and my eyes. I truly believe in the power of self-care on all fronts, and it felt like I was overdue on caring for my work-self. I’m so ready to get back to normal activity, and catch up.
While I was away, I traveled to Paris without the kids! I flew overnight and spent my time relaxing and working on a few fun things outside of this space. I also went there with this need to experience a new version of me (I just had a birthday!), and felt so incredibly inspired and moved by the end of my trip.
Here are a few photos of my trip below …
By chance, a few of my friends were visiting at the same time, so while I went alone, I also got to spend some time with friends.
Merci is a cute shop with linens, clothes, and tiny gifts and a used book cafe attached to it.
There were many parts of the trip that I truly loved, but sitting at a cafe and reading was my absolute favorite! I love how religious Parisians are when it comes to their espressos and outside dining. It felt like I could just walk around and land anywhere where I felt comfortable with reading and relaxing.
While I tend to stray from generally touristy things, I did see a few sites while I was there. Knowing that I didn’t do nearly everything leaves room to always go back and visit and experience more.
Typical New Yorker: I loved riding public transportation and pretending to be a local. Being able to get around and explore or live like a local is key for me.
This little cafe was my favorite! The homemade jam and Brioche! I’ll be doing a food piece soon with all my favorite food spots from the trip, so stay tuned!
The amount of fruit and flower stands around the city was insane! There were stands everywhere, so if you needed one or the other or both at any given moment, you’d be taken care of.
Everyone suggested that I shop for the kids at BONTON, and I am so happy they did! The store was beautifully designed and all the pieces were well-made. I love how french designers generally lean towards being gender neutral. After having Oak, I realized how important this is.
What a magical magical magical few days! It’s so crazy to me that most kids these days travel more than some people do in their lifetime. Next time I go, I want to bring the kids and experience all their favorite foods with them (croissant, fresh fruit, and yogurt lovers).
When I went to get my passport, the receptionist told me many Brooklynites don’t leave the country until their older, and I believe it. It often feels as if Brooklyn offers everything with every kind of person and experience, it’s hard to get up the courage to pick up and go.
When was the first time you left the country?
Three years ago. I was 26. I was planning a trip to Europe by myself when my girlfriend told me she was going with some friends. Naturally, I invited myself. We went to five countries. And every year since we've visited a new country together.
The first time I left the county I was 21. The first time my son left the country he was 6. My kids are "those kids". It's strange to me (but good)that this this their normal. We're actually going to Paris in January (but first Barcelona in November) so this post is super helpful.
The first time I left my country was actually to go *to* America with my parents when I was about 10 and it just blew.my.mind how enormous and awesome everything was! Now I have a daughter who is almost 4 and has made her first trip abroad at the age of 2 so yes, my daughter is also *that* child! My husband is French so I scrolled through your photos with a special sort of nostalgia – since we don't live in France, I miss it but I also know that we are able to go there a lot so it's not actually missing it, if my comment makes any sense at all, haha! I'm glad you liked Paris, I studied there and for me, even though what I'm about to say will be horribly clichéd, Paris is the most nostalgic city on earth!
I was just in Paris too, with my husband and son. It was brilliant seeing the city from his eyes – he loved the croissants and climbing the Eiffel Tower!
We live in London, so at nearly 4, he's already quite well travelled with trips to Toronto, Miami, Brussels, Crete, the Balearics and the Algarve under his belt. Living so close to the Continent, it's easy (and cheap!) for us to pop over for a holiday. Much harder and more expensive to travel back to Toronto, where I'm originally from!
The first time I left the country on an actual vacation (I visited extended family in Haiti when I was 6 or so), I was 26. A friend and I–both Queens natives–had been talking about traveling for so long, and one day we decided to buy tickets to Barcelona and just GO. Two weeks later we were walking through the Gothic Quarter, eating more pastries than we could count, and biking all over that magical city.
A couple of years ago I visited Paris for the first time, staying at a friend's place in the 10th and living like a local for a week. It was amazing and I think about going back every single day. So glad to live vicariously through your post, and so happy you had a similarly amazing experience! <3
Sy, I love this, and I love how you've made it a ritual with the group. Something to look forward to every year.
xo
Hi Lamesha!
Yes, I am already planning a trip where the kids will be leaving the country for a short period of time with me. Enjoy Paris!
But you are so right! I am already longing for it!
XO
Diana, I love your story. Sometimes you just have to pick up and go.
xo,
LaTonya
Le'Nise,
That is so amazing that your son is so well traveled already. I got to get on it! Thanks for the inspiration.
xo
I love Paris. Gorgeous photos and post. I loved it. Have a beautiful day. xoxo Cris
http://photosbycris.blogspot.com.au/2017/08/gold-coast-skypoint.html
Thank you so much, Cris!