22, I’m in Paris, Baby!
Yes, I am that iconic.
When planning my trips for 2024, I was deciding where I wanted to go. I had a couple of places in my mind but somehow I decided that I wanted to go to the South of France. Then in August of 2023, a song became popular on TikTok and the main chorus said “22, I’m in Paris, baby.” I can’t describe what I felt when I first heard that song but all I know is that it is now one of my favorite songs. After that, I turned 22 and I realized that I had only one year to be 22 IN PARIS!!!
The Seine River!
Got a cruise down the Seine
After figuring out that I would be traveling to Paris, I had to figure out where else I had to go and with who! I decided on Nice so I could get some nice sun in the French Riviera. But then who was I to go with? My friends didn’t have the money to come so then I asked my family, but I realized that maybe I should go alone. It wouldn’t be my first trip going solo but I wouldn’t have a central location like I did when I studied abroad. This would really be a solo trip. I decided to go for it. My mother wasn’t too happy but knew that I would do whatever I set my mind to. Well, I’m so glad I went by myself.
Selfie time!
On the beach in Monaco!
I met so many amazing people. I met this girl in my hostel in Paris and we took a sunset river cruise on the Seine and then watched the lights sparkle on the Eiffel Tower. Then in Nice, I met another person in my hostel and we grabbed dinner and drinks a few nights when I was there. Both in Paris and in the French Riviera, I never felt lonely despite being by myself. I had the freedom of doing what I wanted during the day and then at night, I had someone to talk to during dinner.
Coast of Nice
People enjoying the rocky beaches
The highlight of the trip was when I went dancing with the person from my hostel in Nice and they ended up playing the song that brought me to France! It was a full circle moment and I couldn’t have planned it better. Overall, France was beautiful but I don’t see myself going back. Though, I am so happy to say that I was 22 in Paris, baby!
