i started my thirty fifth year of life romping around the old streets of paris with my love and jambon-beurre in hand. the city had me captivated upon arrival as i walked up the subway steps to behold notre dame, the seine and the liveliness of the fifth arrondissment. the cobblestone streets led us to all we wanted for our quick trip - cafe hopping, walking, sipping wine, and resting. it was just what we both needed after the end of the year, busy, and felt restorative even though our step count was through the roof.

we stayed in the latin quarter but explored the 2nd, 11th, 12th, 6th, and 7th. still so thrilled by our apartment being so close to the seine and particularly a delicious boulangerie just a block away. we ate steak frites, thrifted comfy clothes, saw monet’s lillies, and ended our days walking home with dessert in hand - my choice was raspberry and passionfruit gelato.

i think the beauty of any trip is that they can take on their own identity. this trip became one that loved no plans, thrived on eating and walking, liked to try new things and allowed the day to flow whichever way it might.

entering a new year of life while adapting to the identity of this trip looked like me accepting loose plans, doodling our adventures, and taking a break before venturing out again. i am hopeful that this next year of life with be filled with more travel, more stopping and noticing, and more resting as well.

so much joy can be found in not knowing what time it is, not knowing where you’re going, stumbling into wonderful experiences and turning off the ‘should do’ part of your brain to simply remain present. i am grateful to the city of the light for allowing me that and for the cozy sunny weather, patient people, beautiful architecture, and yummy bread - i miss it everyday.