My French Adventure was one of the best experiences of my life. Despite the series of unfortunate events that followed me along the way, my friends in France helped me make the best of the experience. For that I will forever be indebted to them. The 2 lessons I learned from this trip: you don't need a lot to survive and there is so much more to France than Paris. Now let me tell you what happened...
I flew Icelandair Saga Class. This was my first time riding Business Class. For the most part I had no problems with the actual flights. It was when I landed in Paris that the drama happened. But before we get into that let's start from the beginning. I left for Paris on a Friday night. Why I chose Friday night? I figured I'd sleep on the plane. My flight was scheduled to leave at 8pm on the dot. Of course, everyone knows that when you travel the flight departure and arrival times are almost always subject to change. That's fine and all, until your flight gets delayed and causes you to miss your connecting flight to Europe. Yep, that was me.
The flight was to Keflavík (KEF) Airport in Iceland. Iceland to Paris was supposed to be my next connecting flight with a departure of 7:30am. My flight from America did not make it to Iceland until 7:15am. By the time I got through customs and ran to the gate, the flight to Paris had already left...
*Insert Panic Attack*
Immediately, I knew I had to find the service desk and see if they could get me on the next flight out. I remember standing on line at the service desk and overhearing the service desk rep tell the American couple who also missed the same flight as mine to Paris that the next availability was at 10pm that night. Much to my dismay, I knew my chances were just as slim. So I said a silent prayer that they could get me on a flight earlier than 10pm.
Initially, the service desk rep told me the same thing, that the only available flights they had for me was at 10pm. So the thought came into my mind, why not downgrade to economy and see if any seats were available. When I told the rep that I wanted to downgrade, she called the airline to ask for economy, however, she found a single business class seat on a flight going out at 10am that same morning. PRAYERS ANSWERED!! I took it.
Flying over France
Excited that I was able to get the last seat on a packed flight to Paris at 10am. I landed at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) at 1pm. As soon as I got off the flight, I was searching for customs, not realizing The Schengen Agreement abolished certain border controls. When I couldn't find it I figured I'd go search for my luggage. I circled the airport luggage pickup for an hour searching for my bags. Finally, I had to file a missing luggage form.
Turns out my luggage was in Iceland. Since I missed the connecting flight, my luggage never made it to the plane. The service desk rep in Iceland who helped me rebook my flight said my luggage would meet me in Paris.
I DID NOT GET MY LUGGAGE FOR ANOTHER 5 DAYS!
However, I wasn't going to let this ruin my trip. Fortunately, I listened to the advice of one of my best friends and packed an extra shirt and underwear in my carryon. I also had my laptop and tablet with me.
Travel Tip: Never pack valuable or electronic devices in checked luggage. If at all possible, keep them in your carry-on.
My friends who I was coming to visit in France made my time there exceptionally enjoyable. They took such good care of me and I never missed any of my stuff. They took me to the store and helped me to buy clothes, toiletries, and shoes. SHOUT OUT TO NAT AND MEL!! Yall are my sisters forever and eva!! Seriously, they were awesome hosts and they made me feel like family.
Charming French Village
My friends Nat and Mel took me to stay with some of their family in a charming French village outside of Paris. The village reminded me of Beauty and the Beast. Cobblestone streets, stone homes, and traditional French doors. It was gorgeous. This was a quiet village. Hardly any people on the streets. But my friend's family were wonderful hosts. Their house was so unique and full of character.
Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile
After the flight and lost baggage fiasco of the day before, we set out for a tour of Paris. First up, was the Louvre. On our way, we drove past the famous Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile. It was much larger in person than what you see in the movies. Traffic going around this landmark was horrendous. It was basically a free-for-all and you better hope you can make your way out of the circle. How tourists get to the center without getting hit is beyond me. I was satisfied just driving by it.
The Louvre
Ok. This is embarrassing but only a few months before my trip to France did I realize that the Louvre is not just some famous pyramid, it is the World's Largest Museum! The pyramid that we always see is the top of the museum, marking the entrance to the museum.
Originally built in the 12th century as a defensive fortress, the Louvre was later converted into a palace residence. Over 8 centuries, various French monarchs and rulers completed additions to the Louvre until it became what it is today. I can attest to the fact that the palace, or museum, is massive. It felt like I entered an entirely different city. But it was beautiful.
We entered the Louvre at the lower level and did the Egyptian exhibit. I didn't want to go see the famous Mona Lisa. In my opinion, she wasn't that pretty and paintings of ugly women don't interest me. No offense to Leonardo da Vinci. And I'm glad that we didn't go see her. There is so much more to the Louvre.
Tomb
Sphinx
3D Model
Eiffel Tower
The end of the day we took the Bateau Mouche boat tour. This was a cruise that took you on a tour of the city along the Seine river. You can see parts of the Louvre, Notre Dame, La Conciergerie, le Musée d’Orsay, and, of course, the Eiffel Tower (shown left). I highly recommend you take this boat tour.
Travel Tip: My friends introduced me to an app called GetYourGuide, an online travel agency and online marketplace for tour guides and excursions. It has tours and fun activities in almost every major city in the world for cheap prices.
The Hidden Passage
Next on the list was a wonderful surprise. We went to the historic Covered Passages of Paris. These passages were hidden alleyways in buildings where rich people in the 18th century would shop. Today, these hidden passages still exist with shops and stores full of unique items. From furniture, shoes, clothing, food, or ornate items. The items in this shop are pretty pricey so make sure you come ready to spend. However, the items are high quality.
French Medicine
Unfortunately, I caught a cold while I was in France. But I didn't let it stop me from enjoying myself. I took some days to rest and let my body heal. My clothes finally arrived on day 5 of my visit. I was outside waiting for the delivery van to give me my things. I never thought I would miss my own underwear so much. It's the small things in life that mean so much more than we'd expect.
Travel Tip: If you are sick in France, you can go to any Pharmacy and ask for over-the-counter medications. I do advise you know some French or have google translate downloaded on your phone because most locals don't speak English.
Short Story Time:
On day 4 of my trip, just before I was leaving one friend's house to go to another, on my own, I dropped my phone in water. The screen died and I had to take a bus to meet my friend. Fortunately, I had my laptop with me and had downloaded What'sApp on it, which is how we mainly communicated. I bravely followed her instructions, took the bus 13 stops into the city center. I didn't see the meeting point. I had to ask a friendly stranger for help and found the meeting location. Thanks to GOD, who heard my prayers, I found my friend waiting for me! A day and a half later, we went to a phone store where, by the grace of God, my phone suddenly turned on and, mostly, functioned normally; well enough for me to take more photos.
Looking Over Vineyards
On the second to last day of my stay in France, we went to a beautiful village. We hiked hills of vineyards and parts of the village center enjoying the scenery along the way. Honestly, it was the most peaceful place I'd been to.
Champagne Pommery
My last day in France was bitter-sweet. My friend, Mel, took me on a scooter ride around the city she lives in. We went to a Chateau turned into a Champagne tasting and a Champagne Pommery.
Some Background: Madame Pommery was a French Widow who took over the champagne business of her late husband in the late 18th century. She had a series of tunnels and caves dug deep into the earth used to store and ferment champagne. Heralded as a woman trailblazer of her time, Madam Pommery garnered her business into a massive industry becoming one of the most successful champagne makers in history.
At the end of this day, my friend's surprised me with a farewell party. Everyone dressed in the traditional beret and striped shirt. We enjoyed assorted cheeses and homemade foods. I tear up thinking about how wonderful that time was and the beautiful people I met. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart to yours, Mel and Nat and all the wonderful friends I met.
That is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of my time in France. I survived 5 days without luggage, sickness, and a half dead phone that got resurrected to life. I learned from this trip that I can survive on less and I don't need a lot of things to enjoy myself. I also learned a bit more about the world and how others think and live. French people live a leisurely lifestyle that I think America and the rest of this fast-paced world can learn from. Enjoy each moment with people you love. Don't stress over things you can't control. Look for opportunities to try new things. Until I return...
Au Revoir