Meet: Isabella Dixon
I don’t know whether it was the buttery croissants, magnificent buildings, the beautiful green parks budding with blossoms or just having a good time with my mom but I had the best experience of my life in the city of Paris for my 16th birthday.
Ever since I can remember, my mom had promised me that on my 16th, the two of us would go. Although the start was rocky, with a seven-hour flight to Abu Dhabi, a five-hour layover, and then an additional eight-hour flight, we finally arrived on a crisp Friday morning in April.
We were greeted by the biting breeze, the scent of cigarettes and a hint of expensive perfume. I knew from that moment that this trip would be life-changing. Paris was truly everything I had dreamed of. Our first stop was at the famous Café de Flore, where my mom and I had a rich thick hot chocolate topped with fluffy Crème Chantilly.
As we made our way to the Eiffel Tower for lunch, I couldn’t help but admire the beauty and high fashion of everyone around me. Between the long sleek coats and smooth romantic language, I fell in love with the people of Paris, or maybe, more specifically, people-watching in Paris. Just as truly extraordinary as the people of France, is the Eiffel Tower.
Although my mom and I tried to avoid the crowds of tourists, this was one of the highlights of the trip as it felt almost magical to experience it with one of my favourite people. Wherever you go and at any time of the day or night – the Eiffel Tower just dazzles. My other highlight in the five days was the Christian Dior Museum. Located next to the original building, the Dior Museum was truly a sight for sore eyes, the original sketches and the different themed rooms kept me gasping for more.
My favourite room, filled with twinkling stars, has all the dresses celebrities had worn to events. From what the late Princess Diana wore attending the Met Gala to Natalie Portman’s Oscar dress that championed female film directors. It was fascinating learning about how designer Christian Dior created his iconic fashion empire – it was inspirational, to say the least. We then visited all the premium brands on the street. A girl can only dream that one day she may get to own a Chanel bag.
Going with my mom meant when we weren’t eating crepes and choux pastries in the parks, viewing art, listening to live music or having wonderful dinners around Paris – we shopped. We walked on average about 15km a day around the four Parisian quarters and alongside the Seine River.
I loved everything and every moment of my special trip with my mom.
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