“No, I’m not too old to be a Girl Scout,” I told the man sitting next to me on the plane. I get tired of saying that. Before you ask, we do more than sell cookies, too. Way more in fact. At that moment I was jet set on a nine-day London and Paris Destinations trip with forty-seven of my sister scouts. Yes, you heard me, forty-seven girls!! You have no idea how long it took to go to the bathroom.
If asked to describe this trip in one word it would be “stressful.” As much as I would love to garishly fill this essay with beautiful imagery and tear-jerking metaphors of how the Eiffel Tower embodies human existence, I cannot (although my English teachers would be proud).
The Eiffel Tower was beautiful as was Buckingham Palace and the Palace of Versailles but it was hard to focus on such magnificence with certain distractions that come with traveling and tour groups. I was constantly monitoring my bag in case of pickpockets, looking at my phone to see how late we were to our next site, and running to said site with my feet burning because of the prior day’s trek. I also had a sour apple roommate that suffers from tragic eye trauma when the lights are turned on in the morning. When she realized that screaming at her roommate didn’t get the result she desired, tensions were high the rest of the day.
So much was packed into one day that one forgot what she had for breakfast. Some people, I believe, were aware of this and solved it by photographing their food claiming that they were just documenting their trip.
We first went to London, a lovely city that disappointed me initially because it seemed like a mix of Philadelphia and New York City. After a few days of sightseeing (London Eye, Globe Theatre, changing of the guards) I was completely turned around. I truly want to revisit there with my mom for a much slower-paced trip.
France was very different. I adjusted to our rigorous schedule and that roommate of mine switched to another room.
Paris looked like a movie set. The architecture is nothing like anything I’ve seen in America. Walking from the Louvre to the Notre Dame Cathedral along the Seine River was one of the most romantic walks I’ve even taken. I turned to my buddy, Izzy, (go buddy system) and was so enthralled with romance, I told her I loved her.
It was that moment when she was laughing that I relaxed. The stress melted away from my body and I was free. The line for the Cathedral didn’t bug me, the heat didn’t bug me, and the idea that there may be pickpockets in a church didn’t bug me. In the line I laughed with my friends and took silly pictures in front of the cathedral including one of me doing an ever-so-close split. Maybe one day, once I achieved my split, I’ll go back and recreate that picture.
The rest of the trip was smooth sailing. We ate Nutella crepes that were “to die for” and went to Disneyland Paris which was a whole experience on its own. People told me that after I went on this trip I’d want to travel more. And they’re right. But next time I’ll do it right. I’ll try my best to stay in a state of serenity to let the world show me what it has to offer.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
0 Replies to “Stressed But Blessed: London and Paris 2014”
Comment on this article
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
This is a topic that’s near to my heart… Take care!
Thanks for finally talking about >Family Travel Insurance <Loved it!
Family volunteering opportunities are a great way to give back with your teenager at your side.
May I simply say what a comfort to discover someone that actually knows what they’re discussing over the internet.
Wow, this list is amazing! I’ve always wanted to experience Mardi Gras beyond New Orleans. Thanks for sharing these incredible locations. Can’t wait to start planning my next adventure!
My partner and I absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to be precisely what I’m looking for. Would you offer guest writers to write content for yourself?
I wouldn’t mind creating a post or elaborating on a number of the subjects you write regarding here. Again, awesome weblog!
excellent post, very informative. I’m wondering wwhy the other experts oof this secto do not notice this. You should proceed your writing. I am sure, you have a huge readers’ baee already!
Hello.This post was extremely remarkable, especially because I was browsing for thoughts on this issue last couple of days.
You completed several good points there. I did a search on the matter and found mainly folks will agree with your blog.
WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for
T Thomas Group offers bespoke travel planning.Luxury Travel Specialist that specializes in customized itineraries, luxury cruises, small group tours, solo travel and all aspects of LGBTQ+ travel. We ensure a seamless and luxurious travel experience, designed exclusively for you.
Thank you, I have just been searching for info approximately this subject for a while and yours is the best I have found out so far. However, what concerning the bottom line?
Are you certain in regards to the supply?
Hello! Would you mind if I share your blog with my myspace group?
There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content.
Please let me know. Thanks
Very interesting subject, thanks for posting. blog
It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy.
Great post and straight to the point.
Interesting post. I’m glad I came across this page. I’m going to bookmark it so I can read any future posts.
An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a coworker who has been conducting a little research on this. And he in fact ordered me lunch because I stumbled upon it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending some time to talk about this subject here on your website.
Hi! Im originally from Cambiaso and
I do mission trips to the village every year. I have read your article and I am so grateful for what you have done with my people. I would love to connect with you.
Wow, this article really resonated with me! Traveling in Europe with family can be such an incredible adventure, but it definitely comes with its own set of challenges. From navigating unfamiliar streets to finding activities that everyone enjoys, it’s a whirlwind of excitement and sometimes chaos. But hey, isn’t that what makes the best memories? Thanks for sharing your experiences and tips, they’re super helpful for planning our own European family escapade! ???
It’s hard to find knowledgeable people in this
particular topic, but you seem like you know what you’re talking about!
Thanks
Greetings! I’ve been following your website for a while now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give
you a shout out from Atascocita Tx! Just wanted to mention keep up the great work!
Your writing has a way of making even the mundane sound interesting. Kudos!
They are very very similar to the key facet all of us keep hidden from the world, the part of us that dares to dream impossible issues, where all our hopes and fantasies are born.
This article is impressive for me as mine east coast of usa
Howdy! This blog post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this
article reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept preaching
about this. I will send this article to him.
Fairly certain he’ll have a very good read. Many thanks for sharing!
Absolutely love this list of Mardi Gras celebrations outside New Orleans! Each destination seems to offer its own unique blend of culture, music, and vibrant festivities. While I’m tempted to explore them all, I can’t help but dream of experiencing the colorful chaos of Mardi Gras in Goa, India. Exploring India’s rich cultural tapestry during this festive season would undoubtedly be an unforgettable adventure. Thanks for inspiring wanderlust with these fantastic recommendations!
Thanks verfy interesting blog!
I was able to find good info from your blog posts.
“MyFamilyTravels provides a wonderful platform for families to share their travel experiences and glean inspiration for their own adventures. The diverse array of destinations and insightful tips make it a valuable resource for planning memorable trips. Kudos to the team for fostering a community that celebrates the joys of family travel!”
Your site is great and I plan on exploring it even more in the future. It is well written, comprehensive in it’s suggestions, It was a great article, thanks for sharing!
nice
There is certainly a lot to learn about this subject.
I really like all the points you made.
Nice Blog, Thanks for sharing this informative blog. We provide a Nepal Tour Package from Musafircab.
Yes. This is exactly what you should know to have a comfortable and cost-effective trip.
bookmarked!!, I love your site!