Christmas in Paris

What would you say if someone who lived in Paris asked you to switch apartments with them over the Christmas holidays?  My answer would normally be a resounding YESYESYESYESYES --- a million times yes!  Sadly (for me), this is not just a theoretical question --- this actually happened to me recently.  I say sadly, because as some of you may know I left my job in October to return to university full-time and a trip to Paris is just not in the budget. 


So how did this amazing almost-trip almost happen?  I was helping a friend of a friend with her resume and she mentioned that her husband's parents live in Paris (right in the city) and are looking to do an apartment swap over Christmas.  She asked if I'd be interested.  My first line of thinking was "Oh my God.  I have to do this.  What can I sell?  My soul, perhaps?" 


I had visions of myself in a beret and striped tee, with a red scarf tied around my neck, piling the basket on my bicycle full of cheese and bread.  I could see myself climbing up a narrow staircase to a cozy Paris apartment with a balcony just big enough to fit me and my laptop.  I'd give it all up to stay in Paris and write.  I'd become fluent in le francais and live the life of une artiste.  How romantic!

More like, how not realistic. I came back to reality rather quickly when I realized that it's just not in the cards for me at this point.  Even if I could afford it, school takes a lot of mental energy and once you're in the zone you want to stay there.  Anything that diverts my attention is dangerous --- especially things that I really want to do!  


Surprisingly my realization didn't even sting as much as I would have thought.  That's the really cool thing about having a purpose.  When you have a purpose or a dream (for me, it's finishing university) it's easier to accept these small sacrifices.  I have been given a gift by returning to university at this point in my life.  A gift that better keep on giving ;)


So would I love to go to Paris over Christmas?  Of course. Do I feel resentful that I can't?  Not at all.  I feel grateful that I could have had the opportunity, but I feel even more grateful that I have the opportunity to finish something that is really important to me ... my business degree.


Now, in all honesty, this story may have turned out differently had the apartment we're speaking of looked like the one below :)  I found this amazing website Haven in Paris that has tons of incredible Paris apartments, and I will definitely be featuring more in the upcoming months.

Not actual apartment ... thank God lol

 

Forever,
Amber