Paris means so much to so many people and I often hear stories from friends who have had wonderful experiences there. I’ve wanted to share my own story on this blog, but haven’t had the right opportunity to do so. Then Evermade got in touch and asked if I wanted to review the new Jenni Sparks hand drawn map of Paris – and of course I agreed, the blog post was already written in my mind!
I’m already a fan of Jenni Sparks’ work, she’s renowned for her fun detailed and quirky maps and her map of London was on my Christmas wish-list! I love that every time you look at this piece of artwork, you notice something new and the detail is incredible.
My friend Alexis got engaged in Paris and Le Royal Monceau holds special memories for her. My great friends Charlene and Peter got engaged in the gardens of Notre Dame Cathedral. His plan was to propose at the Sacre Coeur Basilica where you have panoramic views of Paris, but there were a lot of local youths smoking and drinking and so the atmosphere wasn’t quite right! Another friend Imogen also got engaged in Paris and their table names were of Parisian landmarks – no wonder Paris is nicknamed the City of love!
Katy visited Paris just last month and stayed in canal Saint Martin – a really bohemian suburb with loads of independent restaurants, jazz bars and tabac bars spilling out onto the streets and down the canal. The laid-back atmosphere was a welcome change from the craziness of Central Paris. They had an amazing meal in a local restaurant and the wine was incredible.
And my story? My amazing mum treated me to a surprise trip to Paris for my 30th birthday. Six months earlier my ex husband suddenly walked out on my son and I and I was going through a very tough time. Turning 30 in Paris was a huge turning point for me because I realised that I could do this! I realised I was a great mum and we’d make many happy memories together and although it was going to be a huge challenge… I was ready for it!
That was over 18 months ago and now I have this wonderful Jenni Sparks hand drawn map of Paris hanging in my living room reminding me that no matter what life throws at me – there’s always Paris!
Do you have a story about Paris? I’d love to hear about it, just pop a comment below…
Natalia xo
Follow my blog with Bloglovin
