Ahhh Paris! Even though this will be our fifth workcation in the City of Light, I just can’t wait to go! This year the Mothership is returning for a week stay– her fourth year with us, so we are excited to revisit some of our favorites and try a whole bunch of new places with her. And we have four sets of friends whose trips overlap with our stay so the days should be packed! Of course I’m in major planning mode cross referencing days things are closed with the arrondissments we want to visit. And of course updating my Paris travel app! Yes it’s all a labor of love but I’ll be thrilled to be done with scheduling and coordinating and in the enjoyment phase of the trip.
I still find it amazing that both Michael and I can literally work from anywhere. And there is something surreal about booting up your laptop and joining a Teams call while it’s 9pm in Paris and your colleagues are still within the typical workday at home. So we manage to go to Paris AND work while trying to fly low under the radar that we are away and having the time of our lives. And yes, we always blur the backgrounds. (C’mon. We’re not animals.)
Staying in our familiar apartment is so homey. It really makes the trip easy and comfortable. We love the management company and the building. We are not time sharers, but it does feel like it’s ours. Even though it’s just a month, it’s our month. And it beats the heck out of camping!
We know all the neighborhood boulangeries and they are some of the best in not just Paris or France but in the world– many of which are walkable from our flat. From the cheese sticks and choux at Mamiche to the warm croissants at Nicolas Flamel, to Ble Sucre’s Kougin Amann, Maison d’Isabelle’s award winning croissant, the odd but delicious charcoal baguette at Utopie and the insanely good whole grain bread and brownies at Union, we try to hit all of them several times during the trip. All the breads and pastries are nothing short of drool-worthy and spectacular each and every time.
And I’m sure you’ve heard or seen yourself that the baked goods in France are incredibly reasonable. Croissants and baguettes are typically 1 euro and change each. While in the States a single croissant can cost more than $6 and a baguette can run you $12 in NYC. The delta is remarkable. It does literally pay to go.
When it comes to spending in general, I’m always diligent about setting a realistic budget that I promise to stick to… that completely goes to shit the minute I see something that captures my heart. (That is SO me! Who can relate??) There is just so much to look at, admire, love and treasure. Most of which I can finally fit in my suitcase since I haul an empty rollerboard complete with bubble wrap and tape for fragile or heavy items. It might sound crazy but it’s great to be that prepared. From home furnishings to perishable treats, beauty products, handbags, scarves, shoes, sparkly things and accessories– I feel like I’m totally in my element scooping up local brands and hard to import specialty items.
And I do save up throughout the year so I can do the Parisian splurge. So yes, you will see me taking the dreaded subway at home and hopping on the bus to go to midtown meetings. And you know I am walking everywhere if I have the time. I grocery shop and don’t eat out all that much during the week. Because the savings year round builds up the kiddy for Paris.
When it comes to traveling, I am both a seeker and a wanderer. Of course I have full day itineraries planned, but they are just guides. We often don’t stick specifically to the program unless it is something I’ve researched and want to write about or we have event or museum tickets or restaurant reservations. Usually we will visit the headline spots of the day and then wander in between or weave our way back to the flat walking different paths each time to visit as many popular streets as possible. I’m of the school that the more you see on foot, the better you get to know the area. And of course serendipitous shopping and snacking often occurs. We love that!
Even though Paris has seem some terrible looting and heartbreaking destruction of property recently, I promise we will be super careful about our travels within the city limits. But keep in mind that those vandals are not attacking people. They are targeting businesses and public places. So even if we do encounter a bit of a masked crowd, they won’t be interested in us. And you can bet that the minute we touch down, I will be one of those hyper excited travelers airlines call “aisle jumpers” who immediately hop up to collect their belongings at warp speed and sprint off the plane to start maximizing the trip.
I always say that Paris is my favorite city, but that New York is my home. And for the month that we claim temporary residency, I really do feel like a local– especially since I’m used to giving food tours and playing shopping guide. And now more than ever, I just can’t get enough of Paris. But fear not gentle readers… for you can expect that I will be sharing great adventures and dining options soon. So adieu friends until I see you back on the New York City side. Bisou
