My little ode to Europe — and a gentle push to step outside your comfort zone.
This was my first time traveling solo. I was excited, but also a little anxious. Would I get bored? Spend too much money? Feel unsafe or lonely?
The verdict: maybe I spent a bit too much on clothing but everything else was a resounding no.
What I did do was push beyond my comfort zone and fully embrace slow life — browsing vintage shops for hours, stopping for wine whenever my feet got tired, wandering museums with no time limit and no agenda. Consider this your reminder to stretch yourself in whatever way feels possible. If solo travel isn’t accessible or isn’t your thing, be curious anyway. Do something you’ve been afraid to do. Find pride and celebration in that moment — and encourage the people you love to do the same.
Now, off to Paris we go.
After dropping my bags and freshening up, I headed straight to a shopping mecca called Printemps. I took a not-on-the-way shortcut through the Jardin des Tuileries and landed myself at the Musée d’Orsay. I’m not usually the biggest museum-goer, but I surprised myself — I fell completely in love. Seeing the brushstrokes of Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, felt genuinely magical. I became that person, standing still for long stretches of time, gazing like you (or I) see people do in the movies.
From there, I felt this sudden urge to see more, do more, start my food journey — but the museum sits right along the Seine, so instead I plopped down like a local, dangled my feet over the edge, and watched the boats glide by. Eventually, though, it was time for wine.
The outdoor seating everywhere — those tiny French bistro chairs — paired with the thoughtful details of awnings, flowers, and shutters is just darling. I landed at La Palette and sat next to a couple visiting from London. One cocktail turned into hours together. He was a fashion designer, she a color theorist — which felt oddly kismet, considering I’m a personal stylist myself.
I packed so much into the first day that I didn’t even go back to change before dinner. I dined solo, outside, facing the street, with a full plate of pasta and an entire bread basket all to myself. Does it get better?
That first solo day is one I’ll never forget — and somehow, it just kept getting better.
Favorite moments that pushed me out of my comfort zone:
- My first plate of snails. Delicious. (Shhh — I Googled how to open them while sitting at the bar.)
- The Eiffel Tower at night, alone. I didn’t realize you could just sit in the park and watch it sparkle for as long as you want. The last time I did the full tourist thing — totally unnecessary. It’s a very romantic scene: couples, groups of friends, everyone sharing the moment together. I was proud of myself for not feeling even a hint of loneliness. I even packed extra-comfy shoes so I could walk the entire hour back to my hotel.
- Vintage heaven. I spent hours in a shop called Thankx God I’m a V.I.P., leaving with just one small gift for a dear friend. But the joy was in the browsing — trying things on, admiring pieces, everything organized by color. On the walk home, I window-shopped with a gigantic baguette tucked under my arm to refuel.
- Lingering over coffee. Sitting down with a coffee and croissant — no rushing, no to-go cup. A small habit I want to carry back with me to SF.
- Le Marais day. I spent the day in the Jewish Quarter, and as a Jewish woman, I felt deeply energized and proud. I stopped for falafel while catching up with my cousin in Israel on the phone — a small, grounding moment that made the day feel especially meaningful.
I kept a Google Map with little notes of everywhere I stopped and why I loved it. So many special shops, restaurants, street corners, and chance conversations made this a trip I’ll never forget. Consider this your little push to give it a go — and if you need a gentle nudge, I’m always here for you.
Solo time is necessary and grounding. Do whatever version of it you can for yourself — time to slow down, reflect, and learn a little more about who you are.
