This May, I got to celebrate the one-year anniversary of “Msomaji’s Magic Carpet” in Paris! It was a dream come true to be able to see something that I’ve dreamt of and written about for so long manifest into reality. If you’ve read the book, you know that the main character “Msomaji” visits the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, The Avenue de Champs Elysees and a host of other places on her magic carpet. As a writer, I am rarely at a loss for words. I too felt like I was in a dream world, as I witnessed being able to experience these historic places up close. I am still unable to fully articulate the magical ride that the “City of Light” has taken me on. So, at this point, until I can catch my breath, I will leave you with a video diary of my time there. Dear Paris: Thank you for loving me back! CLICK THE LINK BELOW.
My trip to Paris, France was a dream come true! – YouTube
Tips for traveling to Paris:
*Download the VeriFLY app. It allows you to plug in your travel destination and gives you a checklist of documents and things that are needed for your trip! A lifesaver!
*Save yourself some time and apply for global entry if you travel frequently. It’ll help you skip those annoying long lines at the airport.
*You no longer need to be vaxed to travel to Paris. Just a PCR test taken less than 72 hours before your flight or a rapid antigen less than 48 hours before your flight.
*Bring comfortable shoes to Paris and prepare for lots of walking and standing in long lines. Make reservations at the restaurants you know you want to visit and purchase your excursions as early as possible. Some of them book quickly!
*Make friends with the locals and ask them about restaurant recommendations, clubs, etc.
*I stayed at the popular Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel, and it was worth every penny. Beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower (for an additional cost), great service, a rooftop lounge and they even have Covid testing on site at the hotel for you to get back to the states.
*Book at LEAST a 5 day stay. The 7-hour time difference can be tough, and your body will need a day or two to adjust.
