Nighttime in Paris and I can still hear that slow, hypnotic jazz playing from the speakers of our hotel lobby at the Relais Christine in the Latin Quarter. Our hotel had the same facade of Madeline’s house covered in vines-a courtyard with an ethereal charm and a room where Edith Piaf’s La Vie en Rose wafted over the surrounding rooftops. For a moment time felt suspended and the palpable love between us was tangible; hanging thickly in the air like a sweet fog-clouding the mind, turning reality into a dream. We were both drifting away on a sea of French red wine, low music and a warm evening spent laughing our way down the cobblestone streets of Pigalle while stealing kisses in shadowy corners of the city. You in your black pants, crisp blue shirt and me in my satin, royal blue dress-both of us dressed to the nines, inspired by La Ville Lumière and all the promise it holds. Paris was infectious and whatever flirtation we had carried with us across the Atlantic had blossomed in a matter of hours under the glittering silhouette of the Eiffel Tower.
When I close my eyes I can still see the glow of Notre Dame glistening along the Seine, can still feel that giddy excitement of spotting Laduree and grabbing your hand as we let the delicate taste of rose macaroons melt in our mouth. I can still feel that all-consuming romance as we walked back to our hotel and stopped to dance by the river, can still feel the butterflies in my stomach as we strolled to the Pont des Arts bridge on our last day to lock our love-an act that somehow felt more magical and symbolic than any walk down an aisle could ever be. Paris was a dream; the type of trip one imagines and hopes for when they fly eight hours to visit a place dubbed “the city of love.” Of the many places I’ve seen and cultures I’ve encountered, that trip is a beautiful memory of mine that will always burn bright in my mind, rich with romance, the company I kept and that picturesque backdrop.
Can I say Paris was my favorite travel memory? Perhaps. I’ve had many-from road trips through the heart of France, sipping absinthe in Barcelona, finding serenity on a clifftop in Normandy, gathering perspective while in a jungle in Panama, traveling with friends, family and loved ones to exotic locations and inspiring cities. Yet something about Paris will always spark the imagination and hold the same mystique that love does; but perhaps my best travel story hasn’t happened yet-perhaps it is wrapped up in the promise of an upcoming trip to Ecuador or some other far flung locale. Our travel stories are our most precious souvenirs and while pictures fade and bracelets can unravel, our travel stories stay with us. With that in mind, I want to hear your best travel stories! I am excited to announce a travel giveaway of three adorable luggage tags for one lucky winner to win and take with them on their next adventure.
To Enter the Giveaway…
- Go follow @pinthemapproject on Instagram!
- Enter the travel giveaway by sharing your favorite travel story in the comments section below or on Instagram.
- One lucky winner will be chosen to win these amazing luggage tags for their upcoming travels.
- Please only U.S. based entrees as prizes will not be shipped internationally.
