Bonjour de Paris!
Yep, that’s me cheesin’ for a selfie during my walk around the city today.
I had a wonderful time speaking and connecting with amazing women at Dr. Venus Opal Reese’ Black Women Millionaires live event in Atlanta and now it’s time to enjoy summer in France!
Earlier this year, when I created my travel vision board, I didn’t have ANY flights booked yet.
What I DID have was an aggressive 2015 strategic growth plan for Happy Black Woman as a company with a ton of action steps to implement! ,
But what I wanted to do this year, along with all the work I’m doing to grow my business, was to also make sure I carve out dedicated time for travel and self-care.
So two months ago, I sat down with my travel bucket list, opened up my Google calendar and began planning out my trips for the year. Paris is my first stop with more adventures to come this summer and fall!
I’ll be sharing more on the blog about my experiences here in Paris, but so far, here’s what I can tell you:
- Paris is 6 hours AHEAD of Eastern time (me and sleep are fighting right now as I deal with some major jet lag!)
- The men are fine and they dress better than me
- People here don’t speak much English overall and they are mad that you don’t speak French
- It’s a walkable city, with Metro stations all over and lots of people riding bikes and scooters
- They have Uber!
- The food is divine and full of butter, cream and cheese…yum
- French people take their pastries very seriously – they WILL make you remember their croissants!
- Even the McDonald’s sells macarons
- They eat dinner late; some restaurants don’t even open until 7:00pm
- Um, did I mention that the men are fine?!
Since France is not playing with me and my English-speaking self, hopefully I will finally learn a few French words while I’m here LOL.
Leave me a comment below and share some of your Paris tips with me!
Rosetta Thurman is a nationally-recognized author, speaker, mentor and coach dedicated to helping women create their ideal lives.
Rosetta I’m glad you’re there!
A friend of mine just extended an invitation for me to visit Paris in August and I’m looking for affordable airfare , last minute I know but are there any tips and trips for getting the best deals?
Get yourself a French boyfriend you’ll learn the language of love MUCH quicker ;)
Have the French Fries at La Dure. It’s a pastry shop, but please order the French Fries, also. Delicioius! Also, have the Quiche Lorraine at Angelina’s. Melts in your mouth!
The above advice about speaking a little French out of respect is spot on. Also, when entering shops, say Bonjour to the owner. Don’t just go in and start browsing.
Enjoy!!!
Great place to be at this time if the year, such a romantic city. Lots to do and see, jump on the Batobus, right under the Eiffel and get of at the sites you want to explore in depth. Of course you must see The Louvre, Norte Danne and any one of the gardens. Also, take a trip to Versailles or any one of the several palaces. Enjoy Chica!!!
I have found that when in Paris, if you attempt to speak French, you will soon find that more people speak English than you think. They just want the respect. Also, see if you can find out where the locals eat and stay away from the tourist restaurants. Some of the best eateries are hidden in rooms in the back of a deli or pastisserie. Also, if you can go to Poilane to get some bread, DO IT… and thank me later!
-Chef Evelyn
You are such a positive force and strong black woman!! Keep them coming and be safe. I pray God’s traveling mercies and protection as you enjoy life! May yGod’s angels protect, comfort and surround you during you journeys. You deserve it lady!! Xoxo
Oh what a Blessing! I had the opportunity to visit Paris right a year after one of the worst storm hit my beloved city. The travel arrangements came about because one of my best friends who was living with me and had lost everything in the storm as well as 80% of the population could not shake her depression. So I ask her the question if there was once thing you could do right now that would make you happy what would it be? Her response-travel to Paris. And that we did.
So on that note please take it all the great well known sights but always stop after each great moment with appreciation of where you are thanking God for the blessing and then have a Crepe. The writers district is a must. Wishing you an enjoyable, and safe travel!
Haven’t visited France yet; will live vicariously through you until it’s my time. Enjoy yourself.
If you would like to learn some new words, especially, how to hear how they pronounce them, because you don’t find the same sounds in French and in English, you can rely on your app iTranslate, because not only it will tell you how to write a word in French, but you can touch the little loudspeaker to learn how to pronounce them.
I was trying to write phonetically in English some French words, but there are some very frequent sounds that doesn’t exist in English at all.
Have a great time in Paris!!!