GETTING ENGAGED IN PARIS: MY ENGAGEMENT STORY

There are some memories that will stay with you forever, one of such is our engagement story  in December 2018. Around this time, two years ago, Rene and I were planning to leave for Paris ( The City of Love).

We had a plan to visit somewhere for the Christmas holidays and after thinking and deliberating- I suggested we visit Paris!

Prior to our trip to Paris, it’s important to mention that  I lived in Paris for 6 months during my gap year before going to university.  And I totally fell in love with the city, who wouldn’t?

PLANNING FOR THE TRIP

As the planner in the relationship, I proceeded to sort out our itinerary for the trip. I found us a good deal on Eurostar using my company’s discount offers.  I located a lovely hotel that wasn’t  too pricey. You see in Paris, finding a hotel on budget can be hard.   If like me, you are particular  about comfort when travelling –  maintaining a healthy budget whilst staying very close to Champs Elysee can be a struggled.

Regardless of the struggle, I found the incredible Hotel Montfleuri.  The hospitality at this hotel was beyond our expectations and a plus to the trip. Thus, making the surprise even more special.

ARRIVING PARIS  AND TOURING THE CITY

We arrived Paris at 2pm on 23rd December. As soon as René and I dropped our luggage at the hotel and we headed straight out to see the city. We walked along the streets of Champs Elysee which happens to be  my favorite street in Paris. By  this time, the Christmas lights and decorations were shining and it just felt perfect being there with René.

After the long walk, seeing Arc de Triomphe  and the Louvre we were very tired and found a bar-café in a quiet corner of the busy street of Paris right by Arc de Triomphe, we settled here for some Oysters and wine with nibbles.  It was a very romantic evening that day, it rained as we were in the restaurant and I was worried we’d be soaked heading back to the hotel.  After we had spent a few hours at this Bar, we decided to head back to the hotel with a taxi.

GETTING ENGAGED

Whilst walking back to the hotel, we saw a man selling red roses on the street.  And  Rene being the romantic that he is, purchased one from him and presented to me. It was a sweet romantic gesture.

When we got to the hotel, he asked if I wanted to have a glass of champagne. But at this time it was almost 10pm and I was feeling rather tired and in need of sleep.

But Rene insisted that we go up to the balcony for a few minutes to enjoy the city view.  As I went up to sit at the balcony, hoping that Rene will join me, I didn’t see him ! I was beginning to wonder why he had asked me to wait at the balcony if he wasn’t joining me.  Soon after,  he appeared on one knee with the ring in his hand. Right there, I was overwhelmed by emotions. I didn’t know what to feel at that very moment. The entire year flashed before my eyes — and I started crying — tears of joy. It was the best way to end a very difficult year for us. Much had gone wrong in 2018 and I couldn’t think of a better way to end it.

Right  there, Rene proposed to me and ask me to be his wife. I waited for a while, just to see his reaction. It was a YES for me !And  we got engaged.

We were both very excited and I think more excited than we have every been in our entire lives. Getting engaged and embarking on this journey together filled us with joy and hope for the future.

A DAY AFTER THE ENGAGEMENT

On Christmas Eve, we shared the news with our family and close friends – who were very excited and happy for us too.

We continued our tour of the city, visiting Eiffel Tower, Jardins des Champs – Elysées, Alexander III Bridge. We did a lot of walking in Paris- we were averaging 20,000 – 30,000 per day as we chose to walk to most places.

On the 25th December, the streets of Paris was super busy. However, we continued our tour to the other side of Paris to see Galeries Lafayette,  Pyramide du Louvre , Notre Dame, Sacre-Coeur Basilica. Thereafter, in the evening, we visited  moulin Rouge.

On 26th December, we were very ready to head back home on Eurostar after an a life-changing trip – Paris will always be home to us and a place we will remember in our history books.