Admittedly, I embarked on my solo trip to Paris with a backpack full of nerves and a heart yearning for rediscovery. The year had been a whirlwind, and I craved the magic of the City of Lights to mend my spirit. Let’s just say, Paris had a different itinerary in mind, and it turned out to be an adventure I’ll never forget!
Birmingham Blues and a Smooth Takeoff
My anxieties eased slightly at Birmingham Airport. The new scanners made security a breeze, and the comfy confines of the lounge soothed my travel jitters. Then came the shocker: my Ryanair flight was delayed! A minor inconvenience, sure, but a first nonetheless.
A Scenic Mishap and a Metro Misadventure
Landing in Paris Beauvais Airport, I discovered a hilarious oversight: I’d booked the wrong airport! 🤦♀️ A scenic two-hour bus ride later, I realized the rolling hills and charming towns of the French countryside held a certain familiarity to the British landscape. Perhaps it’s true what they say, we’re all just pieces of the same European puzzle. 🧩
The Parisian metro, however, presented a different kind of challenge. After a seemingly endless 45-minute queue, I learned a valuable lesson: always download the metro app! It turns out, buying tickets on the app is significantly cheaper. Who knew, right? 💸
The Eiffel Tower (from Afar) and a Hostel Full of Friends
Finally reaching the Eiffel Tower, my heart sank. The majestic landmark was shrouded in fencing, closed to the public for the Paris Olympics. Disappointment threatened to cloud my mood, but then I remembered: travel is about embracing the unexpected. I snapped some creative Eiffel Tower photos from a distance and decided to focus on the positive aspects of my journey.
The rooftop terrace of my hostel provided the perfect sanctuary. A plate of delicious gnocchi, a captivating book (shoutout to Mr. Steven Bartlett and “The Diary of CEO”), and some incredible new friends from Beijing and Korea – solo travel suddenly felt anything but lonely. The beauty of hostels lies in the chance encounters, the shared stories, and the friendships that blossom over breakfast or rooftop chats.
This Parisian adventure was a rollercoaster of emotions, but it ultimately reminded me of the magic of travel. It’s not always about following a perfect itinerary; it’s about embracing the detours, the mishaps, and the unexpected connections that make every journey unique. So, pack your bags, embrace the unknown, and get ready to roam at home in the world!
