English Rose In Paris

On 16th November 2014….my little Parisian adventure for one whole month began!

After a few ideas earlier in the Summer, I wondered if this would ever actually happen, not that I am not one to follow through on something I set out to do, but more so that I have never lived away from home, never been to University and always lived in my home town.  So when I woke today, it kind of hit me that I am actually going to be away for a whole month and have the luxury of being inspired and to really focus on me, my business and what the future holds for Victoria Farr Make Up Artist.

I love my job, seeing brides and being an actual make up artist, however, I do find it difficult to step away, take a break away and to think about my business as well as rest and recharge my batteries, which I personally think everyone needs, so after a crazy busy summer, this is just the tonic.  When I return next month, my diary is pretty hectic with some wonderful Christmas weddings and consultations for my 2015 spring brides going into the new year.

So, one of the biggest struggles with this whole trip is that I am not one to travel light, so with the prospect of only having 20 kilos of luggage allowance, I decided the best way to travel to France was to take the Eurostar from St Pancras International and I am thrilled I did.  Boarding the train from my home town of Hull to London Kings Cross with a quick hop over the road to board my train to Paris, made complete sense.  It was such an easy journey to make, even with 2 suitcases, containing my streamlined make up and hair kit (as will be working whilst I am here), together with all my essentials for a month away from home.

Here’s a little snap of me, just before I boarded my train to Kings Cross – with all my luggage!

On arrival at St Pancras, I had just enough time to have a glass of pink Champagne in Searcys Champagne Bar which is situated on the first floor to celebrate the start of my adventure, plus this holds great memories for me, as I visited there a few years ago with my close friends and family and commented how lovely it would be to have champagne and then board to Eurostar to Paris – it must have been a sign, as this was just as I was starting my career in make up artistry.

St Pancras looked really festive with all the Christmas decorations on show and the tree situated in the centre of the station.

 

After a smooth 2 hours and 15 minute journey in Standard Premier class (which cost a fraction more than a standard seat at the time of booking and this included a light lunch and refreshments), I arrived at Gard Du Nord and headed straight to my apartment in Saint Germain Des Pres in the 6th Arrondissement and I just know I am going to be extremely happy here.  Perfect location to Pont Neuf bridge, Jardin Du Tuileries, the Louvre and the hustle and bustle of the area I’m in has plenty of cafes, restaurants and things to see and do.  Plus the apartment is exactly I was hoping for; safe and a bit quiet but still in the middle of it all.  I found my apartment on the fab Airbnb website and it has everything I could possibly need for my stay – happy days!

So what will my first morning in Paris bring? Breakfast at Cafe De Flore, a walk along the Seine – who knows, but I’m excited to find out, especially with my new piece of camera kit, I hope you will enjoy this adventure with me!

Take care

Victoria x

p.s the pictures were taken with my iphone and are also on my instagram feed – be sure to follow me there too @victoriafarrmua