Dear Unsealers,

Bienvenue à Paris!

October 8th, 2012

After a long night’s journey into daylight, we’ve arrived in Paris. It’s just my sister and I with no parents for the very first time.

It still feels surreal to climb the steps of the Blanche Metro station. Metropolitan above our heads in wrought iron, the Moulin Rouge on the other side of the street. We’ve made it to our home base in Montmartre.

The winding streets going uphill. Past the Cafe 2 du Moulins, and Amelie’s portrait inside. The pink exterior of the cabaret, Au Lapin Agile, and the bronze bust of the chanteuse, Dalida.

At the top of the hill, the sacred heart of Paris. Arriving at the front doors of the imposing Basillaca de Sacre Coeur.

Even on a gray evening, one could see Paris’s skyline as far as the eye could see.

It was not the fever dream that’s been the last few months we’re actually in the City of Lights.

This moment happened with a huge measure of serendipity. Back in May, I got a phone call from Time Out New York saying that I won a round trip flight for two to Paris on XL Airways France.

I couldn’t believe it. I enter their contests every week and don’t win them. Until now.

The reality of the situation only hit me days later, after receiving a congratulatory email from the airline. And even then, I didn’t want to believe it until my feet touched down at Aeroport Charles DeGaulle.

As the days went on, where didn’t we go?!

Versailles, climbing up the Arc de Triomphe the D’Orsay, the Louvre, La Tour Eiffel. Cruising along the River Seine.

There were not so great moments too.

An allergic reaction, excessive wine consumption, and a missed train to London caused problems.

But we made it through the situations to enjoy the trip.

Thirteen years, and one more trip to Paris later, I realize how much the city held my story.

By showing for better and worse, that I can be more than the cerebral palsy allows.

I will say it every time… J’adore Paris!