Paris Diaries Day 6

Reflections

I originally drafted this on the flight home from Paris. Wifi was not on my side. I had every intention of replying to your emails from the big news. I am giving myself grace since I decided to write daily in Paris with a full schedule. Packing and getting organized for the flight home was the top priority.

Transportation to CDG

I typically use Welcome Pickups to and from the airport and have been happy with them. A few of you have written after my recommendation, and I received great feedback. Researching the best methods and giving alternative options is also helpful. On the way from Chicago, I took a taxi, which was easy! There was no line, and there is a flat fee for Right Bank and Left Bank. I tipped as usual, but the driver's service was oh-so French. He left my luggage in the street and took off, making me find the hotel porter with multiple pieces.

Packing For Paris and Home

My husband has a carry-on rule: no checked bags. I love this and typically don’t check a bag, but in the past couple of trips, it has become necessary for Paris. I now have two Away carry-ons. After owning one for years, the brand kindly gifted me a new one this year. We have a family member who will use one of them, so I welcomed the offer. I just got to take the new one for a test drive and used it for the trip.

What I Packed For Paris

You can see what I packed for Paris here.

It was VERY easy to pack a full suitcase for the flight home. I ended up moving all my toiletries into the checked bag. (genius) To help reduce the time spent in the security line. In Paris, you have to remove all liquids, and it can be a pain. All was running smoothly with the fast-track pass (thanks, United). My shoes were flagged, and I had to stay behind while all my belongings moved forward, including my Away bag. I did my best to keep an eye on everything and in a blink, my bag was gone! Thankfully, I could catch the passenger, and he realized his mistake. Mind you, his bag looked nothing like mine…! Lucky catch and a reminder to keep an eye on your bags.

I really didn’t shop in Paris until I got to the airport. This trip was all about capturing Christmas for the book, and that was a top priority. I wanted to get back to the adorable tea shop I fell in love with on the last trip. My husband was under the weather at home and cleared out my tea stash. I ended up picking up a few boxes of Mariage Fréres at the airport.

Aside from clothes and toiletries. My suitcase is full of a few bars of chocolate from different brands. The chocolate shop just around the corner from my hotel was too beautiful not to indulge in. When I asked on Instagram if I should indulge in this expensive chocolate, most people voted yes, and I should buy multiple bars. I walked out with 75 euros worth of chocolate with no regrets.

I like to stock up on Sisley makeup and skincare at the airport. The prices are way better than in the US, and duty-free always has good prices. I bought the new mascara and eyeliner. (Thanks, Dina, who influenced me) Also, I had my eye on a YSL card holder that matched my clutch. I did not need it but wanted it and purchased it as an end of year gift for hitting some major goals. Ironically, one of those is a savings goal!

Hydration is key for flying. I buy a large Evian bottle at the airport for the flight. Since my days in Paris are super long, I don’t worry about sleeping on the flight. The more, the better, and I will be in bed early. I booked a training session at the gym before I left to make sure I got in a workout. In Paris, the last couple of days I walked 10+ miles shooting and getting from one end to the other. Now it is time to strength train and get back into a healthy routine.

Reflections on Paris and One Regret

This trip was on my bucket list for years, and I am so happy I made it happen! When I moved to Paris in 2013, I was known as “the American that smiles.” Cafés greeted me and welcomed my energy and enthusiasm for the city. This trip was no different and made me think about the first times I soaked up Paris with a fresh pair of eyes. Everything was new to me and continued to surprise me. The café with decorations on the corner that I never would have looked twice at on a typical day was bursting with Christmas cheer.

Where I expected parts of Paris to be decked for Christmas, fell a little flat. Place Dauphine, one of my favorite spots in Paris, was bare to the bone.

This trip was not about finding the best bakery, coffee, or hidden gem restaurant. I did have a few great meals, which felt like a bonus.

My one regret was not staying longer. Five nights was not nearly enough to soak up Christmas in the city. I didn’t make it to this trip in a few spots due to time and the light not being on my side. I would 100% do Christmas in Paris again. My goal would be to be able to visit again next year during the holiday season, promoting the new book!

Thank you for joining me on this adventure and reading The Paris Diaries. I hadn’t done it in a while, and I enjoyed recapping the day for you and hearing your feedback. There are more photos to share from Paris at Christmas.