SOLO TRAVEL ARCHIVES: PARIS, THEN & NOW

As we enter the festive season, it still feels like springtime in Paris. Actually, I just received an e-mail from Eurostar reminding me it has been six months since I traveled with them. That is so much better than the usual reminders we receive in our inbox. This last trip to Paris felt special. It had been 10 years since the last and while it was equally as thrilling, it was meaningful.

A benefit to being an older solo traveler, is that you don't worry so much about things going wrong, or even right for that matter. I didn't meticulously plan my day and actually, didn't have a plan at all. I started at St Pancras, which in itself was a highlight, evoking the familiar pull of international travel and wanderlust. While my last trip to Paris had many boxes to check, this day would surprise me. Basing myself in the fifth arrondissement, I began in search of an award-winning bakery, which I never did find. A lesson: sometimes you will not find what you are looking for, and that's OK. That being said, I still had to have my cafe experience, so I settled for a Paris Baguette somewhere in Saint Germain. Is this popular, worldwide chain an authentic Parisian cafe? No, not really. But it had a flaky croissant, latte and sidewalk. If there is one thing Paris is still great at, it's watching the world go by a' la bistro or riverside. 

I had long waited to wander Saint Germain. It is a vibrant and creative neighbourhood. I have seen the Eiffel Tower. The Louvre. Notre Dame Cathedral. I do not take that for granted. But I must admit, I was enjoying having absolutely no idea where I was going. I also ended up in artsy Le Marais, directionless. As long as you do so safely, that is often the best way to see things, like a quiet side street or mysterious doorway. 

It certainly helped that the weather was gorgeous. Those signature, creamy buildings of Paris were beaming against the pale blue sky. It was just the sight I wanted to see when I emerged from the metro. Side note: each time I successfully take the Paris metro, I feel smugly proud of myself. The Cannes film festival was happening 'just down the road' and I felt a little more glamorous  knowing that. Though the Seine isn't quite the riviera, it was absolutely sparkling on this day. Later on, I would find time to sit by it, something I have always wanted to do, like the locals you see draped over the banks. 

I also love souvenirs now, apparently, which rivals my minimalistic ways. Before, I was content with  throwing a millennial peace sign in front of the Eiffel Tower and securing my fridge magnet. But, I paid particularly close attention to the prints I seen stacked along the bridges. It might have been the jet lag, but I felt a hint of regret for not buying one. Why didn't I buy ten? Another benefit to more mature travelling is that you care much less about being cool and actually embrace being a tourist. Well, that seems to be the case with me. I will definitely be saving room in my suitcase for  keepsakes. 

I wasn't concerned about what time I would get back to Gare du Nord. I have gotten this far without missing a train, I didn't plan to start now. Last time, I skipped the train altogether and took a flight. It was a rainy, sleepy morning in Paris. My next destination would have been Amsterdam, a city I underappreciated at the time and now feel super nostalgic about. Isn't that always how it goes? Of course, I was back at the station with tons of time to kill. But those contemplative, in-between moments of solo travel are what I love the most. Maybe that is why I am always so early.

Change and transformation are great and all, but it is comforting to know some things stay the same. From a distance I seen the Eiffel Tower, standing over Paris like it has been for over a hundred years. I stood beneath the Notre Dame Cathedral, fondly remembering my dizzying trip up the bell tower to meet the gargoyles. I was relieved that in a constantly changing world, these landmarks were still here and everlasting .

It is very cool returning to your favourite cities with age, time and perspective. Also, makes for a great excuse to keep going back.