A Sisterly Sojourn in the City of Love: Paris, France

Bonjour, fellow Voyagers! Join my sister and I, as we embark on a magical journey to the heart of France - Paris. From the artistry of the Louvre to the grandeur of the Eiffel Tower, our adventure was filled with unforgettable moments, delicious cuisine, extraordinary time with family and a dash of musical charm.

The thrill of returning to Paris after my study abroad time in London was palpable. This time, with a bit more financial freedom, I was determined to make the most of this experience. The decision to return to Paris was a no-brainer. My previous visit in 2019, though limited by a tight budget. This time, with my sister by my side, I was excited to rediscover different parts of this enchanting city.

Choosing the Right Flight

Booking my flight was a crucial step, and with a layover in Iceland, an unexpected bonus adventure awaited.In May, I booked a roundtrip flight to Paris through Priceline. The $1,014 ticket with Iceland Airlines the price was not bad because I had a long layover in Iceland on my way back home; this presented an intriguing opportunity - why not turn it into a mini-adventure of its own?

Knowing that a few cousins resided in Paris added an extra layer of excitement. With a red-eye flight, we landed in Paris at Charles de Gaulle, in the afternoon. Our cousin was so kind to pick us up from the airport. Purchase a weekend pass for the trains and buses, valid from Friday to Sunday at 11:59. This 42-euro pass turned out to be a game-changer. Not only did it grant us unlimited access to the city's efficient public transportation system, but it also saved us a considerable amount of money.

Accommodation: Generator Paris - Where Chic Meets Comfort

We stayed at the cozy haven, Generator Paris. Generator Paris offers a range of accommodation options to suit every traveler's needs. From shared dormitories for those seeking a budget-friendly stay to private rooms for those craving a bit more privacy, there's something for everyone.

Sacré-Cœur: Panoramic View

Our first day in Paris began with the climb to Sacré-Cœur, which was a journey in itself. Each step led us higher, revealing glimpses of Montmartre's artistic charm. Once we reached the top, we were able to see the beautiful view of Paris. A quick tip: Paris is a walking city through and through. If you plan to visit Paris, bring your walking shoes.

For lunch, we ate at Riz DjonDjon, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Paris. The restaurant is a mix of Haitian and African cuisine. I ordered fish, and it was so well seasoned the food came out at a reasonable time. They also were not too busy, so it was perfect. I would rate this experience a 8.5/10.

Day 2 set out for church. The service was a beautiful experience, and it happened to be Pathfinder Day, offering us a glimpse into the diverse ways people across the world express their faith. Afterward, our taste buds embarked on their own adventure, exploring another unique twist on Haitian cuisine. We went to K'ribbean Paradise, a Haitian restaurant with a tantalizing twist - a buffet. This was my first experience with a Haitian buffet, and it did not disappoint. The array of dishes spread before us was a testament to the richness of Haitian cuisine. One dish that stole the show was the Haitian macaroni. Creamy, flavorful, and with a hint of spice, The best part? Seconds were not just allowed but encouraged. I savored each forkful, knowing I could return for more.

capturing Memories at the Eiffel Tower with Thai Bespoke Private Photoshoot

We visited the iconic Eiffel Tower. Additionally, I had a special plan in place to launch the booking page for "Voyages with Rash" - so I booked a private photoshoot with Thái Bespoke. Thái made me feel comfortable, and he sent me the exact location. I did get lost, but Thái was extremely patient and came to find me. I booked this shoot through Airbnb Experience. If you are looking for a personal shoot, couples shoot, etc. I highly recommend booking Thái. ( Experience hosted by Thái)

Sunday Supper at Haitian Mama Paris: A Taste of HomeConclusion:

Sunday in Paris called for a special meal, and what better place to satisfy our cravings than Haitian Mama Paris? I met up with a few of my cousins at the restaurant and

I opted for the classic comfort of white rice with Diri Blan, a dish that never fails to transport me back to the flavors of home. On Sundays, they take walk-ins only. While this led to a bit of a wait, Fortunately, the owner's graciousness and kindness made the wait a small price to pay. If you can't tell by now, I love my Haitian people and will always support Haitian businesses no matter where I go.

Louvre: A Symphony of Art and Serenity

A visit to the Louvre, a sanctuary of art and culture, was a highlight of our Parisian sojourn. The Louvre's grandeur transcends its artistic treasures. We took some fantastic photos. I can definitely see myself coming here just to read a book. This is definitely for quiet contemplation and people-watching. To end of the night, we at Le Bistro De la Jou: A quaint bistro where we savored classic French dishes.

Conclusion: Au Revoir, Paris!

As we bid au revoir to the city of love, we embarked on a magical river cruise with live music. We booked this excursion through Expedia called Paris: Evening River Cruise

The Seine, adorned with the lights of Paris, seemed to dance to the melodies. Paris, with its art, culture, and culinary wonders, had truly stolen a piece of our souls. As the day of departure drew nearer, I reflected on how much had changed since my student days. Being able to approach this trip as a financially independent adult promised an entirely different experience. Paris, with its art, culture, and culinary wonders, awaited my return with open arms. Until next time, City of Love.