Paris aura toujours mon cœur

Paris will always have my heart. 

In many ways, it holds some of my most precious memories. I remember, when I was a trainee to become a flight attendant, what I looked forward to the most is to finally see the Eiffel Tower in real life, sipping a cup of hot chocolate and eating a croissant. That simple idea became my motivation. Since then, I've done multiple Paris flights and even chose it as a holiday destination once because I've always had a romanticised view of Paris, and I think I always will.

A decade has passed, and now I get to be in Paris every month. Still, I find myself excited, eager to explore new corners and revisit the places I've come to love. I'm just that kind of girl. When I fall in love with something, I keep coming back. Not just because it's familiar but because of the memories it hold. 

I love the feeling of nostalgia a place can give me, how it lets me reflect on who I was when I first came, and see how much I've grown since. What has changed, and what has stayed the same. It's a blessing to still be able to travel so freely, I will continue to be thankful for that until it's time I leave for good.

I knew I wanted to go back to Pink Mamma one day, ever since the first time I had it. I had the best truffle pasta I've ever had, and knew that this place will be my go-to every time I'm there. However, I hadn't had the chance to go to Paris for six years. The pandemic came and went and Paris had been nothing but a distant memory. So I was excited to go back. Pink Mamma doesn't take reservations for one, so I walked in and hoped for the best. Thankfully didn't had to wait too long for a seat. It was by the bar, I was in the furthermost corner and I liked that. It felt like a quiet little space just for me.

I ordered the truffle pasta that I've missed, along with a mocktail the server recommended. It was amazing, tasted exactly how I remembered. Being there, brought back a flood of memories. Good ones, though slightly tainted by the past. Still, I was grateful. Grateful for the chance to return, to reclaim the moment, and to create something new on my own this time.

These days, I really cherish my alone time. There's something grounding about planning a day just for myself, no compromises, no one else's preferences to consider. I create little itineraries filled with things that bring me quiet joy like a place I've been wanting to revisit, a coffee I've been craving, a walk without a destination. It's become a way of reconnecting with who I am right now, outside my roles, routines and relationships. And somehow, in the stillness of these moments, I feel the most at peace. It's like I'm finally coming home to myself. 

The next destination was Palais Garnier, the opera house that holds the memories of my very first Paris flight. I remember being the only junior on that trip, and every one else had already been to Paris before. The seniors wanted to start the layover by drinking, while I was looking forward to exploring the city. 

Back then, I wasn't the most confident navigating unfamiliar cities alone (and at that time, I didn't have overseas mobile data) but what I did have was a strong sense of will. I had already set my heart on seeing Palais Garnier, no matter what. So I screenshot the directions and train stops, took a deep breath, and went on an adventure.

I was in awe. It was the most beautiful opera house I've ever seen. I couldn't believe that I was finally there, soaking in the grandeur I had only seen in pictures. It felt surreal. Being here again, reminded me of the 21 year old me, seeing the world for the first time. She was afraid, but brave enough to chase the moments she longed for. That quiet strength carried me through so many places. It shaped me. And I'm still thankful for her. 

I wanted to return here not just to see it again, but to feel what I felt then. To reconnect with that spark, that sense of wonder. I stayed till closing, was one of the last few to leave, savouring every second of a memory that still means everything to me.

The next in my itinerary was to go a popular bookstore called Shakespeare and Company. I think I just like the idea of going to old bookstores, it has such character which feels like a form of art on its own. The first thing I noticed was this man, sitting right outside the bookstore, playing chess with random people. He wins every time. I think it's such a sight to see, and it's very heartwarming to see people coming by to take up the challenge, and also to watch them play.

The bookstore itself is so charming in every sense, it's a tight space but full of personality. The second level is the reading room, where you have a comfortable space to read. It's also filled with old books that were not for sale, and you may pick up anything to like and read for as long as you want. I think it's charming. 

I picked up a book from the bookstore. Since I was in Paris, I wanted to buy The Little Prince in French. And so I did. My very first French book is Le Petit Prince, a famous children's book. 

My last stop for the day was to La Grande Epicerie de Paris, with one goal in mind and that is to purchase a lot of French butter. I only had 5% of battery left on my phone, with no portable charger and I needed my phone for both navigation and to take the public transport. Still, I went. And had no regrets. 

I've never been to a supermarket this grand, it feels like it's on another level. All I wanted to get was butter but I left with more than that. It was an experience, for sure.

The sun sets at about 10pm since it's summer now, and I felt like I really made the most out of my day. The weather was unforgiving, but it had been a fulfilling day. The day had given me every thing I needed, memories revisited, courage remembered, and new moments created just for me. It reminded me why Paris will always have my heart. Not just for its beauty, but for who I've been here, and who I continue to be each time I return.

Jusqu'a la prochaine fois, Paris.

Love,

Ashhy