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| Photo by Keisha Hulsey |
It is so crazy that the travel across the channel is no more than a train ride back to Leeds, so why am I just going now? I've been in the UK for almost seven years now, and I could have easily taken a weekend off, hopped on the train to Charles de Gaulle. You'd be surprised at how complicated it is to plan such an easy getaway. However, this summer the dream finally comes true! And at a good time as well. From what I've heard, August is the perfect time to be in the French capital. Summer is at its height and everybody is around. The 22nd just couldn't come any sooner!
For months now I have been planning everything. From itineraries to outfits, everything has been listed. This is my maiden voyage to the fashion capital, and I wouldn't want to mess things up. Having unrealistic expectations whenever you go on a holiday is inevitable, and so I try as much as possible to not get too idyllic of an impression, but somehow I still go back to watching Paris Je T'aime or Funny Face or even Gossip Girl (Season 4). Paris is just too much of a romantic notion. If disillusionment comes with the price tag then so be it, but I'll take it as I go. Also, I figured as much that if I wanted to really be a fully fledged fashionista, or at least have enough credit to talk about style, then it is a given that I go to the fashion capital. The French are known for their effortless take on fashion and likewise, their appreciation for those who take risks. I still struggle with finding my golden mean sometimes, so perhaps this first visit would also give me some sort of beginner's course on self-actualization on a stylistic level.
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| Bounjour Paris! |
Finally, I cannot, for the love of me, emphasise the importance of the culinary experience I am about to embark on. I have both Julia Child and Nigella Lawson whispering in my ear, urging me to go and sample as much as I can to further expand my palette. I keep hearing "Bon Appetit!", especially when I think about macarons and boeuf bourguignon. With the amount of butter that the French use in their cooking, I think it's safe to say that any diet will go out the window. If there is one thing that I like about social media it would be that people can exchange experiences with a single tweet. The other day I tweeted about asking where the coolest vintage stores and bistros are in Paris, and two Paris ex-pats tweeted back with whole lists of places that are both affordable and great. Isn't that amazing? I mean, for one, I'm a student so to know places to go to that don't cost an arm and a leg is valuable info. Also, it provides for a great holiday escapade. Think of it as some sort of treasure hunt around the city. I have a week to check out as many places as I can, therefore I will not be sitting idle. Perfect!
Twenty one days, and counting. I even started listening to podcasts and try to have at least ten minutes of French a day, so that I can speak it. When my parents came back from their anniversary trip, they kept telling me that they will always talk back to you en Anglais. So I guess, it is not the most important thing to do, but I'd still like to try and practice whatever I learnt in school. I don't want to be just another tourist! Not that there's anything wrong with that, but I would prefer to make an attempt at going native. However much I fail at saying 'Je ne parle pas Français", I would still like to say it. When in Paris!
Watch out for the posts! I'll make sure to log everything that happens! Maybe I'll even get lucky and catch a Frenchman's eye. Gotta be fierce baby!
xoxo
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