On this day one year ago, I was laughing hysterically at all of the lying "sortie" (exit) signs.
On this day one year ago, I was imitating a statue along with the sweetest (now 14) year old girl I know.
On this day one year ago, I saw the Mona Lisa.
I went to Paris, France on 11/09/12 with two of the most incredible people I have the pleasure of knowing. We laughed, we cried, we wished, we climbed, we bundled up, we ate, we were cold the entire time.
I don't think I could ever fully recount the trip I took to Paris and do it justice. I think it would take about a week ... one full day of explanation for each day we were there. And then some.
I found peace and inner strength I never knew I had on an overcrowded, smelly, loud metro. I locked up a padlock on the Seine river railing, threw one key into the water and kept one... always to remind myself that it's there and my wish is still being fulfilled. I took so many pictures because I never wanted to forget the moments we all had together.
We got lost multiple times, as you should in a foreign country (to an extent). We ate the freshest bread, the most incredible chocolate, and hot wine. Yes, hot wine.
A local bar sang Happy Birthday in french directly to me, of course on my birthday. My 21st birthday.
We want to go back. We want to have more unbelievable experiences. We want to make wishes on the Seine River. We want the freedom of no phones, limited computer access, and exploration as a foreigner in a foreign land.
I can never thank my (for lack of a better word) "sponsor" for bringing me along and sharing the experience with her and her daughter. Words cannot describe how grateful I still am for the once-in-a-lifetime experience. Hopefully it won't be once in my lifetime that I get to travel across the pond, though.
To Jamie and Caryss,
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing this experience with me. With you, it made the trip that much better. No one could have given me the same experience that you two did. Love you. XO
