
ENGLISH
November 16.
It’s a day in which, from 4 years today, something happens that makes it memorable.
Or rather, after you left 4 years ago, Mom, we made sure that every year this day could be unforgettable in the best possible way. In the happiest of ways.
This is what we should always do in life: take what we have, especially the worst, and beautify it.
This year the Covid-19 forced us to stay at home, but we turned this day into a special day: we put on Christmas music, prepared the Christmas tree, ate dishes of your tradition, lit the fireplace, cooked chestnuts, watched film and laughed a lot.
If we’re fine, you’re fine.
The Christmas atmosphere will brighten this lockdown at home.
If the circumstances had been different, we probably would have been somewhere on a trip – what better way to celebrate.
Like last year.
My sister was in Lille, in the north of France, for 6 months of Erasmus. I had taken a flight to reach her on November 14, and on the morning of the 16th at 6am we’re awake to catch a train that would take us to Paris in an hour, for one day.
But we didn’t take that train.
Let me tell you the journey.
At 7:10am we’re on the metro to the main station: Lille Flandres.
There, a fast train, booked one evening on the phone together on an unclear site, has to take us to the capital.
But at 7:40 there was no train with our number on the board, and the minutes passed and the anxiety rose.
We went to the platform occupied by a train bound for Gare du Nord and we asked for directions to a controller who turned out to be an angel: he looked at the booking sheet, he understood without asking or giving us explanations, and he made us get on not our train.
Throughout the journey, I feared that some other controller would pass by and cause us problems or that someone would claim the seats we’re sitting on.
Instead, the second fortune of the case – which doesn’t exist – wanted us to arrive without further problems.
In the meantime, however, I had understood the malfunctioning of the site on which we had booked: the fast train stopped only at the two terminus stations of the route, so although I had booked from Lille Flandres for Gare du Nord, and back, we’d have had to leave from terminus station one hour beyond Lille to terminus station one hour beyond Paris: Marne-la-Valleée (where Disneyland is located).
How lucky to have met an angel-controller.
Arrived at Gare du Nord, before taking the metro to the center, we lost an hour to figure out how to solve the return.
In the end we bought additional tickets to Marne-la-Vallée, this meant leaving Paris an hour earlier to get to the terminus and taking a train that would take us an hour away from Lille, where we should have returned in some other way, an hour later than expected.
But better to lose a few hours rather than a whole day.
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ITALIANO
16 Novembre.
È un giorno in cui, da 4 anni con oggi, succede qualcosa che lo rende memorabile.
O meglio, dopo che 4 anni fa sei partita, Mamma, abbiamo fatto in modo che ogni anno questo giorno potesse essere indimenticabile nel migliore dei modi. Nel più felice dei modi.
È ciò che andrebbe fatto sempre nella vita: prendere quello che si ha, soprattutto il peggio, e imbellirlo.
Quest’anno il Covid ci ha costrette a restare a casa, ma abbiamo trasformato questo giorno in un giorno speciale: abbiamo messo su musica natalizia, preparato l’albero di Natale, mangiato piatti della tua tradizione, acceso il camino, cucinato castagne, guardato film e riso tanto.
Se stiamo bene noi, stai bene tu.
L’atmosfera natalizia allieverà questo lockdown in casa.
Se le circostanze fossero state altre, probabilmente saremmo state da qualche parte in viaggio – quale modo migliore di celebrare.
Come l’anno scorso.
Mia sorella era a Lille, nel nord della Francia, per 6 mesi di Erasmus. Io avevo preso un volo per raggiungerla il 14 Novembre, e il 16 mattina alle 6 eravamo sveglie per prendere un treno che in un’ora ci avrebbe portate a Parigi, per un giorno.
Ma quel treno non lo abbiamo preso.
Lasciate che racconti la giornata.
Alle 7:10 eravamo nella metro verso la stazione principale: Lille Flandres.
Lì un treno veloce, prenotato a telefono insieme un sera su un sito poco chiaro, doveva portarci alla capitale.
Ma alle 7:40 non c’era alcun treno col nostro numero sul tabellone, e i minuti passavano e l’ansia saliva.
Siamo andate al binario occupato da un treno diretto a Gare du Nord e abbiamo chiesto indicazioni ad un controllore che si è rivelato un angelo: ha guardato il foglio della prenotazione, ha capito senza chiedere o darci spiegazioni, e ci ha fatte salire su un treno non nostro.
Per tutta la durata del viaggio ho temuto che qualche altro controllore sarebbe passato creandoci problemi o che qualcuno avrebbe reclamato i posti su cui eravamo sedute.
Invece, la seconda fortuna del caso – che non esiste – ha voluto che arrivassimo senza altri problemi.
Intanto, però, io avevo capito il malfunzionamento del sito su cui avevamo prenotato: il treno veloce faceva tappa solo nelle due stazioni capolinea della tratta, quindi nonostante io avessi prenotato da Lille Flandres per Gare du Nord, andata e ritorno, saremmo dovute partire dalla stazione capolinea un’ora oltre Lille fino alla stazione capolinea un’ora oltre Parigi: Marne-la-Valleée (dove si trova Disneyland).
Che fortuna aver incontrato un angelo-capotreno.
Arrivate a Gare du Nord, prima di prendere la metro per il centro, abbiamo perso un’ora per capire come risolvere il ritorno.
Alla fine abbiamo comprato dei biglietti aggiuntivi per Marne-la-Vallée, questo significava andare via un’ora prima da Parigi per arrivare al capolinea e prendere un treno che ci avrebbe portate ad un’ora lontane da Lille, dove saremmo dovute tornare in qualche altro modo un’ora più tardi del previsto.
Ma meglio perdere qualche ora anziché un giorno intero.

ENGLISH
After having done the metro pass, at 10:15 we finally arrived at Galeries Lafayette.
I finally saw this spectacular hanging Christmas tree.
We also made a quick stop at Sephora, opposite, because I needed an eyeliner, and at the counter another angel-shop-assistant gave us the third surprise of the day: with an expression of unusual sweetness, and despite the purchase was just one, she gave us two samples of Guerlain perfume, La Petite Robe Noir one of my favorites.
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ITALIANO
Dopo aver fatto l’abbonamento per la metro, alle 10:15 siamo finalmente arrivate alla Galeries Lafayette.
Finalmente vedevo questo spettacolare albero di Natale sospeso.
Abbiamo fatto anche una veloce sosta da Sephora, di fronte, perché avevo bisogno di un eyeliner, e al bancone un altro angelo-commessa ci ha regalato la terza sorpresa del giorno: con un’espressione di insolita dolcezza, e nonostante l’acquisto fosse uno solo, ci ha dato due campioncini di profumo Guerlain, La Petite Robe Noir uno dei miei preferiti.
View from above. View from below.
ENGLISH
From there we walked to the Arc de Triomphe, strolling along the Champs-Élysées, and we met the first police patrols that made us suspicious.
We had lunch in a restaurant (which seems to be closed now): Vesuvio, the very last one before the Arch. Italian, with prices so low that it seems unreal for the place where it’s located. Tagliatelle with sauce, €30 total.
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ITALIANO
Da lì siamo arrivate a piedi all’Arc de Triomphe, passeggiando sugli Champs-Élysées, e abbiamo incontrato le prime pattuglie di polizia che ci hanno insospettite.
Abbiamo pranzato in un ristorante (che mi sembra essere chiuso adesso): Vesuvio, proprio l’ultimo prima dell’Arco. Italiano, con prezzi così contenuti da sembrare irreale per il posto in cui si trova. Tagliatelle al sugo, €30 totali.
ENGLISH
We walked to the Dior building (covered under renovation) and then to the Eiffel Tower.
We discovered the gardens of Trocadéro behind the famous square: it seemed to be in a secret grove far from the city, with small plants and a small water source.
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ITALIANO
Abbiamo camminato fino al palazzo di Dior (coperto in ristrutturazione) e poi verso la Tour Eiffel.
Abbiamo scoperto i giardini di Trocadéro alle spalle della famosa piazza: sembrava di essere in un boschetto segreto lontano dalla città, con piante ponticello e piccola sorgente.
Trocadéro gardens.
ENGLISH
Avenue de Camoëns is right nearby.
We stopped to take a photo of the happiness of being in Paris for you, Mom.
Thanks to you, Mom.
For all that you’ve made possible with your life, your love, your death. You never stop influencing and marking our days, and I’ll never be able to thank you for the existence you have given us.
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ITALIANO
Avenue de Camoëns è proprio lì vicino.
Ci siamo fermate per scattare una foto alla felicità di essere a Parigi per te, Mamma.
Grazie a te, Mamma.
Per tutto quello che hai reso possibile con la tua vita, il tuo amore, la tua morte. Non smetti di influenzare e scandire le nostre giornate, e non sarò mai capace di ringraziarti per l’esistenza che ci hai donato.
ENGLISH
We stopped to drink one of the worst cappuccinos in history (made with water) and nutella crepes. But it was still a nice break.
From that moment, however, the situation in Paris has degenerated.
That day there had been violent demonstrations of yellow vests, police interventions, tear gas, and all the metro in the center closed.
Every meter we managed to get on ended up getting stuck in some station forcing us to get off and walk everywhere on foot.
We took 30,000 steps that day.And I had a wound on my right foot and I limped most of the time.
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ITALIANO
Ci siamo fermate a bere uno dei peggiori cappuccini della storia (fatto con acqua) e crepes. Ma è stata ugualmente una pausa piacevole.
Da quel momento però è degenerata la situazione a Parigi. Quel giorno si erano verificate delle violente manifestazione dei gilet gialli, interventi di polizia, lacrimogeni, e tutte le metro del centro chiuse.
Ogni metro su cui riuscivamo a salire, finiva per bloccarsi in qualche stazione costringendoci a scendere e a percorrere tutto a piedi.
Quel giorno abbiamo fatto 30.000 passi.
E io avevo una ferita al piede destro e ho zoppicato maggior parte del tempo.
ENGLISH
We’re able to see the Eiffel Tower light up from the Alexander III bridge, before finally finding an open metro stop to return to Gare du Nord.
From there, Marne-la-Valleée, where we watched the lights of Disneyland from outside, eating a sandwich bought at the only station’s shop open.
We then arrived at the deserted terminus from which we had to take a metro to return to Lille. It was 11pm and there was no one around, we didn’t even know where to go, we wandered around meeting only a few faces, all not very reassuring.
But at the end we got to the room before midnight, with a little fear but save and happy.
Thanks Mom.
For the next day we had organized another trip: to London. But this will be another story.
xx Dasynka
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ITALIANO
Siamo riuscite a vedere la Tour Eiffel illuminarsi dal ponte Alessandro III, prima di trovare finalmente una fermata metro aperta per tornare a Gare du Nord.
Da lì Marne-la-Valleée, dove abbiamo guardato le luci di Disneyland da fuori, mangiando un panino comprato all’unico negozio aperto della stazione.
Siamo arrivate poi al capolinea deserto da cui abbiamo dovuto prendere una metro per tornare a Lille. Erano le 23 e in giro non c’era nessuno, non sapevamo neanche bene dove andare, abbiamo girovagato incontrando solo alcune facce, tutte poco rassicuranti.
Ma alla fine siamo arrivate in camera prima di mezzanotte, con un po’ di paura ma salve e felici.
Grazie Mamma.
Per il giorno dopo avevamo organizzato un’altra gita: a Londra. Ma sarà un altro racconto questo.
xx Dasynka
60 comments
In love with your beautiful pictures and the golden city!
have an amazing weekend,
Tiziana
Thank you very much 🙂 xx
Oh no about the stress you went through in Paris!
But you still looked tres chic with your winged eyeliner and beige palette
Happy New Year hon, Xo
Oh you are so sweet, thank you Biki! Happy 2021 your too, xx
Love your outfit very much! May this year bring new happiness, new goals, new achievements, and a lot of new inspirations on your life. Wishing you a year fully loaded with happiness.
Happy New year 2021
♡————————————————————–♡
Miki
I wish all the love and the satisfactions for your new year too, I hope we will all be able to reach our goals and go back to a normal life❤ xx
What a beautiful tribute to your mom, Dasynka! What an ordeal you went through with the trains to get to Paris and then later with the protests, but so happy you had a wonderful day in Paris. I like how you made your mom’s passing a sweet day instead of a sad day. The pictures are so haunting and beautiful.
Thank you very much Lizzy for your words❤ it was a magical day beside everything, we felt lucky to be able to be in Paris 🙂 xx
Wow sounds like a bit hectic but anyways wonderful trip 🙂 The poctures are amazing!!! I miss Paris so much, hope to be back there soon ♥
xxx
Tina
I hope it too, I love the city so much! And yes, we make the best of it no matter what❤ xx
Such a beautiful and moving tribute to your mother. And your photos of Paris are so magical – it really makes me want to go back soon.
Julia x
I want to go back too, Paris is such a beautiful city.. thank you for your kind message❤ xx
This looks like the perfect day trip to Paris! Love all the photos!
Thanks for sharing!
Andrea.
Well we manage to make it perfect anyway, thank you 🙂 xx
What a lovely trip and a beautiful way to remember your Mom! I love these photos!
-Ashley
It was special❤ thanks Ashley, xx
your blog is STUNNING !! loving the content and photos!!
shy
Oh thank you very much❤ xx
AHHH PARIS!! Such a beautiful city. I hope to visit again one day.
xx- Nina
I can wait to go back too! xx
I am happy that you were able to still celebrate your tradition with a different twist even though we’re affected by the pandemic. Being in Paris is exciting! Glad you were still able to book the travel! Technology is great but can have its setback. I’m glad you were able to still enjoy your time out there the best way you can! I LOVE the pictures!! Your outfit is cute!
Nancy ✨
Nancy thank you so much for your kind words 🙂 yes it was a magical day anyway, and this year too we managed to make it unforgettable even just being at home❤ xx
Paris is stunning during the fall. Love that festive tree and your stylish outfit.
oh yes, Paris is always so beautiful and charming! Thank you, xx
What an amazing trip and a special way to celebrate your mom. Love seeing your beautiful photos!
Jill
Thank you very much 🙂 xx
What a lovely story, so sorry with your feet! You look fantastic and I adore the pictures.
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
Thank you so much, at the end we had our Parisian day and I felt so grateful for it 🙂 xx
My dream to know paris. Beautiful photos. xoxo
Thank you! I wish you’ll be able to see it as soon as possibile 🙂 xx
Hey dear! I loved your post and already followed you!
Thank you so much!❤ xx
What a magical day in Paris! it’s a shame your journey was off to a difficult start but it’s good you got to where you wanted to be in the end and you got some lovely photos too! 🙂
Hope that you had a lovely weekend 🙂
In the end we had our Parisian day so we felt very lucky❤ thank you 🙂 xx
What an incredible day you had at the end, and such a beautiful way to remember your mom. I can feel all the heartwarming moments trough your beautiful photos.
My mum’s favourite city is also Paris, I didn’t even know that, although she took me there when I was younger; I only found it out later when I made her a birthday cake and coincidently put a chocolate Tour de Eiffel on it. But it’s certainly a city of its own charm, I’d love to see it when it gets all festive for the holiday season, I’ve only been there during warmer months.
Yes, it was a precious day in Paris last year, and at home doing the Christmas tree this year. My Mom took us for the first time to Paris too, and I’m in love with the city since than, during the holiday season it’s even more beautiful, you need to see it!
I can well understand your Mom, it’s one of my favorites cities too 🙂 xx
This looks like such an amazing trip! Really love all of your photos!
Thank you very much 🙂 xx
I am sorry for your loss you know I know what it is like. My mom passed on October 19th and her Birthday is November 11th. Yes it is hard to be sure. I can only hope it gets better with time. Thank you so much for your kind and understanding words on my blog and for your donation. I am glad you made it to Paris! That grove is beautiful as is your photos. So dreamy like an editorial and really brings Paris to life. I usually go in the fall for FW but not this year and I miss it. It is my dream to live there one day. Wish me luck!
Allie
Oh Allie, I’m sending you all my love and positive vibes.. it gets a bit better with time, but only you can make the difference.
Being in Paris last year was a pure relief, and this year we found the way to celebrate the day making the Christmas tree.. as I said, we are the only ones to make the difference, much more then the time. Love will never end, feeling the pain is ok, but let the love always win.
Living in Paris is one of my deepest dreams too, with London too. So good luck to both of us!❤ xx
This is such a lovely story, and what a great way to celebrate her! That guard was an absolute angel! It sounds like a wonderful day, protests and transport issues aside. I hope you can mark the day in a similarly special way next year x
Sophie
I hope too, but aside the covid situation, this year was a special day too❤ thank you so much for your lovely words xx
Stunning photos, pretty place❤
Thanks! xx
Mi fai commuovere, davvero, questo è un bellissimo tributo a vostra madre. Foto pazzesche!
Grazie di cuore❤ xx
Aw I love that you made this day special for your mom! So much love to you!
Thank you very much❤ xx
Such a beautiful and touching post! And a wonderful way to celebrate and remember your Mom. I love Paris, I’d love to go back when this nightmare is over. Beautiful photos xxx
I’ll go back too, it’s a place full of memories and magic. Thank you Jennifer❤ xx
That’s such a lovely way to look at things. “that every year this day could be unforgettable in the best possible way. In the happiest of ways.~ I’m very sorry for your loss, but it’s wonderful how you remember and celebrate her. x
Lisa, thank you very much for your time and words❤ xx
I love the ways you celebrate your mom to remember her on her anniversary. Your mom sounds so special and I’m sure she would be happy that you and your sister always make time for each other. Family is so important, especially this year. I am not normally a Christmas person, but this year I have been feeling more interested in getting festive because this year has been so difficult and dark. I love these shots of the Christmas tree you captured!
Jill
Oh I do understand the need to find magic and festive vibes inside our homes this year.. that’s why we did the Christmas tree more than a months earlier! And celebrating family as well 🙂 I hope this will bring you much joy❤ xx
This sounds like a magical trip! And that tree is just amazing! I love seeing your photos!
It really was magical, and Lafayette always create the best Xmas trees! xx
How right you are in saying that the loss of a few hours is better then losing a whole day.
I love this rich and cultural tribute to your mother. 🙂
Thank you so much, Jaya❤ xx
What a beautiful way to celebrate your mother! I hope you had a wonderful trip minus the few hiccups in travel. The photos are amazing!
xoxo
Lovely
It was a magical day no matter what ❤ thank you! xx