It had been two and a half years since I’d been back to Paris. In the meantime, I had gotten married, had a baby and sold a new book. Between my new mom and wife roles, plus keeping up with my job at the agency and cracking away on the book, there’s not been a ton of time for an indulgence like zipping off to the City of Light (and Dark Chocolate).
But I did it! Some friends organized a Hillary fundraiser over there, and it ended up being just the excuse to reconnect. Andrew was unflinchingly supportive. So I packed a bag leaving plenty of room for a fall shopping haul, kissed and hugged and kissed and hugged my husband and daughter goodbye, and shot over to Paris.
I had wicked jet lag. Slept away half of one of the two full days I had there. I got lost. My bank put a block on my debit card, suspecting fraud. I didn’t even eat well. And yet it was a great trip.
Paris is no longer my home. The past couple times I’ve gone, I’ve realized this and it’s made me feel discomfited and sad. This time though, I was more accepting of it and just enjoyed my friends and relationships there. It may no longer be my home, but I still have a community there.
I reconnected with old friends, acquaintances and colleagues. I saw art and sat on café terraces (working on my book! How’s that for efficient?). I attended the fundraiser and another friend’s party. I went shopping and rode my beloved Velibs. I laughed and cried—I bawled, actually but that’s a different story. I stayed connected to Andrew back home, getting photos of the peanut each night, feeling like the luckiest girl in the world. It was liberating to have no agenda, no list of must-try restaurants or stories to sell. Just two and a half days, three nights, of solitude and spontaneity.
I mean, who gets to do that? I did! Now, I’m back, feeling reconnected and recharged. I am full of gratitude and chocolate. I am inspired to keep plugging away at the book. It’s still warm here in New York (hooray) and I am more excited than ever for what remains of 2016.
(Click on the photo below to start slideshow!)
