December 20, 2024
I got home last night (I’m writing this on Thursday…) after 8 p.m., and it was an exhausting day. I forgot just how far one has to walk in airports – especially Charles de Gaulle in Paris!
And stand in line. Oh. My. Heavens. Could someone with some planning and logical skills get in touch with these people and sort out how they get you from the curb to your airplane?
But I have warm and happy memories of my trip, and that’s what matters! You’re not going to travel without some effort, right? Unless you’re shamelessly wealthy, which I will never be!
My favorite moment? I went to a rugby match – yes, by myself – at the Stade Jean-Bouin, a lovely stadium in the far south-west corner of the city. I walked the 10K from my hotel to the match…
Here I am, with my sign to send a message to Belovedest, which is really just a printed piece of paper. But hey – I carried it from Chicago to Paris, and then in my pocket across the city!
Yes, this was “screen-grabbed” from the television broadcast! I was actually on the screen for a very long time, because at half-time, the camera above and behind me tipped down and was LOCKED on where I was sitting… I was spotted dancing…
This was cold – while I was walking I was fine, but sitting in a gigantic cement bucket with a few thousand of your newest friends can get nippy. How did I manage?
I’ve got to share this, because it really was a game-changer for me – ZIPPERED POCKETS! I literally did not carry a handbag at ALL when I was in Paris – wallet and passport in one pocket (zip!), and phone in the other pocket. (zip!) It was delightfully carefree…
How did I fit a wallet into my pocket? I bought a skinny, flat wallet from the company paperwallet, which held some Euros and a credit card, and the receipts that I remembered to grab. I had no ticket for this match because it was a digital thingy on my phone…
Abstract floral – Simone Brillarelli for paperwallet; orange and red print – Ricardo Santos for paperwallet; floral – Brolga for paperwallet; “leather” – by paperwallet
Under my coat, I wore a black cotton turtleneck, jeans, and a sweatshirt that I bought specifically to wear to this match! But it’s okay, because I already own shorts and a tee shirt in this color. And just to make it French, and eccentric like me, I tied on a vintage Hermes scarf. Because why not?
Sweatshirt – Colorful Standard, scarf – Hermes
I think I mentioned these to you in the last couple of weeks, but Wellow compression socks are amazing! They’re really compression socks, but they don’t cut off circulation to your toes, nor do you require a block and tackle to get them on. I now own six pairs, and I’m probably going to make them my usual “non-gym” socks. They’re that good!
I made a last-minute strategic packing choice, and packed my Vivaia loafers, rather than my Minnetonka moccasins. It was a good move; these shoes seem to handle the vagaries of my foot pain better than anything else.
By the time I got home yesterday, my feet were annoyed with me, but I’d had my boots on for about 20 hours at that point, so nothing short of bedroom slippers would have been comfy! But today, I have no pain. I call that success…
The other good packing choice that I always make is to put my medications into a pair of Port and Polish cases. I use them at home, and I have a second pair of them that I keep filled at all times for those times when I used to have to dash off for family emergencies. Now, they live in my “bug-out bag.” One fewer thing to have on my mind:
I very carefully observed what everybody was wearing and what was in the store windows, so on Monday, I will catch you up with all that fun stuff…
Overall, Paris was quiet and very “under-decorated” for the holidays. Maybe it was the neighborhood where I spent most of my time, and maybe it was because Parisians are burned out with decorating after the Olympics. There was still Olympic stuff everywhere.
But the festive spirit was there, and there were shoppers BY THE TON everywhere. Saturday night, on the Rue de Francs Bourgeois (neighbourhood shopping street), it was elbow to elbow, with everybody carrying bags and packages. And everybody in a good, helpful, friendly mood…
A very typical holiday decoration on the Rue Turenne, Paris
There was holiday decor to be seen, including more than a few things that were “deer-themed.” Not reindeer, just regular deer. Hmm…
And there was hot chocolate – that brown sludge in the bottom of the mug is melted chocolate, into which you mix your own hot milk and maybe add sugar:
chocolat chaud a l’ancienne, or old-fashioned hot chocolate
And the Marais – the neighborhood in which I was staying – had a small festive area on the main street:
More Monday – I’m in need of a nap!
love,
Janice
Janice, I am so incredibly happy for you….and how intrepid are you??? Going to a Rugby match alone and walking 6+ miles? You are my hero! I hope the trip was utterly divine (how can Paris not be?) and that you are able to get some good rest this weekend. How are your ribs? I know that mine had healed 100% UNTIL I overdid it months later…and then they ached again. Maybe find a local hotel/spa that will let you buy a day pass to rest your weary feet, achy body, etc. in a hot tub and treat yourself to a gentle massage.
Because I’ve spent so much time in France (my mother’s entire family is from Nancy and Paris), as well as having lived in Germany for 4 years during the late 80’s and early 90’s, I can attest that Continental Europeans don’t decorate to the same extent that American do. Lots of the decorations these days are due to the US influence. That being said, I love the understated elegance of European holiday decor. My daughter’s house is completely French in feeling in the way she decorates too….even on the North Shore of Massachusetts.
Welcome home and now onto Christmas!
Welcome home. And thank you for sharing your trip with us. Paris has so much charm.
Janice, thank you for a delightful commentary on Christmas in my favorite city. You had a ball, that’s for sure.
I have already ordered the Wellows. Your advice is precious!
Happy recouperating!!
Thank you for taking us along with you to Paris! I’ve been there many times at Christmas and it was always frigid, but so tastefully decorated. I don’t know about “P”, your beloved late husband? Was this a tribute trip? Would Vivivas be good for bunions? Amazing amount of walking you did, and I agree about the walking in CDG also my home airport of ATL, not to mention the waits at the baggage carrousel. Thank you for the inspiration!!!
Belovedest’s real name is Peter. I try to keep him in the background, because he’s not a hog for publicity and attention! I have a bunion on my left foot, so I can vouch that Viviaias are okay for me – best try them for a while to be sure before you take off across a large city… Airports have become ridiculous – I remember moving my mother from Florida to Chicago, and the distances that I pushed her wheelchair were absurd. I know that airplanes are big, and that they need to be spread out, but someone somewhere must have a better idea…
love,
Janice
Welcome home! Those photos have me muttering to myself. I don’t miss CDG but it has been entirely too long since I ran across proper chocolat chaud! The only shoes I’ve found that can really handle serious touring are my Ahnus – a little bulky & definitely not dressy but they are unphased by cobblestones, rain & luggage (I carry a pack).
And those microwallets! I just spent entirely too long on their website. There is no such thing as a small-enough forever wallet, but those look darn close…
Janice, welcome home. And thank you for sharing your adventures. It’s a joy to live vicariously through your travels!
I’m so glad you had a wonderful time! And CDG is the worst! I fly to France at least twice a year and I avoid it at all costs. I fly to Zurich or Geneva if I can. De Gaulle was named the Most Stressful Airport in Europe this year. I would say in the Western hemisphere.
Thank you for the heads up about CDG. I found Amsterdam Schipol pretty horrendous earlier in the year…
Welcome home! It looks like you had a wonderful trip. Thank you for this lovely post
Keeping a second pillbox filled for ‘grab and go’ purposes is a really good tip.
What a wonderful column!! Just loved every bit of it! The pictures, fashion …… Everything!!
How intrepid you are! And the screenshot is an unusual and wonderful souvenir. As ever, your travel tips very useful.
I’ve thought of youse real times this past week, so happy that your could be in Paris again and it’s always so lovely to see the photos you’ve taken.
Your pre-planning skills are incredible! It blows me away to think that you made a sign at home to hold up to your hubby while at the rugby game. I’m sure that meant so much to him. 🥰
Thank you for the tips and suggestions and I’m looking forward to Monday’s post about Parisian street fashion.
I hope you’re able to give yourself lots of extra self-care these next few days, despite Christmas Day looming large.
So glad you had a wonderful trip, Janice! Love the screenshot of you with a message to Belovedest. I appreciate the more understated Christmas decor in your photos. It can get really over the top here in the US.
Ha – is “over the top” the polite way of saying TACKY?! I’ve been appalled looking at Christmas “ornaments” for sale this year – does anyone REALLY want a small glass (?) bottle of Ranch dressing or ketchup hanging on their tree? I agree with you and all the other posters about the understated European decor – thanks for the photos Janice!
Ah… Carol. You made me think of ornaments I spotted about 8 years ago. Little shiny booze bottles and martini glasses. Couldn’t imagine anyone buying them. 😱
There’s a chain of stores called Sur La Table here in the US that carry dozens of Christmas tree ornaments that are food-themed. I guess a pickle ornament is good luck?
love,
Janice
I am echoing everyone else in thanking you for sharing your travel adventures and pictures. Glad you were warm and cozy while away and made it home safe and sound. I myself am not big on purses at the best of times and love it when I can just grab my phone and go. I have a Moft adhesive on the back of my phone which then holds my id as well as a debit/credit card. Those microwallets are pretty sweet as well. Looks like it will be a green Christmas for us this year, so wishing you and all a very merry Christmas.
Thank you for sharing your delightful travels with us, Janice! I love seeing you in the stadium. How fun! 🎄❤️🎄
Lovely post, beautiful photos – thank you!
Ah to be in France in December, hmmm, glad you could go & I can live vicariously through you. Have a delightful weekend!
Lovely post with great travel tips with a glimpse of Parisian culture for us to enjoy vicariously. And congrats on all the walking you did considering your last injury. Well done!
The paperwallets piqued my interest. I was delighted to see they have RFID, something I seek in wallets and purses. Can’t be too careful these days.
I too appreciate scaled-down holiday decor. My decorations go up mid-December and stay up until at least January 6 as I like to celebrate the traditional Twelve Days of Christmas. A quieter time to visit with family and friends once the Christmas frenzy is over.
We leave our tree up ’til the 6th of January too – I think we’re the only people around that do that! I counted last night – I can see 37 Christmas trees (in the windows of apartments/condos) from here; I will see how fast they come down after the holiday!
The wallet was grand – it was just enough to keep my cash and single card together, without making me look any lumpier than I already do!
love,
Janice
What a lovely trip.
That’s a great picture of you. I’m really looking forward to the sequel on Monday.
You should remember that electricity is more expensive in Europe and the lighting in houses is more subtle.
Hi Janice,
Thanks for taking us on your trip to Paris; looking forward to reading Monday’s post. Rest up!
I’ve been going back and rereading your posts from 10 years ago. I’ve been amazed at how “current” most of the outfits look. It’s true, fashion has phases, style is eternal. 10 years ago I saved the camel/burgundy travel capsule post to my style inspiration board, along with the follow up burgundy/navy and emerald/camel posts. I purchased several dupes for the clothes at that time, which I am still wearing and receiving compliments. You also inspired me to start collecting vintage accessories.
Thank you for helping me assemble a wardrobe that brings me joy every day.
May the holiday season be filled with joy for you and yours.
Karen
Dearest Karen,
You’re expressed EXACTLY what I keep hoping to accomplish – buy something and live with it for a REALLY LONG TIME. Our planet can’t tolerate too much more closet churning, and we’ll never have a clear personal style if we keep changing our clothes and accessories! It’s not complicated, but we’ve been SO trained that we need new things, and that shopping is entertainment, and that we can always donate our clothes to someone else to deal with.
Wardrobe joy can be real!
love,
Janice
Janice,
I am so happy that you were able to actually make this trip happen, finally ! And — welcome home !
Thanks for sharing the lovely holiday views of Paris ! While I do have some French ancestry, the part about subtle and understated holiday decor must have passed down into my genes , as that is my style too !
Your Hermes scarf shows on the stadium seat photo !
Isn’t that delightful! I’m thinking it was probably the only Hermes scarf in the stadium…
love,
Janice
Thank you for these beautiful pictures and for overcoming you exhaustion to post. I live in northern Minnesota, so I appreciate the warm clothes wardrobe. Merry Christmas!
I also leave my Christmas tree and most other holiday decor up until at least January 6. I also enjoy the understated, classic, nature-inspired decorations of Europe. When we traveled to the European Christmas markets in 2017, we were really impressed with the festivities and abundance of wonderful decorations. But they were all so tasteful and we found it rather depressing when we returned home. Thank you for sharing the beautiful pictures of your trip and so glad you returned unscathed!
Who was playing? (rugby) So glad you had a good time and safe travels.
Stade Francais – known as the Pinks, because they wear pink jerseys, versus the Saracens from London. Stade was winning for the first third of the match, then their star player got red carded (i.e. kicked out of the match), and the folded like a cheap card table and lost… sigh…
Janice, I’m so glad you had a great time and are safely home again. I’ve loved seeing these glimpses of Paris! I can hardly wait to see what you’ll post on Monday.
Warm Wishes,
Diana
Welcome home! I’m glad you had a nice trip. Thank you for sharing it with us. Thanks for the coat recommendation. Is it waterproof? I am in need of a new coat to take to Europe in a year. I’ll check it out.
I don’t think it’s waterproof. Maybe water RESISTANT… I miraculously didn’t hit one drop of rain when I was in Paris. It was misty – what the Irish call “soft” – but never real rain. I was living right!
love,
Janice
Re bunions: there’s a UK based company called Sole Bliss that makes beautiful stylish shoes specifically for bunion owners.They have a specially designed toe box. Sadly £££ but they are gorgeous.