Dear Reader,
When do you take your family/ personal trips? Even though it is only January, I am starting to map out trips on the calendar for this year. I have started using Thanksgiving as an opportunity to go away for myself. At first, I felt guilty traveling during the holidays but then I realized a lot of people take similar trips at that time of year. I have found that it is a nice way to take a break and gear up for the holiday rush. My trip to Paris this past year was relaxing as always but a bit more special because I got some requests from the kiddos in my life.
My first night away I was surprised with a Facetime from my friend and her children. I have the great honor of being her child’s Godmother too! It was wonderful to catch up and see everyone’s faces and share my plans for the next few days. This was my sixth trip to the city of love and as I shared on the phone that evening I tend to go with the flow and immerse in the culture. While we were talking, my Goddaughter asked if I was going to the Eiffel Tower. In that moment I knew would take the extra trip for her. My first trip to the city I went to the top of the tower and it was amazing but in trips since I don’t always make it the park. Honestly, I cannot say no to her or any of the other kiddos.
With the inspiration from her and her brother I found myself snapping pictures and was reminded of why these sites are so special not only to me but so many others. I got many wonderful pictures of the Eiffel Tower and also paid a visit to the Mona Lisa for them too. She has many, many daily visitors! Although, my most memorable moment was sitting under the Eiffel Tower for about 30 minutes waiting for it to sparkle. I had nowhere to be and nothing to do but admire the lights and people watch. It was really wonderful and happened because a child reminded me to pause and play.
Although it was not directly requested, I also did run down the street to catch a picture of a garbage truck. My nephew, who is two years old, is obsessed with garbage trucks and I wanted to capture a moment for him too. As my brother in law says, garbage day is the best day of the week in their house! A garbage truck to him is the equivalent to me visiting Louis Vuitton and Dior on the Champ Elysees. We all have our simple pleasures in life!
It’s trips like this one that remind me that these memories are priceless. If we are willing to open our hearts and minds, there is always something new to see. I do dream of the day when I will experience these treasures with the little ones for they have opened my eyes to new possibilities and the beauty before me.
Love Always,
Kristina Lucia xoxo