I’m not sure why, but Paris has always been a dream destination for many, particularly women. However, I’ve found that the best time to experience Paris is during your prime when you can explore every nook and cranny of this enchanting city and perhaps even stumble upon a charming Parisian man. *winks*
Well, that’s not the type of story I’m going to tell. You see, I wasn’t exactly living the single life. Instead, I brought along a baby in a polar bear suit all the way from Switzerland and a Swiss man who was almost dragging his feet to the city of love. It’s a bit embarrassing but definitely makes for a funny story.
I wasn’t originally planning to be there, but you know how it is—sometimes you want to prove that you can live that cool life while taking care of a baby, even with the lingering presence of Corona. So, we hopped on a bullet train from the Swiss Alps to the, let’s say, less exciting flat terrain of Paris, as my partner likes to call it.
Yeah, it was somewhat challenging to convince the man to come with me, but we did have fun in the end. There was a lot of walking because I wanted to explore every corner and visit every tourist spot. Even at the Louvre Museum instead of immersing myself in history and art, I found myself outside, without a ticket, breastfeeding my little one on a bench next to the museum. I was an exhausted mom, striving to be someone who could truly appreciate the wonders of travel and I didn’t let anything stop me from doing that.
We visited the Eiffel Tower on our first night, and it’s remarkable how a tower that resembles a cell site can fill you with such excitement. The lights were genuinely enchanting, and even my polar bear companion was in awe. There’s a unique, almost magical atmosphere at the Eiffel Tower that you won’t find anywhere else. Perhaps it’s the sheer joy on the faces of those around the tower, or maybe it’s the result of extensive advertising, but anyone who sets foot on this colossal structure seems to carry a sense of pride and joy.
We also made our way to the city’s highest point to visit The Basilica of Sacré-CÅ“ur de Montmartre. My breath was taken away at the first sight of its brilliant white domes and intricate architecture, which stand as symbols of both divine grace and artistic magnificence. My baby witnessed my sheer happiness, and it seemed to radiate to both her and my partner. This is when I realised that even though it might have exhausted them, my elevated spirits had a positive impact on them as well.
We had just two nights in Paris before returning to Switzerland, so we made the most of every hour. It was surprising how my partner embraced long walks until midnight. Fortunately, the baby fell asleep in her stroller, allowing us to pause at a restaurant for a meal. It might not have been the epitome of romance, but it felt authentic and, as a realist, I found it to be the most gratifying and loving evening of my life in the City of Love.
There were many exciting things I could have done if I were on my own. However, truth be told, I wouldn’t have traded my situation for anything else. I’d prefer to travel while exhausted than with an empty or wounded heart while trying to ‘enjoy’ the world and miserably failing deep inside. In the end, I came to realize that the people you embark on a journey with are what truly matter in the grand scheme of life.
Anyway, even though we explored Paris on a whim, there were so many captivating moments that felt like a whirlwind. Whether it was the magical lights of the Eiffel Tower or the joyous atmosphere surrounding every iconic landmark, these experiences left an indelible mark on us. It was a journey filled with unexpected delights, and it reminded us that sometimes the most memorable adventures are the ones you never planned for.