THE IRON GIANT

In 2008, at the tender age of 16, I braced myself as I took my very first step off the platform on to a plane. I still remember the butterflies, thinking “oh my God this is it”. And in that moment I felt like an astronaut boarding his capsule about to enter a world completely unknown. I was surrounded by a handful of my close friends and about 50 other students from my high school taking a two week tour around Europe. Our big destinations were London, Manchester, Dubai, Rome, Florence and ultimately (for me that is) Paris. The city of love, romance, and probably the most memorable action and closing scene in Rush Hour 3 with Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker Kung Fu fighting both on and off the Eiffel Tower.

We arrived in Paris via train and hopped on a bus that took us through the streets of Paris to our Hotel. The following day we spent fulfilling yet another childhood dream at Disney World Paris which I can honestly say even at the age of 27 is one the best places on earth. Although I may be biased as my childhood consisted of Disney on repeat (I still know every single song in all the Disney movies). On the way back we had some stops to make.

I got off the bus and there is was, in all its glory and splendor, the Eiffel Tower.

Being a lover of classic architecture and having profound respect for the ability of man to build unimaginable monuments, I fell in love with not only this iron giant, but the historical city, the people, the culture, and for lack of a better word, the vibe.

Fast forward to 2019. I’m now 27 and really feeling the effects of “adulting”. I felt like I was (and still currently am) experiencing a quarter life crisis, so when the opportunity presented itself to go back to Paris and spend a weekend in Belgium; thanks to one of the best friends a girl could ask for; you best believe I took it. I mean how do you deny free accommodation when it comes to travelling??? I had the means, and the free accommodation, the only catch was that I’d be on my own during the day while my friend went to work. Needless to say I was terrified of travelling alone. Note to self: by groceries when travelling abroad. It works out cheaper than buying three meals a day.
So there I was, alone (partly) in a city that captured my heart eleven years ago, with no set itinerary or plan for my days, and working on a tight budget. I took the underground everyday as my means of transport aside from our God given transportation and mobility tool, i.e. legs, and went back to Iron giant as my daily stop. Seeing it again after eleven years was surreal. It was like seeing it for the first time all over again. My heart raced the closer I got to it. I fell in love all over again.

The Eiffel Tower was always my starting and end point during my daily excursions. The Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Elysees, Place de la Concorde, Tuileries Garden, Notre Dame to name a few, were all walking distance from the Eiffel Tower. I spent hours watching tourists, eating French food and taking in all these incredible sites. I also spent hours walking. Although grateful to be getting more than my 10 000 steps a day in, the pain also meant having to take regular breaks.
My last night was a boat cruise on the river Seine accompanied by my friend surrounded by tourist watching the sunset over this beautiful city. And when the sun eventually set around 22:30 the best show in town started. The iron giant came to life. Christmas lights are pretty but these lights were beautiful. I put my phone down and for a moment just sat in awe taking in every sight, sound, smell and was just present in the moment. I wasn’t thinking about anyone, or anything. That moment was pure bliss. Free from pain, stress, anxiety, depression, and worry. It was everything I needed and more.

Many see travelling alone as something daunting and dangerous. Which it can be especially for women. But being a solo traveler gave me a sense of independence. I didn’t have to ask anyone for permission to do anything, I could go where I pleased at whatever time I felt like getting up. I felt free. I met other solo travelers from different corners of the world and spent a day sightseeing with them, enjoying each other’s company as though we’ve been friends all our lives. And when I didn’t feel like sightseeing I spent a day just watching Netflix in my friend’s apartment, without brushing my teeth or even getting out of my pj’s. Also it was a day I didn’t have to spend any money and that’s always great when you’re travelling on a tight budget.
I didn’t want to come home, I didn’t want the routine we often find ourselves in. But alas, we still need to persist in the game called life. However, on the flight home I came to a conclusion:

We’re only given one life and at the end we can’t take money, people or possession with us. So why not live it, enjoy it, and spend it while you can? I’m not saying be irresponsible now don’t get me wrong. To be able to see the world is a gift. To be able to experience a different culture is a blessing. To be present and in the moment is the greatest high. Don’t allow the problems of this world to keep you from enjoying it. We can’t wait on others to fulfill our dreams.