Who would have ever thought a small-town girl like me would get to go to Paris? Not me!
A Nervous Flyer Heads to Paris
I had only been out of the country once before, to Mexico. Flying makes me super nervous. On the outside, I’m quiet and trying to keep it together. Inside? I’m a nervous ball of anxiety.
Having a supportive travel partner makes a big difference. I do have a drink or two at the airport 😉, which helps. Then I try to ease my mind by reading, writing, or playing games. It’s a decent distraction.
If you’re lucky enough not to have ear issues, can we please switch places? I’d love to watch a movie instead of reading captions the whole flight. I have to wear EarPlanes, or my ears hurt during the flight and won’t pop after I land. So, if you ever sit next to me on a plane, I’m not ignoring you. I just can’t hear very well. 🫣
On to Paree!
After arriving at Alberte Hôtel on Avenue Bosquet, a quiet, charming street tucked away in the heart of Paris, the room wasn’t quite ready yet. That was okay. With the luggage safely stored, it was time to head back out. I was eager to finally experience the city I’d only seen in movies and photographs.
Lunch was at a place near the hotel called La Commanderie. It’s typical in Paris to sit at one of those little two-person tables, and there was a nice breeze, just what I needed after the long trip.
I ordered a Pornstar Martini. If you’ve never had one, it’s made with vanilla vodka, passion fruit liqueur, lime juice, and passion fruit purée, with a little sidecar of champagne or Prosecco. Pure deliciousness, if you ask me.
I also smoked a few cigarettes with lunch. I mean, I am in Paris! Just kidding. I didn’t actually smoke them. Everyone else around me did. They really like to share.
Cigarettes are normal in Paris, and people are allowed to smoke outside at a table right next to you. I was stunned! But that’s the culture. So I made this running joke that every time I inhaled someone’s secondhand smoke, it counted as one cigarette.
Overall, the service was good, the food was amazing, the drinks were top-notch, and the cigarettes were uninvited. 😉 But I truly loved the experience.
Exploring Paris
After checking in and getting a little rest to recover from the jet lag, it was time for more sightseeing. Exploring the city was fun, seeing the fountains, beautiful buildings, and taking it all in before making a stop outside the Eiffel Tower.
Then it was time for dinner at Gusto Italia Amélie, a small local restaurant located at 11 Rue Amélie. It’s a cozy Italian place that was perfect for unwinding with some fresh pasta and a pizza in the shape of a heart. It had limited seating and seemed to be filled with locals. The food was outstanding.
One thing that surprised me was that many of the restaurants I visited either didn’t have air conditioning or weren’t using it. This American girl wasn’t prepared for that.
I thought sitting inside during the European heat wave would be the best thing to do. Now I’d recommend sitting outside. You’ll get more of a breeze and the whole Paris experience… maybe a few free cigs as well. 💁🏻♀️🚬🤪
A Night I’ll Never Forget
The most romantic experience of my life happened near the Eiffel Tower…
As dusk began to settle over the city, I stood at Place du Trocadéro. A guy stood nearby with a guitar and amp and started singing “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran. It couldn’t have been more fitting as the Eiffel Tower lit up and began to sparkle with the song. Even with hundreds of people around, all that mattered were the arms wrapped around my waist as we swayed to the music.
Some moments stay with you long after you leave.
This will always be one of mine.
The Louvre & Mona Lisa
The next day, I visited the Louvre—an incredible museum with the famous glass pyramid.
And… the Mona Lisa.
I don’t know what I expected, but I definitely thought she’d be bigger!
Everyone rushed toward her the moment the doors opened. You can’t get too close, but seeing one of the most famous paintings in the world was absolutely worth it.
Of course I pushed my way to the front. This was my chance to see her as close as possible.
The Charm of Montmartre
Montmartre felt like stepping into the Paris I had imagined, cobblestone streets, colorful little buildings, and Sacré-Cœur towering above it all. I spent some time wandering the streets, enjoying a charcuterie board and wine, and even found a cute little shop where I bought a rooster to bring a little piece of Paris home with me.
Bordeaux in the Latin Quarter
One relaxing moment that sticks out was sitting outside Le Saint Séverin in the Latin Quarter with the best glass of Bordeaux I’ve ever had, as I watched Paris go by.
The waitress at the restaurant asked me for a tip. Maybe it was because I’m American, but tipping isn’t expected there in quite the same way it is back home, so being directly asked caught me off guard. Still, because she asked, I felt obligated.
Maybe she heard that American accent and knew she had me.
I’m doomed being from a small town in Alabama.🤷🏻♀️
An Evening at Moulin Rouge
That evening, I got dressed up for the legendary Féerie show at Moulin Rouge.
The evening included a gourmet dinner created by Chef Arnaud Demerville and a bottle of champagne. The starters were Bluefin tuna and homemade beef ham, followed by roasted free-range chicken and salmon fillet confit. It finished with a strawberry tartlet.
It was wonderful, and the show completely lived up to the hype.
Pictures aren’t allowed, and after seeing it, I completely understand why. Everything was wonderful, and I highly recommend it.
Looking Back
Looking back, I feel incredibly lucky to have experienced all of this, especially as someone who gets nervous just flying within the United States. Every bit of anxiety was worth it.
Maybe it’s the writer in me, but every little café, side street, and apartment balcony felt like the beginning of someone’s story.
Sometimes you’ve got to step outside your comfort zone to experience places and moments you’ll never forget.
Have you ever been to Paris? Is it on your bucket list? I’d love to hear what you’d want to see most. If you have any questions about my trip, ask away! I’d love to talk about it.
P.S.
Orange juice in Paris is not like American orange juice. Trust me.
But the wine and cheese…
Now we’re talking. 
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