Day 14: A birthday in Paris

Another year, and another birthday… in Paris? Wait... what? My 26th birthday was chock full of things that I had never done, and places I had never been.

The night before, we arrived in Paris and were greeted by a sudden change in language, and a very different cultural temperament than we had become used to London. For the very first time in my life I was in a city that did not speak my language and unlike the people in Greece, Parisians didn't care. And to put a cherry on top of the cultural shock, Parisians are not (and I mean this in the most respectful way possible) warm... RBFs everywhere. Luckily before we left, a friend (thanks, Helen!) had advised me to learn just a few French'isms, and to be wary of strangers offering to carry your bag for you. With "parlez vous Anglais" and a keen sense of stranger danger, I was ready to tackle another city and another year.

The morning of October 21st started with a nod to the healthy habits Matt and I are trying to incorporate into our lives, even though we are on the road, by taking a brisk sunrise run along the Seine. At that time on a Sunday morning, the city is still sleeping so Matt and I found ourselves in our favorite environment, all alone in a usually busy area. Our healthy habits took an abrupt U-turn when we stopped for a croissant (or two... okay fine four!) for breakfast on our way home. Queue the music, "it's my birthday and I'll eat if I want to, eat if I want to!"

After that, we made our way to Hillsong Paris for church with our friends the MacIlvaines. We attended their English service which was super interesting because the sermon was actually in French with a live English translator on stage. Both of us had major regrets never learning a second language after watching this gal kill it. Caleb and Liz were nice enough to take us to the iconic Cafe de Flore, a favorite of Ernest Hemingway, for afternoon Negronis and snacks.

Being in Paris, whether on your birthday or any day, requires a trip to the one and only Eifel Tower. Don't worry about going up it or even near it for that matter, instead walk a few blocks up and view it from the top of the Champ de Mars... for free!

Birthdays mean birthday dinners and this year was no exception. Matt, Nick, Steph and I all went out to a beautiful dinner at Grand Coeur and enjoyed every delectable bite. No birthday is complete without a birthday candle but this year was different because for the first time I felt like "how could I wish for anything more"... so instead I said a little prayer, and thanked Jesus for his abundant goodness and love, and maybe cried one tiny, incredibly thankful and slightly overwhelmed, tear.

Cheers to my 27th year.

xo

K