Paris: A Journey of Firsts, Together
It was the first week of August 2015, a time that remains deeply etched in my memory, not only for the places I visited but for the emotions, experiences, and companionship that defined the journey. I was in Germany on an official visit, and as my work commitments neared completion, we planned something special. My wife, Azra Anwar, was to join me from Islamabad, and together we would spend a week exploring Europe.
What made this journey particularly meaningful was that it was her second international trip, and she travelled alone. Naturally, there was a mix of excitement and concern within the family. Dubai airport, being vast and complex, was our biggest worry. We feared she might miss her connecting flight or face difficulties navigating the terminals. Our daughters stayed awake throughout the night, constantly guiding her over the phone, step by step, ensuring she made her connecting flight to Düsseldorf.
Despite our concerns, she handled the entire journey with remarkable courage and composure. She flew from Islamabad to Dubai via Emirates, and then onward to Düsseldorf. When she finally emerged from the arrival gate, there was a visible sense of pride and happiness on her face. It was a moment of quiet triumph. Even though her English was not very strong, she managed the immigration process and all formalities with confidence. That moment, seeing her walk out successfully, remains one of the most satisfying experiences of my life.
We spent two days in Cologne, where we were joined by our close family friends, who were young students, including Asad Noor, Zubair Usman, and Umair Usman. Their company added warmth and familiarity to our stay. What made those days even more special was something very simple yet deeply personal. My wife had brought homemade food from Pakistan, traditional parathas prepared with spices and care. We carried them along, and during our train journeys, we enjoyed them together. Even in a foreign land, that familiar taste created a sense of home. With yogurt purchased from Cologne railway station, we shared a meal that felt far richer than anything one could find in a restaurant.
After exploring Cologne, we headed to Paris.
The train journey from Bonn to Paris was smooth and scenic. As the train moved through Aachen and crossed into France, a growing sense of anticipation spread. For both of us, it was our first visit to Paris. When we finally arrived at the Gare du Nord, we looked at each other with disbelief and joy. It was one of those moments you dream about in your younger years, hearing stories of distant cities, and suddenly finding yourself standing there.
We had booked our accommodation through Airbnb, and after settling in briefly, we headed straight to the Eiffel Tower, which was within walking distance of our place. The experience was nothing short of magical. We had already secured our tickets in advance, and as the evening set in, we made our way up to the top using the elevator. From the summit, Paris unfolded beneath us in all its beauty, illuminated and alive. The city lights, the quiet movement of life below, and the sheer elegance of the surroundings created a moment that felt almost surreal.
That night, we returned to our hotel, tired but content, carrying memories that would last a lifetime.
The following day was dedicated to exploring the city more deeply. We revisited the Eiffel Tower area during daylight, appreciating its grandeur from a different perspective. At the Efle Tower shops, a small water bottle costs Euro 4, while elsewhere it costs Euro 1! We then moved on to explore various museums, each offering a glimpse into France’s rich cultural and historical heritage. The architecture, the art, and the atmosphere all reflected a civilization deeply rooted in creativity and refinement.
One of the highlights of our stay was the boat cruise along the Seine River. As we sat on the deck, watching the city pass by, it felt as if Paris were slowly revealing itself, monument by monument, bridge by bridge. There was a calmness in that journey, a chance to pause and absorb the beauty around us.
On the third day, we explored the famous Champs-Élysées, walking through one of the most iconic streets in the world. We visited nearby landmarks, took photographs, and simply enjoyed the vibrant environment. At one point, we stopped to have ice cream, a small yet memorable indulgence that added sweetness to the day.
However, not every moment was without challenge. While using the local metro system, I experienced an attempted pickpocketing incident. In the rush of boarding, I had placed my wallet in my back pocket. Suddenly, I felt a hand trying to pull it out. Instinctively, I grabbed the person’s hand, preventing the theft. For a brief moment, there was tension, and although a few bystanders showed support, the situation remained uncertain. Eventually, the individual managed to escape, but fortunately, I suffered no loss. It was a reminder to remain vigilant, even in the most beautiful cities.
As our time in Paris came to an end, we prepared for our next destination, Geneva. There was some confusion about the railway stations, as Paris has multiple major stations. After some initial misunderstanding, we took a taxi to the correct station and boarded our train. The journey to Geneva was comfortable and relaxing, providing us with time to reflect on the experiences we had just lived through.
Paris, for us, was not just a destination. It was a shared experience of discovery, courage, and companionship. It was about firsts: her first solo international journey, our first visit to Paris, and the many small moments that brought us closer together.
As I look back, what stands out most is not just the iconic landmarks, but the human elements of the journey: the support of family, the joy of simple meals, the thrill of exploration, and the strength found in togetherness.
In my next blog, I will share our experiences from Geneva, another city that offered its own unique charm and perspective.
For now, Paris remains a chapter of beauty, resilience, and unforgettable memories.
