Travel & Hotspots
PARIS DIARY
It has finally happened. I have lost my virginity. I can thank GOD praise the lord say that I am no longer a Paris Virgin. Thanks to May (who prepared me for you fold napkins so that the cutlery can lie nicely in them. the city) and the cool design luggage brand Delsey.
Long story short: I had never admired the city of love (yes, on Insta, but that doesn't count), which was downright a shame and on orders from the boss, I had to go to Paris. And then suddenly there was an email from Delsey. For those who don't know yet, me and suitcases are a very good match (just look here at this) and that's why I let out a little squeal when the suitcase brand organized a trip to celebrate their 70th anniversary.
The best part: we went with the Thalys. That means you can stuff seventy pairs of shoes in a ridiculously large suitcase and still take it with you. Bonus points for traveling by train. Anyway, after three hours we arrive (I was accompanied by three lovely women) at Paris Gare du Nord. The weather is great, the sunglasses are pulled out of the handbag and upon arrival near the hotel, I immediately feel the Parisian vibe. After a mini freshen-up, it's time for a chocolate tasting at Hôtel Paris Bastille Boutet. I'm not really a star in French, but I think my “Otél Parie Bastie-je Bouté” sounds quite chic. Anyway, chocolate and loads of macarons (some press trips are really heavy) and then there was also some typing, really.
“About the city itself, I can only say one thing: May, you haven't lied a word...”
As a spastic bouncing ball, I can't wait to go out the door after the tasting and explore the center (okay, and the terraces) of Le Marais. Le Marais is spread over the 3rd and 4th arrondissement and can really be compared to the Amsterdam Jordaan. It's a small lively neighborhood with many bars, boutiques, and shops, and if you have a trip to Paris planned, I really recommend you to stroll around here. About the city itself, I can only say one thing: May, you haven't lied a word. Paris is insanely cool.
The Parisiennes breathe fashion in a way that we kale-eating Dutch can still learn from. I see the most beautiful, slender ladies in ballerinas and little black dresses, and whether it's healthy is a second question, but smoking is really cool in Paris. Standing still on the street, walking while shopping, or at one of the mini round tables that the terraces in Paris are so famous for. And wine is also quite cool. Some waiters are really ridiculously rude (tip from May: insult the waiters before they insult you) and if you speak English, they look at you as if you are a first-class alien and mumble n’est pas de problème back in French. Those Parisians, they are a proud people.
“Some waiters are really ridiculously rude and if you speak English, they look at you as if you are a first-class alien”
’In the evening we are invited to the opening of the Delsey pop-up store. For those who don't know the brand yet (shame on you): Delsey was founded in 1946 and is now the second largest luggage brand in the world. Not very surprising when you list their coolest features. Suitcases with fingerprint scans instead of combination locks? It exists, people. An app that ensures you never lose your luggage again? Also (just take a look this video at this). Oh, and they have the lightest suitcase ever at one and a half kilos. Do you think what I think? Extra clothes and shoes on the way there and back (does a happy dance). In short: you understand why I'm so excited. In the store, there is a real mini-museum of suitcases where marketing director Catherine De Bleeker speaks to us. You can customize your own travel accessories, the latest models are displayed in all colors and sizes, and with my suitcase fetish, I really don't know where to look. There are giant macarons. There are French stinky cheeses. There is even a 70th birthday cake in the shape of a, you guessed it: suitcase. Is it possible for a person to gain two kilos in two days? That's how I feel anyway.
We end the day where we started it: on the terrace. We smoke like heretics, drink a glass of bubbles or a bit too much, and then roll into our bed around half past two. The next day is a bit less pleasant (read: as hungover as a twig), but that doesn't stop us from having a ridiculously good shopping spree through the French streets. Before I know it, I end up in the Chanel boutique and make a purchase that on one hand I don't even understand (and on the other hand, I really do), but more about that later this week. Trust me, that's a story in itself. We board the Thalys again around 6 PM and I know: instant heartbreak. Damn Paris, this is not over between us. I thought not, girlfriend. I will arrange that next date.
