Un, deux, trois…Paris 48.8566° N, 2.3522° E
Upon landing in Paris, France for the first time, I realized how this journey in particular would change my life and world view. I had known Paris through movies, studying the language in high school, and from the stories of my well-traveled best friend. However, these accounts in no way prepared me for what I would experience from the moment I stepped off the plane at Charles de Gaulle airport. I arrived in Paris getting only a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower as the plane circle the airport. It was after 10 p.m. so the lights from the landmark were on full display. I was giddy and nervous at the same time. I was on the cusp of doing a very brave thing. I was going to travel solo in a new country and get a crash course in language, customs, and the metro.
Heading to baggage claim, I noticed that the only people in the airport were the ones I got off the plane with. I had not thought much about it though as I assumed there would be folks arriving and departing in another part of the sprawling airport. Well, not quite. We were, in fact, the only people in this airport! This posed a small inconvenience for me as I had not arranged transportation from the airport prior to landing. The year was 2015 and Uber was not a thing and there were no taxis rolling through the arrival lanes. Finally, I see what looks to be a bus stop and a there was a kind woman who spoke English. I was relieved. She explained that the bus she was waiting on would take me to the destination I had shown her on my hotel reservation confirmation. At this time, it was just about midnight. The bus arrives and the driver jumps out to toss my luggage under the bus (think Greyhound). I then step aboard and ask him, in poorly conjugated French, if he could take me to my hotel. He motions with his hand in the affirmative and I settle in. We ride and stop and ride again for about a half hour. Then, without much fanfare, he makes a final stop, motions for everyone to get off the bus, and begins to unload all the luggage from the cargo compartment. I was so confused as I looked around and did not see my hotel. Here I am in a pretty dodgy part of Paris at almost 1 a.m. and I have no idea where I am going. When I pressed the driver for directions, he motioned to me, “walk that way!”
As I walked in this unfamiliar arrondissement, dragging my luggage behind me, searching for a cab (or cop), I thought how this was not how I envisioned my first night in Paris.. My eyes began to tear up. I was exhausted and aimlessly marching along the sidewalk when I finally saw a glimmer of hope. It was a taxi rolling in my direction! I flagged the driver down and gave him the address to my hotel. He barked at me, “ten Euro!” and I quickly agreed by jumping in the car after he tossed my luggage in the trunk. I kid you not, two minutes and one turn later, I arrived at the Kyriad Bercy in Bercy Village. I had walked for what felt like hours and upon entering the glass doors, I melted into the lobby with relief. I lamented that I would never come back to Paris! My mother told me, “get some sleep, you’ll better of things when you get some rest.”
She was right. The next morning, I had the most delicious breakfast of fresh croissants, fruit preserves, scrambled eggs, and ham. With a full tummy and rest, I was ready to hit the reset button…ready to give Paris another chance. I walked to the nearest metro station with my transit map in hand. I could feel the confidence and excitement swelling in my bones. The Eiffel Tower was first on my list of places to see. I rode the subway listening for my stop, Champ de Mars. Once I arrived I walked by local shops, bistros and busy Parisians going about their day. When I reached the intersection, I looked up and there was the iconic structure peaking just above the tree line. The air was filled with the smell of French milled soaps, street foods, fresh pastries. Within a few more steps, I was there. I was not disappointed. I was emotional. My heart was full as I had done a thing. I braved the streets of an unfamiliar place just the night before and here I stood in front of the Eiffel Tower in all her glory.
I would return to Paris twice, once with my mother and another time with my son. I believe that Paris is a city that vibrates with culture, music, diverse food, and an air of love…and now, the city beats within me.
