France - Cote d’Azur, Provence, Paris.
Open air & familiar faces. The allure and charm of France.
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The real journey in travel isn’t always exploring the destination, but in strengthening the relationships with those close to us.
Having grown up with my parents leading the way, it’s a touching role reversal now that I have become responsible for taking charge and guiding our direction during vacations.
For most of my life, my mother did not travel outside of the U.S. for a phobia of flying over the ocean. But inspired by my adventures and her determination to see my grad school graduation, she journeyed to Paris for the first time a bit over a decade ago. Unaccustomed to making big trips abroad, her reaction to the reality of seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night was truly something special.
Since that memorable trip, and confronting her fear of transatlantic flying head on, she’s taken a few more trips abroad. This summer was particularly special as we returned to France to celebrate her birthday.
Years of traveling has shown me that every trip serves up its blend of wonder and challenging moments. But it's sharing these experiences that truly strengthens bonds. And as we roamed through the dreamlike landscapes of Provence and the Cote d’Azur, it was our laughs, chats, and new memories that truly made the adventure unforgettable.
Travel, for me, is more than just exploration — it's a bridge to deeper connections.
The journey we'd taken, just the two of us, filled my heart with happiness. And as we arrived to Paris, I grew excited about spending time in the upcoming days with old European friends that I’d made during globe-trotting and living abroad.
As my mom set off, Paris became the stage for some epic catch-ups. Wanderlust has brought many amazing people into my life, and I've been lucky with the friends I've made. While life has taken most of us in different directions, I’ve been fortunate to stay connected to them in our own ways.
Whether we're chasing adventures together or dropping by each other's current home base, these moments aren't just about travel, but making sure our friendship remains the same. Leaving France, I couldn't help but feel immense gratitude for the shared moments and the amazing souls that my journeys have intertwined with. These friendships are the valuable gifts I’ve acquired during my travels. They have made my life the joy that it is.
