Ever since Peppa Pig went to Paris back in 2018, this trip was inevitable. For the next two years #1BigSister, then a toddler, thought every cell tower in Richmond was the Eiffel Tower and would give a verbal recount of Peppa’s adventure magnifique.

Like most of our trips, the hardest part was deciding on and securing the time off. Now with a rising 2nd grader, we’re limited by the school calendar. And, having been spoiled by business class the last few years, affordable flights dictate where we go.

Amir found some good options on Iceland Air. We’re driving to Dulles, connecting in Keflavík, then flying in to Charles de Gaulle.

On the drive up, we celebrated my 46th birthday in style at Taco Bell. Did you know you can now get an oversized Cheese-It shoved into a burrito?

After a roll-call to ensure we were six again, I polled the team. “Name one thing you really really really want to do in France!”

#1BigBrother: ride a motorcycle!

#1BigSister: Disney!

Ale: eat a GIANT macaroon

#1LittleSister: play in the airport

Amir: go inside a German bunker at Normandy

Me: wine, a baguette and good people watching at an outdoor cafe

We hit no traffic on the way to Dulles, and once there, we sailed through TSA security screening with little hastle. Amir and I both commented that the TSA seems much more organized and family friendly over the past year – maybe they finally hired Chick -Fil-A as an operations consultant.

We didn’t get to explore Iceland as we had a tight connection, but we’re definitely adding it to the travel list. Tourism here has exploded in the last ten years – so much so that they are building a new airport but already seeing the volumes of a huge European hub. From the air, the entire landscape was flat, no trees, but not brown or dead… and not all snow covered… moss. It’s the land of moss. I’m in love.

The flight to Paris was smooth and easy – less than three hours. I managed to squeeze the Whitney Houston movie in with just 4 minutes to spare. When I was in 6th grade, I was the new kid, just having moved from Midlothian to Virginia Beach. I was feeling a little down and lonely, but distinctly remember when the music teacher asked me if I would do a solo at the chorus performance. Just me and one other girl. Can’t remember her name. Just two lines each, but I remember them.

“Everybody searching for a hero
People need someone to look up to
I never found anyone who fulfill my needs
A lonely place to be
And so I learned to depend on me.”

I went on to do All-City Chorus that year… only thing is – I can’t really sing. Even though my mom is musical and sings, I’ve never been good. Maybe I was cute back then?

Anyway, I did tear up a bit for Miss Whitney. Everyone wanted a piece of her. She got caught in the wheel.

We took at Uber from the airport to our AirBnB, and for the first time ever, the host wasn’t there when promised. Nearly a half hour later that we said we’d arrive, Shirley appeared with keys.

The place is more spectacular than the photos showed – a private outdoor courtyard, cool art and right next to the Saint Lazare train station. I give credit for that last detail to Amir. He researches these places for weeks before booking. We’ve learned access to public transit is a must. Especially as most taxis and Ubers max out at 5 people, and we are of course a team of 6.

Coincidentally our friends Lety and Peter are here in Paris right now with their two girls. We have to nail down the details, but plan to meet them for lunch tomorrow.

Stick a fork in me…

~Steph