In two weeks, I’m finally leaving for Paris.

I’ve been planning this trip for years—at least in my head. It’s not like I haven’t been before. I have, and every time I visit, I get that same gnawing feeling in my stomach when it’s time to leave.

It’s been a long journey to get to this point. I’ve secured my family’s “permission” (not really), and I’m going to Paris for a month anyway. Woot! Woot!

I’m nervous and excited all at once, having my own little Carrie Bradshaw moment and leaving the housework, laundry and meal planning behind. Au revoir!

So what will I do for a month? Soak it all in and LIVE. I’ll be eating baguettes and French cheese, drinking rosé, and wandering aimlessly through the streets of Paris. Isn’t that reason enough to go?

I’ve rented an apartment in the 7th arrondissement near Champ de Mars. Fingers crossed my landlady actually shows up when I arrive.

A very important pre-trip purchase was a new pair of walking shoes for my daily adventures. Naturally, I agonized over the decision, trying to find something that looked less tourist and more effortlessly Parisian. In the end, I settled on cute black leather Birkenstocks with a slightly boho-chic vibe. Hopefully, they’ll survive the cobblestones.

According to an online placement test, my Grade 9 French is not exactly up to snuff. Apparently, ordering wine, asking for directions, and singing “Voulez-Vous Coucher Avec Moi” does not make me fluent. Sigh.

I only think I’m French.

To help matters, I’ve signed up for conversational French classes, and I can’t wait.

Did you know there are 20 arrondissements in Paris? I’m hoping to explore all of them while searching for the best cafés, pâtisseries, and restaurants. I may need to rethink the skinny jeans and pack a few elastic-waist options instead.

One place high on my list is Père Lachaise Cemetery, the final resting place of Edith Piaf, Jim Morrison, and Oscar Wilde, among many others. Paris somehow manages to make even cemeteries feel romantic.

And then there’s the fashion. Where does one even begin with Parisian style? After all, this is the fashion capital of the world. I already know I’ll be tempted by every boutique I stumble across, and my budget doesn’t stand a chance. I can feel the euros burning a hole in my pocket!

There’s so much I want to see and do, will a month even be enough?

I’ll keep you posted on my new favourites, daily adventures, and inevitable OMG moments along the way. In the meantime, the weather forecast in Paris is HOT. Until then, goodbye, Vancouver rain.

I’m off to explore!

LP