From Paris with love - going back to my roots after three years

It has been three years since I traveled to Paris due to the Covid-19 pandemic. When I moved to the UK, I used to not be a fan of going back home, but for the past five years or so I realised I was lacking something in my life - my family.

Nothing is better than going back to my childhood home, seeing my childhood friends and of course, my family. Also, eating Senegalese, Malian and Mauritanian food, with French patisseries in between meals and staying out late, pretending to get lost in beautiful Paris without checking my watch.

I felt a lot of excitement when I booked my ticket this July. I was counting down the days until my trip. This was especially because I decided to surprise my mum after three years of not seeing her in the flesh, and what a lovely surprise it was for her! Whilst travelling I kept making scenarios of her reaction and mine, but it was far better in reality.

The first few days, I found it very hard to speak French without thinking of the word in English first but then after two or three days, the language just flowed. Apparently , I sound a little British now when speaking French - I guess after 17 years of living in the UK it could be possible. Any bilingual could relate.

On my second day I was reminded how being at my auntie’s house surrounded by food, laughter and happiness, feels so good. Sitting with my sister and cousins who were bringing back old memories about me that I forgot. This taught me about myself and I learnt why I have such drive and passions for certain things and why I decided on this career or those ambitions. It has all been a work in progress and that clearly started during childhood.

Walking around Paris and buying french products that I don’t have here in the UK felt like a piece of heaven on Earth. Paris is arty, contemporary, yet rustic and traditional, it is full of innovation, yet every street speaks of the past. French fashion is one thing I also don’t want to miss and if you give an inch of attention to a kind stranger you may have the greatest conversation you have not had for months or even years. Take my word for it! Behind the stereotype of French people being “stuck up”, there is warmth and a conversation that you can’t find anywhere else in the world.

Three days in and after recounting my whole life to my mum and listening to hers, I realised that I have a lot of similarities to her and my dad. It’s as if I had a self realisation that I have taken a lot of their good and challenging personality traits. By trying to build my own self for years, I have become even more like them.

It felt like I was walking backwards instead of going forward. As if I spent my teenage years and 20s trying to find myself only to discover that finding myself means going back to my roots. Taking its postive traits as my own and finally, trying to do better than they did to make them proud.

Seeing my friends and family made me realise how important it is to be surrounded well by people and belong to a tribe, whether it is the one you are born into or the one you choose. Life can be so heavy at times especially in our day and age. However, it is so important to have people to walk with in life and to keep them close to you.

Going home is not always classed as a holiday for me but it is more of a holiday than being in Ibiza or Greece because it is the place where my family's love and warmth flows freely. Paris is a haven for my mental health and every-time I step in this city I feel like somewhat of a tourist because Paris charm reveals itself anew every time. Also, where else can you eat the best patisserie? Only in France!

Do you have a favourite memory of going home that you want to share? Let us know in the comments.