Happy Bastille Day! Today is French National Day here in France, similar to the Fourth of July in the States. There’s a huge fireworks show tonight at the Eiffel Tower, and this morning there was a military parade along the Champs-Elysées. I watched the military flyover from my apartment window.
Unfortunately, I’ve come down with something. I think it might be the flu, so I’m spending the day resting and working from bed. The timing couldn’t be worse. Our first visitor arrived last night, and I am in no shape to play hostess right now.
Luckily, it’s one of my best friends, Hannah, who lives in London. She has been to Paris many times, so she can easily explore on her own without needing a guide.
I’m hoping all this rest will give me enough energy to watch the fireworks show later tonight!
Summer Plans
We have been on the go all year, and both Colin and I are really starting to feel burnt out.
Earlier last week, I was talking to some friends in Utah who want to visit us next year. I showed them some photos of our apartment, and they said, "That is the Parisian dream! I can’t wait to get a cup of coffee and a book and read on your balcony."
That comment really stuck with me. I tend to move from one thing to the next, always on the go, barely taking time to pause and reflect. These past two weeks in Utah made me realize how much I need to slow down and enjoy the moment.
I’ve lived in Paris for over 2 months now, and I haven’t even had time to read a book on my balcony! I haven’t watched the sunset along the Seine, seen the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night, spent a long morning at a corner café, or simply enjoyed the reasons I wanted to move to Paris in the first place.
My intentions for this summer are to slow down, be more mindful, and make the most of this Parisian summer.
xx,
Jenoa
Taking time to enjoy the moment!
❤️❤️❤️