I’m so excited, I don’t even know how to begin this post! Since last June, I’ve been planning a 6-day Paris itinerary, activity packed, fun filled, wonderful solo travel experience to Paris. It is going to be the TRIP OF A LIFETIME! Looking back on how it all got started, I’m amazed at how far I’ve come.
I remember sitting in a very wise counserlor’s office, chatting about my life and how it can be improved:
“What kind of things do you want to do in life? What would bring you the most joy?” He inquired.
“Well,” I gulped. “Uhm, I like cooking. I would like to cook more, like try new recipes and stuff. That’s cool. And I always thought it would be cool to see a live ballet.”
Giving me an encouraging nod, he gently prompted, “What else?”
I cautiously continued, trying hard to come up with an answer. I’d never been asked this question before and I was quite frankly embarrassed that it was taking me this long to answer. “Uhhh. I think it would be really cool to travel. Travel is something I haven’t done a lot of but I’m interested in exploring more.”
“Oh! Traveling sounds great, where to?”
“Anywhere, really.” I said, looking sheepishly at the floor. After a few moments of silence, I became intrigued with the question and at the thought of going anywhere in the world. “I kind of always wanted to go to Paris. I studied French in high school and college, then took an art history course and fell in love with this cathedral, so a trip to Paris would be incredible!”
“Wow, Paris!” He exclaimed, right before the fatal blow, “why haven’t you gone to Paris?”
My eyes widened like a deer in headlights, memorized by the bright white glow of high beams along a dark, winding, forest road.
“What’s stopped you from going to Paris?” He gently pressed.
What followed was a series of inaudible excuses, visible stuttering, and a hail mary attempt to pull any barely logical response from my behind to justify my inaction.
“I dunno.”
By my own admission, I didn’t have a response. It was a simple question to which I didn’t have an answer. But guess what? That all changed the moment I left his office. I found it inexcusable that here I was, trapped in a funk of my own creation, wishing I could go but not actually doing anything about it. There was no one to blame but myself. I kicked over the mini violins that had played so well in my pity party that very minute.
And thus began my 6 day Paris itinerary planning. This trip is not only one of leisure, but it became a demonstration of freedom from the mental bondage I created for myself a long time ago. I am in charge of my own happiness and I was going to kick sadness to the curb! I was going to Paris, dammit, and nothing or nobody was going to stop me!
So, before you today, I announce that I am going to Paris and I am going to have a wonderful time! I’ll post all about my experience planning, packing, traveling, and living out my dream of going to Paris here. But for now, here’s a quick version of all the activities for my 6 Day Paris itinerary:
JOUR UN (DAY 1)
- Morning/Afternoon: Flight and test the Paris public transportation system from CDG to the city center of Paris.
- Evening: Evening Bike tour, Sein River Tour w/ wine.
JOUR DEUX (DAY 2)
- Morning/afternoon: Parisian Cooking class. I’ll tour the historic French open air street markets with a local chef then return to the kitchen to prepare a three-course meal. All hands in, of course.
- Evening: Watch a beautiful Opéra at the original Palais Garnier.
JOUR TROIS (DAY 3)
- All. Day. Long: Musée de Louvre. As an art history fan, this visit will probably make me cry, no joke!
- Evening: Dessert at a famous French patisserie.
JOUR QUATRE (DAY 4)
- Morning/Afternoon: Visit the famous Notre Dame cathedral and other Parisian sites. I’ll soak up the likes of Claude Monèt and other impressionist at the Musée d’Orsey and L’Orangerie Museum using the Paris Museum Pass.
- Evening: After dinner, I’ll either pass out or visit the Arc de Triumph.
JOUR CINQ (DAY 5)
- Morning/Afternoon: A visit outside the city to the Cathédral Notre Dame du Reims- this was the cathedral I read about in art history class! After taking in the UNESCO work site, I’m joining other tourists for a tour of the Champagne region, which includes multiple tastings and a visit to the world-famous Moët & Chandon cellars.
- Evening: I’ve never been to an international soccer game before, but I’ll report on all they hype surrounding a French soccer game.
JOUR SIX (DAY 6)
- Morning/Afternoon: I’ll take a lovely stroll in the lavish Gardens at the Palace of Versailles. (Seriously though? I’ll walk through an actual palace, how amazing is that?!)
- Afternoon: What’s a trip to the gastronomic capital of the world without fine dining at a three Michelin star rated restaurant?
- Late Afternoon: Gardens and museums on fleek.
- Evening: I couldn’t resist. I HAVE to see what the hype is about at the Moulin Rouge. Besides, the tickets come with a three course meal and champagne.
I encourage all of you- where do you want to go? What really excites you? What do you want to do with your life? Don’t hold yourself hostage anymore-you have the power to turn your dreams into a reality and your sadness into joy!
F&C
