Early this year, I was blessed enough to return to my second home, Zurich, as part of a work trip. I was offered a similar opportunity at the end of October. Only this time, instead of Zurich, I went to other cities I used to support when working abroad – Dusseldorf, Dubai, and Paris.

It was the most amazing feeling to be back. I reconnected with so many old friends and colleagues. It was like COVID never happened – like 3 years had not stood between us. My heart was so full of joy. Even though it was quick, I relished every moment with these wonderful friends. There were many extremely long hugs when saying good-bye. But before heading back home, I took a 2-day detour to Paris. It was time to return to the city that hosted my wedding.

While I don’t regret moving back to Chicago, I do miss how close cities like Paris and Milan used to be. Three hours in the car from Zurich, and you’re in Milan. Three house in the car from Chicago? Depending on your direction, you are still in Illinois. When living in Switzerland, I was in Paris constantly. I did not take this for granted. And while I can admit that there are many things I don’t like about Paris, after being away from it for over 3 years, I was thrilled to return.

For anyone who has ever been to Paris, you get it. You know. There is just something about Paris. There is a magic, an energy, and a smell that no other city has. I describe New York in a very similar way. There is garbage, rude people, crowds, noise, everything is expensive. And yet you just love it and cannot get enough.

Two days was quick, and I was so thankful my dear friend Laura was willing to join me. We booked ourselves at one of my favorite hotels, the Hotel du Louvre, to be close to the center of it all! Given Laura and I are so familiar with the city, this visit was less about being tourists. Instead, we wanted to revisit old haunts, eat at new restaurants, and shop until my credit card exploded (sorry, Tony).

But that’s just it. It is those simple things, those everyday things, that make Paris so special and magical.

• Walking in the rain to a cool, Parisian store
• Smelling French perfume at every turn
• Red wine in the middle of the day just because
• Entering Yves St. Laurent where the Louvre just happens to be right behind you

• An extra cheese plate at dinner
• Finally feeling confident in my French language skills
• Buying superior skin care at the equivalent of Walgreen’s
• Eating the world’s best pastries
• Spending time with my best friend

You can’t beat a city like Paris, especially when sharing it with such a dear friend. I am thankful for the opportunity to return to what used to be my “normal”, and can’t wait to return.

Check out my Google Maps to visit what we did!

A bientot, Paris!