Forewarning! this might be an extremely long blog post, but interesting nonetheless. My 21st birthday happened to land during this semester abroad (almost useless because you can do everything abroad at 12). Either way I was determined to celebrate the importance of my 21st as I would in the states. In true Fabiola fashion I decided the best way to celebrate this momentous birthday was to celebrate it in PARIS for 5 days! I went on Wednesday, Nov 7 (birthday was Thursday, Nov 8 - I wanted to wake up in Paris) and flew back to Malaga on Sunday, Nov 11. Now, there are stories appropriate for a blog and then there are some that are not :) - again in true Fabi form. In order to keep this entry clear I will do my best to break them up more or less by days.. Alright my lovely readers.. let's begin!
Wednesday, November 7
Being all international these days I have decided that I HATE flying. Please do not confuse my hatred for flying as fear. Something about being up in the air and not being able to leave just blows my insides. I actually get a little testy and angry or completely zen on flights - it's my bodies choice which it is that day. Now, the flight to Paris sucked all the excitement of flying to Paris out of me. As soon as we lifted off I was extremely nauseous and it felt like someone was taking a hammer and playing wack a mole on my head (not exactly a good time). The girls that went with me would say "Wow, such a short flight only 2hours and 20mins", that felt like eternity to me. I could not wait to get off! Now, I am back on solid ground and realize I am in PARIS I am getting pumped and my birthday was 2hrs away :)
I loved that the majority of the taxis in Paris were Mercedes Benz's or BMW's - too fancy and a great way to start our tour of the city. Now, I must insert before leaving Malaga I informed one of my too friendly gringa girls she is not allowed to share a taxi or speak to strangers at the airport "I refuse to have a "Taken" situation. Paris is absolutely beautiful and I can literally imagine myself living there. Two of the ladies are grandmas so they stayed in the hotel and slept to get ready for the long/early days ahead, me? yeah right! let's go find my drink at midnight (I was successful). Katie is such a party girl and her presence was the ying to my yang this trip.
Thursday, November 8 (21st BIRTHDAY)
"Wake up in the morning feeling like PDiddy". This day was ALL about finding my cousin Doreen who I have not seen since I was in Haiti over 10 years ago. We met at the Eiffel tower and our tour began!
Now, I thought people in DC/NYC walk fast, but they have ABSOLUTELY nothing on Parisians (my cousin included). It is like they are literally running when you try to follow, but they don't look like they are running (workout whooo). Now my cousin was the BEST tour guide ever! We learned how to use the metro (COMPLICATED) I cannot even begin to explain how sophisticated it is. Since I am such a smart cookie I mastered it by Saturday -winning. We saw the Eiffel Tower, The Musée du Louvre Champs-Élysées and the surrounding monuments. I saw EVERYTHING I wanted to see!
 |
| The ENTIRE Louis Vuitton store! |
 |
| The Arc de Triomphe |
Pictures do not capture the beauty of Paris (trust me). We walked EVERYWHERE, by the time we got back to the hotel I was limping. My knee was SWOLLEN and I was in such pain (only negative of the trip/I had to stay in the hotel and rest) All of our bodies were achy and sore, and me not being able to really walk meant - timeout!
Friday, November 9
Rest, ice, Ibuprofen, rest and more Ibuprofen was all I needed. Friday was a slower day, because we knew we HAD to party Friday night for my birthday. We saw a few sites, but kept it slow. Paris nightlife is everything. We went to Bastille, which has all the clubs and bars. The reason I loved Paris the most was because it reminded me of home due to its diversity (people and music) I was elated! I had SO much fun Friday night into Saturday it was unreal. The Parisian men love a birthday girl!
 |
| American food for 2nd birthday dinner! |
 |
| All my wishes are already coming true- have faith! |
 |
| Champagne diet :) |
 |
| Whoo hoo! I'm 21 (finally) |
 |
| Emily & Katie :) |
Saturday, November 10
Last full day in Paris (the most heartbreaking thing ever!). Despite getting back to the hotel at 6am from birthday festivities we had to meet my cousin for the final day to see the Notre Dame at 11. Waking up and being full functioning after the night we had was one of those "Jesus take the wheel" moments. It's completely fine though - story of my life, unfortunately my body is used to it :). Saturday was about seeing the Notre Dame and seeing the largest "centro comercial" in Paris - Galeries Lafayette. The Galeries Lafayette is stunning. It is about 6 floors of designer everything!
he
Too many pictures of the beautiful church to upload!
You all have been such great sports! (round of applause) we are almost to the finish line. Paris was amazing and I would return in a heartbeat. Already planning my Summer 2014 return. Time for shoutouts! This was an amazing experience. I am so thankful to my grandma for the birthday trip gift and my dad and stepmom for making it worthwhile. The girls and my cousin were great company! I recommend Paris to any human being - it's worth seeing at least once in your lifetime.
Sunday, November 11
Back on a plane to Malaga and guess what I still HATE flying. I felt like this trip was almost too good to be true, but while on the plane we had severe turbulence and kept dropping (was worried someone else thought this too). Of course I had the feeling I was gonna die after such an amazing trip. This was a flight from hell. Feeling like you are going to plunge into the beautiful sea to your death is needless to say - unsettling. Clearly, I am alive (writing this entry) all thanks to my God! Overall, AWESOME and Bon Anniversaire a moi!
 |
| The face of fatigue and contentment :) |
Happy Reading,
Fabiola
