BONJOUR FRANCE! HELLO, BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE All OVER THE WORLD!
By Joanna Vidal
Writing a blog while juggling a busy life is no joke! I started this post a while ago but haven’t had the time to do a full review—until now. In case you missed it, my previous post was all about Germany—check it out https://unjoannable.blogspot.com/2018/01/travel-blog-my-first-europe-trip-part.html if you’re new to the blog!
Now, I’m excited to share Part Two of my first solo Europe adventure—my trip to France. Grab a coffee and read until the end—this was one unforgettable experience.
Europe trip Part Two Germany to France!
Writing a blog while juggling a busy life is no joke! I started this post a while ago but haven’t had the time to do a full review—until now. In case you missed it, my previous post was all about Germany—check it out https://unjoannable.blogspot.com/2018/01/travel-blog-my-first-europe-trip-part.html if you’re new to the blog!
Now, I’m excited to share Part Two of my first solo Europe adventure—my trip to France. Grab a coffee and read until the end—this was one unforgettable experience.
Day 7: Crossing Borders – Germany to France
I left my hotel in Neuss, Düsseldorf around 10 AM and hopped on a tram to the main train station. My destination? Paris, France, via the high-speed bullet train.
As soon as I boarded the train, I was impressed. It wasn’t your regular train—it was long, spacious, and felt more like flying business class. The seats were super comfy, there was a bar area for snacks and drinks, and even a clean washroom with all the essentials like soap and tissue. Perfect for a long ride.
Before departure, a staff member checked tickets. Since it’s an international route, I had my passport ready, but surprisingly, they only scanned my train ticket. Smooth and efficient!
The train passed through Belgium, and I had this funny moment of feeling proud—this solo-traveling Asian girl was figuring it all out for the first time! I felt like a child discovering the world—excited, curious, and just… amazed.
Arrival in Paris: A Mix of Exhaustion and Excitement
After more than six hours, I finally arrived in Paris in the evening. Sitting that long might seem easy, but trust me, it drains your energy. All I wanted was a warm bed and a shower!
Being my first time in France, I felt a bit lost at first trying to navigate to the hotel. But I reminded myself: Be brave—this is part of the thrill! I relied on asking friendly strangers and checking maps to figure things out. Even late at night, people were around and super helpful.
The Hotel Reality: Expectations vs. Experience
Now, let’s talk about the hotel. I had booked it online through Booking.com, and the brand name was well-known, with branches in Abu Dhabi and Manila—so I thought it would be a safe choice.
But honestly? I was disappointed.
The staff didn’t seem serious, the key card barely worked, and they didn’t provide even basic hygiene supplies in the bathroom. The hotel was under renovation, and the smell of cigarette smoke in the hallways was awful (especially since I’m not a smoker). When I asked for a spoon and fork, they told me to go down to the bar to get it myself.
If I had to rate it, I’d give it barely one star—definitely not what I expected from a big-name hotel.
But hey—I reminded myself that I wasn’t in Paris to stay in a hotel. I was there to explore! So I brushed it off and focused on enjoying every moment of my trip.
Day 8: A Day to Chill
After the long travel day before, I allowed myself to sleep in and just rest. I really needed the extra energy before heading out to explore more of Paris. This was one of those slower, more relaxed days—just going with the flow.
When I finally got out, I walked around the neighborhood near my hotel. One thing I really appreciated about the area was how convenient everything was. There were plenty of shops nearby, including Asian grocery stores, bakeries, and affordable supermarkets—everything you might need, just around the corner.
In Germany, beer was the most common drink you’d see everywhere. But here in France, it’s all about the wine and champagne. And the best part? It’s so much cheaper! You can buy a bottle of decent red wine for as little as 1 to 3 euros. If you’re a red wine lover, you’ll definitely enjoy visiting France—they offer a wide range of wines and sparkling drinks that fit every taste.
A Curious Observation
While walking through the streets, I noticed something that made me think. Many of the homeless people I saw were carrying bottles of wine—not hot coffee or tea, as I would’ve expected. It reminded me of something I observed back in Germany (and shared in Part One of my blog).
Due to the cold weather, it seems like many of them turn to alcohol to help them stay warm. A cup of coffee might warm you up for a short while, but it also keeps you awake, which isn’t ideal when you have to sleep outside. Alcohol, on the other hand, can stay in the body longer and help them fall asleep despite the harsh weather. It’s a sad reality, but one that really stood out to me during this trip.
Where I Stayed: Alesia
My hotel was located quite far from the city center, in a place called Alesia. If you’re taking the Paris Metro pink line, Alesia is the second to the last station. Most of the stations on that line are underground, and although it wasn’t in the middle of the tourist spots, I actually found the area quite peaceful and interesting in its own way.
Sometimes, staying a little outside the busy city gives you a different kind of experience—more local, more real.
Day 9: City Walk in Paris
Today, I prepared myself for a full day of walking through the beautiful streets of Paris. I wore my most comfortable boots, wrapped up in a scarf and coat, and made sure I was ready for the cold weather—winter was just around the corner.
Getting to Know the Metro System
I started the day by exploring the train route from Alesia to central Paris. I wanted to understand how the metro works, how much tickets cost, where the key stations are located, and most importantly, how to reach the airport for my return flight to Abu Dhabi.
Paris has different train lines marked by colors, which makes it easier to plan your route. If you’re following an itinerary, you can find the main landmarks on the metro map and simply connect your route from one station to the next to reach your destination. (You’ll find maps in every train station, and you can also ask for a free pocket map to carry with you.)
It felt like playing a real-life puzzle game, and since it was my first time, I had to stay focused. You really need to use your brain to track your location and plan your next move. It’s fun and definitely an adventure!
Streets Full of Art, Encounters, and Kindness
As I walked around, I couldn’t help but notice how artistic and unique the buildings were. Every street corner looked like something out of a painting. I took so many photos—more than I can include here!
One adorable moment was when I saw a group of kindergarten kids on a school tour, following their teacher in a line. They were so cute and friendly. A few of them even said “hi” to me, and we shared a sweet little moment that made me smile.
Later, a couple approached me and asked if I could take their photo. They were tourists too—Europeans but not from France. They were so friendly! They asked where I was from and guessed if I was Korean or Japanese. I told them I’m from the Philippines, and we ended up chatting for almost an hour. Before we said goodbye, they gave me a little love life advice—it was a sweet and unexpected interaction that made my day.
A Chance Meeting on a Park Bench
After a long walk, I found an empty bench and sat down to rest my feet. While I was quietly taking in the surroundings, an older lady sat beside me. I smiled at her—and to my surprise, she struck up a conversation.
Guess what? She’s Filipina too! We had a lovely chat about how she ended up in France, her life there, and random topics like old friends catching up. Eventually, her husband arrived, and they said goodbye. It was such a warm and comforting encounter—meeting someone from back home made me feel less alone.
Toilet Trouble in Paris
As I kept walking, nature called—but finding a public toilet wasn’t easy. I knew that some toilets in Paris required a small fee, but at that moment, I couldn’t find any nearby. I tried entering a restaurant, but they wouldn’t let me use the restroom unless I ordered something.
Even in fast food places, they have a PIN code system on the toilet doors. You only get the code printed on the receipt after you order. That was a bit upsetting, because I wasn’t even hungry. I had already eaten a big meal the night before and had a heavy breakfast before leaving the hotel. But I was forced to buy food just so I could use the toilet. Lesson learned: plan ahead when it comes to restroom breaks in Paris!
Lost and Found – With a Little Help
After my long day of wandering, I was ready to return to the hotel. But since the time in Europe had shifted (clocks turned back an hour), it got dark faster—and I ended up losing my way.
Thankfully, I spotted a girl nearby—and to my relief, she was Filipina too! I approached her and explained I was lost. She kindly guided me toward the metro station, and although we were taking different trains, just getting to the station helped me get back on track.
End of the Day Thoughts
This day was a blend of discovery, adventure, and unexpected kindness from strangers. I walked a lot, got a little lost, and learned how to navigate the city better. And most importantly, I connected with people—some from other countries, and some from my own. Those little interactions made the day truly special.
Day 10: At the top of Eiffel Tower
This day was something truly special. It was the day I finally saw the one and only Eiffel Tower—a dream I’d carried for so long. Seeing it in real life, even from a distance, gave me chills. I took photos from every angle, and each one felt like a postcard. It’s hard to explain how incredible it looks up close—so grand, so artistic.
A Priceless Experience
I didn’t just view the tower from the outside—I went all the way to the top, and the experience was priceless.
I stayed up there until evening and watched the view transform as the sun began to set. The entire city of Paris glowed under the soft light, and every corner of the skyline offered a different, beautiful view. Each level of the Eiffel Tower gives you a new perspective—and from the very top, it feels like you’re on top of the world.
There’s even a small champagne bar up there! It’s a very romantic spot, and I saw a lot of couples sharing that moment. I couldn’t help but admire how beautifully the tower was built—it’s a true architectural wonder.
Traveling Alone, But Not Lonely
Even though I was traveling solo, I didn’t feel alone. I asked people to take photos of me—and some even offered to take them without me asking. Of course, I returned the favor. There’s something beautiful about how travelers help one another.
To fellow solo travelers: don’t be afraid to make friends along the way. Be open, friendly, and introduce yourself to other tourists. I met people just like me who were also exploring Paris on their own, and some were more than happy to walk around together and share stories. These little connections made my trip even more meaningful.
Paris Fashion and Luxury
As I continued walking, I reached a street lined with luxury boutiques. I saw Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, and many other high-end designer stores. Outside Louis Vuitton, there was a long queue, and they only allowed one person at a time inside. I didn’t want to spend hours waiting, so I just admired it from the outside.
The entire area felt like a scene from a fashion film. Everyone looked so stylish, men and women alike—dressed in designer clothing, looking like Hollywood actors and actresses. I couldn’t help but compare my outfit—but then I smiled. I was happy, comfortable, and living my dream. That’s all that mattered.
Reflections from the Top
This day gave me more than just photos and memories—it gave me a sense of confidence. I learned how to socialize with people from different cultures, trust myself in unfamiliar places, and most importantly, to appreciate my journey.
Paris has a way of inspiring you—from its architecture to its fashion to the warm interactions with strangers. I’ll always remember this day at the Eiffel Tower as one of the highlights of my trip.
The Notre Dame De Paris Church which they allow tourist to go around as it is a very old church and it is famous next to Vatican Church
Day 11: The Majestic Disneyland Day (A Beautiful Surprise)
This was, without a doubt, one of the most exciting days of my entire trip—and the funny part? It wasn’t even planned.
Since I was flying back to the UAE the next day, I told myself I would take it easy. I just wanted to ride the trains and explore nearby places casually. As I mentioned before, following the colored metro lines makes navigation easy, and as long as you stick to the line, you won’t get lost.
An Unexpected Adventure Begins
That morning, I boarded a train that felt a little different than the usual ones. It had both upper and underground seating areas, was more spacious, quiet, and had beautiful scenic views outside the window. I decided to ride it all the way to the final station, just for fun—to see where it would take me.
As the train rolled through peaceful towns and open spaces, I sat back, relaxed, and took in the beauty of the journey.
Then, I heard the voice over the speaker announce something that caught my ear:
“Next stop… Disneyland.”
At first, I thought I’d misheard it—the accent was a little strong, and I wasn’t really paying attention. But then I heard it again.
“Disneyland.”
Wait… what?!
A Dream Come True—Without Even Trying
I was shook! I had no idea this train route ended at Disneyland Paris. I wasn’t planning to go. I didn’t even realize it was nearby. But there I was, arriving at the gates of one of the happiest places on earth, totally by surprise.
It was one of the most magical feelings I’ve ever had. My heart felt so full. I had already achieved one dream by visiting the Eiffel Tower, and now here I was—at Disneyland—another dream I never thought would come true so soon.
I had always imagined my first Disneyland trip would be in Hong Kong, but hey, Paris is just as magical! Two dreams in one trip—how blessed is that?
A Moment to Remember
It’s hard to explain the feeling when something unexpectedly amazing happens. I was so happy, I could barely believe it. All I could say was:
“Wow. Perfect. Wonderful.”
I kept thinking about my younger self—the girl who never imagined she’d be able to travel or see places like this. Where I come from, moments like these don’t happen easily. Most of us focus on saving money or supporting our families back home. So to be standing there, in front of Disneyland, by pure accident—it was a moment I will treasure forever.
Day 12: A Journey to Remember
As I packed my bags for my midnight flight, a wave of emotions hit me hard. I felt a lump in my throat—I wasn’t ready for this trip to end. It had been magical, unforgettable, and beyond what I imagined. But reality called. I had to return to the UAE and resume work.
There were so many thoughts racing through my head. I was grateful, happy, and a little sad—because I knew I was leaving behind a dream I had just lived. And then, something unexpected happened on the plane.
An Unforgettable Incident
While dinner was being served, I accidentally dropped my fork, and it slipped under the seat of the passenger next to me. I politely asked if I could reach down to get it, and she gave me space. But as I leaned over, I unintentionally tapped her leg, and to my surprise, she had a can of beer resting on her lap.
The can tipped, and the beer spilled all over her seat and her clothes.
I was mortified.
I quickly offered to help her clean up. She grabbed tissues immediately but didn’t move the can fast enough, so it soaked her chair. I offered her my pillow and blanket to help make her seat more comfortable.
She looked at me and said with a gentle smile,
“It’s okay, these things happen. Don’t worry.”
That kindness meant so much. I was truly sorry for the mishap, and it taught me a lesson—to be more careful next time, especially in tight airplane spaces. Still, it became one of those stories I’ll never forget.
Back to Reality… But Not the End
The next morning, I landed in Abu Dhabi, back to my normal life. But this trip had changed something in me.
Some people wonder why I spend so much on travel.
Some think I do it just to show off.
But the truth is, travel makes me feel alive.
You can’t please everyone. And not everyone will understand why you chase your dreams with such passion.
But if you were in my shoes, you’d know—I’ll never regret doing something that brings me pure joy, no matter the cost, no matter the effort.
If you’re capable and your heart is set on it, just go for it.
I’m 26 now by this time I wrote this blog, and I know this is just the beginning of my journey.
There’s so much more of the world I want to see.
So, this is not the end.
See you on my next travel blog!
Final Words from Me
In French:
Merci beaucoup d’avoir lu mon blog, de belles personnes!
Je t’aime tous. — Joanna, ton amie!
In English:
Thank you so much for reading my blog, beautiful people!
I love you all. — Joanna, your friend!
PS: If I missed anything or you’d like to hear more about any part of my trip, feel free to leave a comment or suggestion! I’d love to include it in my next blog.
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Personal: @unjoannable_m3
Public travel page: @jv_quirks
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