March 2025
Another month of falling behind on my monthly reviews, March and April have slipped me by. It’s the end of April and I’m just getting around to writing this - and that’s mostly because the internet at home is not working so I’m using this as an opportunity to disconnect. So I’m sat with a box of chocolates that a friend gifted me for my birthday (delicious!!).
All things Paris
Despite not being in Paris much, I did get to do a few fun things in the city. There was a temporary event called “Cabaret du Chat Noir // EXPO DES 150” which I really enjoyed. I came across some new artists which is always fun, and some where working on their pieces while I was there. The event was hosted in a building that I’ve walked past countless times, but I’ve never been in because it’s usually closed to the public. I think visiting a place that’s usually not open is extra cool.
I went to see Orla Gartand which was a lot of fun! I had planned on finding an outfit that worked for the themes, but I honestly didn’t have time and it fell down on my priority list - I loved seeing all of the outfits that other people came up with especially the hand made items! I had a great time, this is my second time seeing her in Paris (and I think I saw her many years ago in the UK). I’ve been listening to her music for over a decade and her 2023 album is one of my favourite albums to run to (when I go for a run…).
On a related music note, we bought tickets for the Days Off festival in July. This is one of my favourite festivals in Paris because the concerts are often unique. Live music is just so good for my soul.
I went to the cinema to watch the latest Bridget Jones movie, I honestly just needed to have something easy that I could watch without thinking. It ticked all of the boxes. Is it the best movie ever? No, but I had fun. When I came out of the cinema I was surprised at how much it was raining because it was a beautiful day going into it.
Someone I follow on Instagram was hosting a webinar (in French) on the history of Paris (and France) called “de Lutèce à nos jours”. I sat at home with my partner in our cinema room and watched it - we both learnt a lot. I’m always looking at expanding my knowledge so I love things like this. You can always tell when someone is interested in what they do.
Travel
March was a busy month outside of Paris! The month started off in the UK. At the end of February, we took the Eurostar to London and then a train up to Scotland to visit my gran. My brother was also there which was amazing.
Here’s the thing, trains in the UK are so expensive. My brother, who needed to drive south anyway, dropped us off in Warrington so we could take the train to Sheffield (annoyingly the train tickets in person were more expensive than online, which I only realised after buying them). This was so much cheaper that taking a train from Edinburgh - even when giving my brother some money towards the fuel.
I had never been to Sheffield before, but this was an extra special trip because we were there for the 30th birthday party of a friend!! She has rented a room in a pub, and it was so much fun. I’m so happy I got an invite - sometimes people don’t invite long distance friends to events because they don’t want their friends to feel obliged to come. I LOVE celebrating friends, and I don’t think it needs to be reserved only for weddings. I haven’t seen this friend since my wedding in July 2022. Long distance friendships are hard, but so so rewarding!
The day after, we took the train to Manchester, it was in the direction we needed to go, hotels were much cheaper there and it’s been years since I was there. I went when I was maybe 13 with some school friends - one of my friends was from manchester which is why we went (I honestly can’t remember the details).
My partner had work on the Monday, so I had a free day for myself. I went to the People’s History Museum, which was great.
In the evening we took a train to Windermere where we spent the rest of the week. We had a caravan for a small week. The caravan was what you’d expect, but sadly the wifi didn’t work. Caravan holidays are cheap. While my partner was working, I had a few days to explore the local area.
Then it was time for the family party! It was my auntie’s 60th birthday, and we had a surprise party. The run-up to the event was intense, lots of small little lies here and there. I had to block my auntie on instagram just in case she saw something about my trip to the UK - she would have been suspicious if she knew I was in the UK but didn’t say anything.
We spent a night in London before taking the Eurostar back to Paris. My partner was working from the London office, so I had a free day. I took the train to Rochester to see a friend and their baby! So so good to catch up with them. They were meant to visit a few weeks earlier, but had to cancel their trip (hoping we can making something work over summer!).
I had three days back in Paris before heading on a ski trip. It was organised by the company my partner works at, so we were 90ish people in total. A lot of logistics and planning went into the trip - and I’m happy I’m not the one doing it!
Here’s the thing, I don’t ski. There’s really not much about skiing that I enjoy and I’ve accepted that. I tried a few years ago when I had some lessons but I did try again this time (briefly). My partner spent a few hours with me on the beginners area, I didn’t fall, but I didn’t get the hang of stopping which scares me.
I don’t enjoy going fast, I feel out of control, people speeding past me always surprises me, ski boots are the most uncomfortable shoes I’ve ever had to wear (everyone tells me that it’s just part of the deal) and ski lifts on their own are scary.
Despite that, I did still have a good time. I didn’t fully disconnect from work (will work harder on that next time). I spent a lot of time in the sauna, jacuzzi and swimming pool. The nice thing about not skiing is the spa area during the day is quiet - I essentially had the place for myself.
I organised a hike one day with a few people from the group I was with. That was a lot of fun. I met some cool people, including someone who lived in the same city that I lived in in Germany!! No one has heard of Münster, so to have met someone who lived there was extra cool!.
I’ve never done a hike in snow, but I really enjoyed it. Very happy I took my ski poles with me, because the descent was fairly steep in some parts.
On the final ski day, the weather was really bad so people couldn’t really ski - a lot of the lifts were closed due to the wind and low visibility. So I reserved a lane at the bowling alley, and we had a game. I still suck at bowling, but I will say I’m better at it compared to skiing.
Next year, if I go skiing, I’ll take some beginners lessons. Or maybe I’ll just stay home.