Hello all, I’m in Newark, New Jersey, waiting for my flight to Paris this afternoon. I got to spend a night in Newark thanks to multiple planes having maintenance issues. United finally got me to Newark last night, but I missed the flight to Paris.
Thankfully, United did put me up in a hotel for free and put me on the next flight to Paris this evening.
Two different planes had maintenance issues to Newark from Ft. Lauderdale yesterday which caused a lot of delays for everyone getting to Newark. Even though I was delayed a day leaving for Paris, I took it as a good opportunity to practice patience since there weren’t any immediate plans in Paris. Now into Paris this evening.
Just two days until I leave for Paris. The anticipation is building. Almost everything is done that needs to happen before leaving. My material possessions have shrunk to a few suitcases worth of clothes and other necessities.
My life reduced down to just a few suitcases worth of belongings.
Paris has different styles of clothes and anything else that I’ll need which provides an amazing opportunity to get rid of almost all my earthy possessions. While at times difficult and therapeutic to simplify my life to this point, the freedom is growing on me.
Furnished apartments call me in Paris for the time being. Once France grants me a multi-year Visa, I’ll consider buying a place and furniture to fill it. I have so much to learn about living in Paris that leaving my decor style behind frees me to experience new emotions, new joys, and new revelations. I’ll post photos of the apartment once moved in.
Getting ready to leave on that jet plane with what I’ve always wanted to have: a one-way ticket to Paris!
Wow, the movers have come and gone. The apartment is empty. Visiting the family in Florida with just 9 days to go until I fly to Paris. Almost all the checklist items before leaving are checked off. Final day at work is tomorrow after seven great years at SAIC (formerly known as TASC and Engility).
I feel excited and apprehensive. Excited for a new chapter in my life. Apprehensive in the challenges of building that life but looking forward to making lots of new friends and becoming fluent in another language (French, that is, if you’re wondering).
Also, since many people have described how Paris life is very different than in Northern Virginia, I am starting to learn to calm down a bit, embrace the flow of things more, and not feel like it all has to happen the way I imagine it should go. Internalizing the “C’est la vie” perspective (“That’s life.”), acknowledging that most of life is uncontrollable and should be enjoyed in the midst of the here and now. Where beauty exists in the moment as well as the journey and the destination.
Many of you have asked what is the first thing I will do in Paris once I arrive. After checking into the AirBnB, Place du Tertre calls me. Place du Tertre, my literal and figurative happy place, is located on Montmartre near the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur. Relax in a cafe, enjoy some chocolat, watch the people pass by, and slowly breath the Parisian air in and out – releasing prior priorities and allow the sights, sounds, and smells of my new city to inspire and enlighten me to the calling in Paris.
Thank you to everyone for wishing me off to Paris whether by phone, text, post, or attending one of the many going away events you all have organized. I feel very loved and appreciated. I will miss you all. It’s not really goodbye, but “until we meet in Paris.”
As I get ready to move to Paris, France, next month, I’m starting the process to set-up my life in Paris. My initial tasks are to find a permanent place, sign-up for 5-days a week french lessons, get involved in the swing dance scene, and find a church to attend. For the apartment, what a bit of a daunting challenge in such a large city! Do I research online? Do I get a real estate agent? Do I wait until being able to see the place in person?
However, there are so many tasks to complete before I move to France. Pack for movers to move the furniture that my family wants in Florida. Sell my Highlander. Update all the mailing addresses for my accounts. And the list goes on-and-on (over 20 checklist items).
Things are moving quickly and I am really looking forward to landing in Paris on October 10th to begin the next stage of my journey.
Talenton 