Today I purchased a one-way ticket back to Paris. It was impulsive but as soon as I clicked “Confirm” it just felt right. I don’t know how long I’ll be there this time, it could be a month or a year, but I am beyond thrilled.
I moved back to New York in October and have spent the last 6 months keeping up with France news, reading tons of expat blogs, going to French social parties and just daydreaming about Paris. I’m still only halfway unpacked, living out of suitcases and have hesitated to buy new furniture for my apt—I just had this feeling that New York was a temporary pit stop and there was no need to replant roots only to leave again. I didn’t know how or when I would go back, whether I was simply feeling nostalgic or if it was just a case of wanderlust, but this feeling in my gut wouldn’t go away.
I went to Paris in February for a 10-day vacation that went by way too fast. Then 3 weeks ago I quit my job (yes, I know it’s a recession), unable to reconcile the fact that after following my dream of moving to Paris, I came back to the States only to go through the motions at a job that I hated; living a mundane, unauthentic life for the sake of a paycheck. I was unhappy. I barely recognized myself and could no longer justify living less than my best life so I resigned with the intent to pursue my passions.
Today I met up with a couple of girlfriends for a fabulous afternoon of champagne in Central Park. When I got home I did my routine flight search and was surprised to find a ridiculously cheap one-way ticket to Paris (last week tickets were around $800) and bought it before I could think of reasons not to. I’ll be back at the end of July.
And at this point, I don’t have all the answers. I know I may seem irresponsible and flighty, but I just don’t care. I’m tired of listening to all the naysayers and the people who think I should be focusing on climbing back up that corporate ladder I left behind 2 years ago. Personally, I think its time I started listening to what my heart has to say. Paris has wooed me again—I don’t know for how long but I’m willing to go back for Round 2. New York isn’t going anywhere, jobs will come and go but I don’t have forever to make “selfish” choices like this so why not do it now before its too late? Stay tuned…
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57 comments:
I've periodically checked this blog hoping for updates. I think it's awesome that you're going back! If I was a little more free, I'd do the same in a minute. As as now, I have to settle for a quick jaunt to Paris in a couple weeks. Girl, never apologize for following your dreams! Most people wish they could be so brave! Bonne chance!
thank you!! :o)
I periodically check in here too... and said 'yay!!!' when I saw that you posted today. I'm soo happy that you're following your desires instead of letting others dictate your life. It may seem weird to you that people on the internet are rooting for you and interested in what you do with your life... I guess we all recognize the parts we share that allow us to dream, to follow those dreams and be true to ourselves.
YES!
YES!
YES!
YES!
DO THE DAMN THING! THAS WHAT I'M TALKIN BOUT...ONE-WAY IS THE WAY TO GO!
Live your life. I'll be in NYC around the third week of July and would love to meet up for drinks or something before you head off to Paris (and I head to Brazil).
-Fly Bro
Thanks Prosechild! Not weird at all... when you do the unconventional its nice to know that people out there have your back :o)
Fly Brother, thanks! Let's def connect when you come to NYC. We can celebrate our new chapter! I leave on July 29th so shoot me a line before you get here and we'll plan!
Hello!
I check in two and I'm glad to see that you are going back. You only live once and I'm trying to work on being brave like you when it comes to what my heart says!
Maybe this will give me the boost I needed! Good luck to you and keep us posted!
Congrats! You're right. You won't have this opportunity forever. NYC will always be there.
Thanks ladies! And Cynthia-- whatever your dreams are, go for it! :o)
YAYYYYYYY!!! I am SO happy for you! Reading those words was like reading from my own diary and I'm so happy you've chosen to go back to France! You're inspiring me to give Paris another go...I'm happy for you and am sending best wishes your way.
As soon as I started reading your blog you'd stopped writing. I had just returned from Paris (first time visit) April 12. I loved it. I had mentioned months ago to my own mother (I am a grown a** woman!!!) that I was considering leaving the country. Who knew my naysayer would be family? Anyway, I am glad you are moving. One day we may be neighbors! em.
lol girl I was in the same boat as you! I went to visit Paris for the first time in Feb 05 and fell absolutely in love with the city. 2.5 years later I was living there!
Now I'm dealing with the same mom issue you are-- it was hard enough for my mom to accept my going the first time, I don't even want to know what she'll say when I finally tell her I'm going back! :o)
But good luck to you... living abroad (even for a short while) is such an awesome experience!
Yes! I'm so excited that you have decided to return to Paris. I've been following your blog as well!
Lately I've decided to tune out the naysayers, which I suspect are just reflecting my own fears! I've been feeling unmotivated and wanting to do something I love. Strangely enough I discovered at the beginning of the year that I love watching tennis live, so I decided to travel the tour as much as I can.
So, I will see your lovely city twice: the French Open in May and the Paris Open in November. Yay!
I can't wait to see what new adventures will unfold for you.
Hey there,
I discovered your blog while doing some research right before I moved to France and I was bummed when you stopped updating. I think this is great that you're going back. Sometimes I think those decisions we make on what seems like a whim end up being the best ones. Follow your heart girl...and please keep us updated.
Wow! That is great girl!! Like the others, I too, have checked your blog periodically to see if you would update... So amazing that you are following your heart!
I totally had the same train of thought... I lived abroad in Mexico last year (and in France for 2 years before that), and returned "home" last September... But it just didn't feel right... So despite the naysayers/haters who said that I should "settle down", I am jetting off to live in Hong Kong, for yet another adventure... Though I must say that I have a love affair with France that I just can't seem to get over... I'm going back for a month this summer.
Looking forward to more posts from you!!
Thanks Vetta-- that sounds like a blast! I have a friend from NYC who's doing the same thing :o)
Thank you Dami! I agree!
Nikita-- thats fantastic! Just checked out your blog and I think we are living parallel lives :o)
Can't wait to read more about your adventure.
OMG!!! I am soooooooo excited for you! Best of luck. I have a good feeling.
"Paris is a moveable feast!" It's so true. I came here for a week last year and knew instantly that I was home. Now I'm here for six months studying, after which I will return (hopefully) after I graduate to do my MA. I love it here so much, I can't imagine there being any other place in the world where you can instantly feel like you're a part of it... even if you don't speak the language fluently!
When exactly are you coming in July? I'd love to meet up with you. I'm so happy you're blogging again !
Way to go, girl! Tune out the naysayers. When it feels "right" things will fall into place for you. All the best from Prague.
Charisse-- I 100% agree! There is something about the city that just forces you to love it... or at least never forget it :o)
Would love to meet up when I arrive and swap Paris stories-- I'll be there July 29th.
And thanks N & BG!!
Hi! I just stumbled upon your blog and I must say, well done! I'm an American going to grad school in London right now and I know what you mean about home suddenly feeling like a temporary stop over. I studied abroad in the UK back in 2003 and I've been back and forth living/visiting here ever since.
I agree with Fly Brother. Do you! When I decided to move to London (all 3 times), the biggest naysayers where from within my family. You only live once and the best time to do something like this is when you're still young. And who says everyone has to live their life doing the 9 to 5 climbing the corporate ladder?
Best of luck with your move to Paris and I hope you keep on blogging about the experience!
Hi Stacy,
Ive just been turned on to your blog of late and I can't tell you how happy I am that I found it.
I'm an American guy following much the same path that you are. Im moving to Paris come January of 2010, come hell or high water. lol.
I didn't see your email address anywhere on your blog, but I thought maybe I could pick your brain about the city of lights sometime over email? It would be such a great help to talk to you about your adventure.. since it will be my adventure too come very soon.
Not sure how u want to exchange email addresses if you are willing so I will check back here for your reply in the comments to this post.
All the best,
JLR
American Black Chick-- Thank you! I've recently come across your blog as well! Thanks for stopping by! I love to hear stories of people who have done similar things-- the pull to travel and have new experiences is so strong for some of us! Good luck to you and I'll be keeping up with your adventures as well :o)
JLR-- Congratulations!!! Its awesome you made the decision to move to Paris, you won't regret it. I'd be happy to talk to you about the city! Just send another comment and include your email address-- I won't post the comment-- and I'll drop you a line. Thanks!
Good for you I wish I had the guts to quit my job and go live my dreams. best wishes and good luck
good for you for following what you think will make you happy...@ least you won't have to live with regrets...believe me I know what that is like...sort of living that right now.
Hi-this is my first visit to your blog. I am coming to the end of my year in Paris. The year I promised myself since my children were small. Now they are at university, I sold up, fled the country and came to Paris. I am living my dream. I am also going back to the Uk in June to continue that dream and study for a degree in Art History. I can only say--you must do whatever feels right, Bisou. Don't let the nay-sayers dissuade you. Good Luck. I'm only sorry that I will be gone by the time you arrive. I would have liked to have met you !- Gillian x
(entropycottage.wordpress.com)
Hi,
I'm researching jobs in Europe right now and came across a site that might be helpful to you if you're looking for work in France: http://www.fusac.fr/en/. They publish a section of jobs for the English speaking community. Hope this helps!
I came across your blog a couple of months ago but I noticed that you had stopped writing which was sad. But I'm glad you can come back to Paris for awhile!
I have a question for you. I noticed that you wear your hair straight so I was wondering where you get your hair done in Paris. I plan on studying abroad for a year in Paris so I would love to know where I can get my hair done without having to potentially go to some more dodgy parts of Paris ( that's a suburbanite for you even though I love the city) If you could give some suggestions it would be greatly appreciated. Enjoy your time in Paris!
Well, I was crushed when my daughter left for Scotland as a student, then my mom was crushed when I left (at fifty sthing) for Spain (job opportunity) and I was crushed at the same time leaving my aging parents and my children and most of all my grand children, but I loved it and still do (even if I'm back in paris, now) so I'm sure you're right, enjoy, you have only one life (well, after 2 monthes you might hate the weather....)
Gillian-- thanks for the words of encouragement! It doesn't make sense to a lot of people but if they only knew how amazing life abroad can be. Glad you got to experience Paris :o)
ABCL-- thanks! I know the site/magazine-- I use it for everything!
Taler-- I actually do my hair myself. I only found one decent black hair salon (on the Champs Elysees) and their services cost an arm and a leg so I stock up on stuff in the States and do my hair myself... if you do find a place that's good but affordable please let me know!
Thanks marsupilamima! lol, and I'm very familiar with the Paris weather. It was a shock when I first arrived but even though its always cold and rainy and gray, I love it anyway! Adds a bit of character :o)
Wow!!! I'm another periodical checker who is sooooo pleased to see your recent post! Looking forward to your future posts, and best of luck the second time round! :-)
Hey,
I just wanted to post a tip regarding the question someone asked about hair care. I found this place on Rue du Saint Martin, close to Chatelet...particularly the Rambuteau metro stop. If you appreciate Dominican hair care, you will appreciate this, and she uses Mizani. And its quite affordable, she even gives a 20% student discount!
http://mariadoloresinstitut.blogspot.com/
Dami-Thank you for the tip!
Stacy- I have also compiled a nice little list of salons in paris during the last couple of days that actually cater towards african american hair that hopefully is cheaper than the one on the Champs Elysées in the 1st arrondissement, which is the one that won a big award. But here are some that I've found so far( and some give a 20% discount if you are a student or under the age of 25) but here is my list:
Living Room
22 rue des taillandiers 75011 Paris
Tele: 01 43 55 66 81
Livingroomparis.com
Salon Mark Clément Locale: 58 rue Volta, 3rd arrondissement
Metro: Temple or Arts et Metiers
Tel: (33).1.40.2
*I've heard great things about this one from what I've googled.
Kanellia Hair
Locale: 66 av. Champs Elysées-8th arrondissement
Metro: Franklin Roosevelt
Tel: (33).1.42.56.89.30
*There is a really expensive salon in the 1st off the Champs Elysées as well (probably the one that you are talking about) so this one will probably be cheaper.
DS CREATION
8 & 17 , rue du Château Landon 75010 PARIS
Accueil: 01 53 26 91 07
Nadege Fashion
29 Rue Basfroi 75011 Paris France
Tel : 01 44 64 08 04
Metro : Voltaire Ligne 9
*gives discounts and also has a website.
Ambre Beauté Concept
8 rue greffulhe
75008 Paris
Tel : 01 42 65 39 84
but I found that googling salon coiffeure afro paris france seems to do the trick in terms of finding a list of parisian salons that cater towards black hair.I have friends going to france this fall which why I am also doing so much research on this matter but it will benefit me and hopefully others in the long run.
But again, good luck in france!
Ladies you have made my day! I can't tell you how often my friends and I talked about the lack of affordable black haircare in Paris (aside from braiding places)! Little did we know... And there's even a Dominican spot (they are so good with the blowout)?! Insane. Thank you so much for this! I'll spread the word :)
hair: Friend of mne used to go to josephine on rue claude bernard and loved it.
Girl you know I am so happy top read this!!! It will be nice to catchup with you when you get here!!!! See you soon!!
Read my book, "True Season of Love," its a story of two sisters from Pennsylvania, working and finding love in Paris in the 60s. It's on Amazon.com
My website is: urennasander.com
Enjoy Paris!
Hi,
This comment is actually meant to be published. I'm starting the job hunting process (I finish up my MA at the end of August, fingers crossed!) and I'm starting to feel restless. I'm thinking of applying for work outside of just the US and UK, and would love to pick your brain about Paris/France. Would you mind if I e-mail you? Thanks!
Terra (aka American Black Chick in London)
terra.robinson@gmail.com
Wow!How could I have missed a new installment.I only heard you were going back to Paris by reading the comments on FlyBrothers blog.I've been hoping for updates and bang ...here you are.Its like connecting with an old friend again :)Really nice to have you back.
Random Personette . xo
Thanks Anonymous!! We'll see how round 2 goes! :)
I love this blog and I just found it today!
Are there going to be any updates?
Thank you!! And welcome!
Yep I'll start updating regularly when I get back to Europe at the end of July :)
Haven't checked in with you for a while but I say the same "do your thing"! Take the risks and travel until you get ready to stop.
Don't forget that every time you pass up a chance to live authentically for safety, life is going to remind you that safety isn't always all that safe.
I quit my comfortable and safe job working in finance and moved to Europe 4 years ago with no job, little savings and only knew 4 people on the whole continent (3 of which lived in a country I didn't). My family was horrified and disappointed at the time.
About 1.5 years after I quit, the company I worked for went bankrupt and everyone lost their jobs. Not only did they lose their jobs but many people never saw their last paychecks! I felt good that I chose to follow my heart and not sell myself out for safety that turned out to not be all that safe!
So true Vakker! Playing it safe is overrated ;o)
Salut, Stacy! I, too, have been occasionally checking your blog to see what you'd decided to do... and WOW! How fabulous that you bought that one-way ticket to Paris and are open to seeing where it'll take you.
Like you, I quit my "good job" in corporate America five years ago and headed to Florence, Italy (although I'm a HUGE Francophile, as well). While it was tough making a living as a freelance writer, it was worth every single minute and every cent I lost in the dollar-to-euro translation. Life is SHORT -- and as you so wisely put it, "living a mundane, unauthentic life for the sake of a paycheck" is NO way to live. It's all about what you think might make you happy. And if you're wrong, so what? At least you're living your life YOUR way -- and that is priceless. I'm 40 now, but I wish I'd had the good sense in my 20s that you do!
I try to get to Paris (my favorite city on earth) and France a few times a year, and would love to get in touch next time I'm there. In the meantime... let me know if it’s OK to add yours to my Blog Roll (www.urbantravelgirl.com). We sistergirl-citizens of the world need to keep each other inspired! C
Maureen
Salut Maureen! Thanks for the words of encouragement! It will def be an interesting trip this time around... I'm really looking forward to it. Drop me a line the next time you're in Paris.
And yes, you're more than welcome to add me to your blogroll. Thanks! :o)
Stacy, Will you see B on your return to Paris??
Ella: Yep I will... B and I are friends now. Since I left he's been to visit me in NYC twice and I've been to Paris once. No idea how things will pan out once I get back but we'll see!
I am awaiting more of your updates with bated breath Stacy!
You make me want to abandon my plans to move to Hong Kong, and move back to France... I always wanted to try living in Paris...
With regards to the paperwork side of things, do you have a work visa? What will you do for work when you get back to Paris?
I am eligible for a work visa, but I believe that I'll only be eligible for it until I reach the age of 30... And time's a tickin'. By the time I finish my work contract in HK I'll be 29! After that I won't have the chance to legally work in France...Sigh... Maybe I should REALLY look into moving back there in a couple of years while I'm still able to!!
p.s.
So awesome that you and B. are still friends! On verra ce que ca donne ;-)
LOL thanks Nikita! Living in Paris is definitely an incredible experience but I'm sure HK will be fantastic too! And who knows, when your contract is over maybe you'll end up living in Paris another way (other than with a work visa)... :o)
I am so happy and amazed that you are doing what I dream of doing...packing up and just GO. Kudos to you! For now, I'm okay with extended vacations, but one day I'll get that one way ticket, too.
Good luck with Round 2!
Thank you! :o)
Yay!!!
I am so happy to see that you are following your dreams. I cant wait to restart reading your blog. Bring on Paris to us! You are my inspriation.
I'm so glad I checked your blog today. I enjoyed reading about your adventures so very much and look forward to the ones to come. Congrats on following your dream! =)
Hey, are you in Paris?
I just left yesterday and am in Frankfurt at the moment. Sorry we couldn't meet up as planed, maybe another time though!
I AM VICARIOUSLY LIVING THROUGH YOU GIRL! I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS BLOG FOREVER...AT LEAST IT SEEMS THAT WAY..THIS WILL BE ONE OF MY OUTLETS FROM MEDICAL SCHOOL!
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