4:43am | 8.25.2025
I’m wide awake.
Upon checking the time, I did the calculation of what time it would be over there- 11:44am. My heart sunk.
In between trying to close my eyes and put myself back to bed for a hopefully few more hours of rest, I envisioned life over there as it would be currently. As I lay here in the dark (almost) morning, there- bikes are zipping around the city and there’s a fresh breeze reminding you water is all around.
The difficult part for me- coming back from a from a place such as this one- is the let down. It’s the- punch you in the gut feeling because even though you’re back to the same life, the magnificent one you just witnessed is still happening on the other side of the world as we speak.
For me, it’s not just a typical end of vacation feeling. It’s not about going back to work. Quite frankly, I like what I do- I just wish to someday do it in a place such as the one I just witnessed.
I spent most of this past week fairly ill, if I’m being quite honest… I had a total of 3 official dinners and choked down the occasional croissant. Just walking up the street was a daunting task as my energy meter was on just about empty… not the perfect setup to explore a place I’ve dreamt of for as long as I can remember.
But, as with pretty much anything in this life, we cannot control the cards we have been dealt- so you deal. I mustered up the energy and did everything I could to make the most of the this long awaited week- and I think I did a pretty okay job.
My point here, though, is that even with all that- the fever, burning eyes, and upset stomach- I’m fairly certain the city is what carried me through.
Everyday I would utter the same thing to myself- magic. To me, this place was/is pure magic. It’s not perfect- nowhere is- and it’s different. There was a classiness- a respect- people very clearly had for both themselves and their country. I’ve been chomping at the bit to experience their fashion scene- and as expected- it was nothing short of incredible. But listen, that’s not because everyone was “dressed to the nines” all the time- because honestly they weren’t. But there is something about a population who wakes every morning, choosing who they’re going to be- and just being it for the day.
I called my mom on one of the first days- “I feel like I finally fit in.” And it wasn’t because me and the girl on the corner were wearing the same pants, in fact, you never really saw anyone wear the exact same thing- and that is what makes it so beautiful. In a city that has a cohesive vibe, everyone continued to be their individual self.
And I think that’s the place for me.
