Week 4 - Traveling to France for a Bridgerton-Inspired Wedding, Exploring Paris & Bordeaux, and Returning to my new home in Mexico
Au Revoir, France! Week four took me from Mexico to the romantic streets of Bordeaux for my cousin’s wedding. From the moment I landed in Paris to the whirlwind of wedding festivities, France was everything I hoped it would be and more. Here’s a recap of my time in this beautiful country, filled with stunning scenery, a bit of adventure, and lots of love.The Journey Begins
I left Mexico on Wednesday morning and didn’t arrive in Paris until Thursday afternoon. After navigating the Charles de Gaulle Airport, I took the subway to Paris-Montparnasse and then a rail to Bordeaux. The journey was long, but arriving in Bordeaux was like stepping into a movie scene—so picturesque and full of charm.
Reuniting with my cousin, Karolyne Ashley, was the highlight of my arrival. We spent the late afternoon catching up on life, kids, and everything in between. My tiny room at the Life Hotel was the perfect cozy spot to crash after a long day of travel.
The next morning, despite my jetlag, I joined a 9:30 AM bike tour around Bordeaux. After grabbing a French coffee and pastry, I was ready to roll. Bordeaux was stunning—every corner was postcard-perfect. My favorite stop on the tour was the Darwin Ecosystem, a cool, eco-friendly space set in old military buildings where people work, grow food, and host events. The refugee shelters made from repurposed shipping containers were particularly inspiring. If you’re into unique, purpose-driven places, Darwin is a must-see.
A Bridgerton-Themed Welcome Party
Back at the hotel, I met up with the wedding group, and we took a private bus to the chateau where all the wedding activities would take place over the weekend. The drive in was something out of a movie. I love when my friends and family are extra and I can partake in their wildest dreams. This location was everything!!! That evening, we kicked off the celebrations with a Bridgerton-themed welcome party. I wore a Karolyne Ashley New York Fashion Week original dress that was perfect for the occasion. Kisha, looked every bit the bride in her white wig adorned with pearls—a true Queen Charlotte moment.
A Fairytale Wedding
The next morning was all about getting Kisha ready for her big day. There was a moment I’ll never forget— A handful of us were adding the final touches to her gown in a scene straight out of Cinderella. We sat in the basement of this Chateau with two little windows that gave us a glimpse into what was happening outside. We joked that we were like Cinderella’s mice, with me, of course, playing Gus. The wedding itself was intimate and beyond beautiful. We danced the night away, celebrating love in the most magical setting. My cousin is former military (Navy) and has friends from all over the world. One thing about her, she attracts good people. I connected with her girlfriends as if they were my own and we had an amazing time all weekend long.
Exploring the French Countryside
The next day we were free to explore, relax or do whatever we wanted. A group of us visited a family-owned winery, Chateau Grangey, known for its red wines. The tasting experience was amazing, and the vineyard was just as breathtaking as the rest of France. We then headed to Saint-Émilion to gather souvenirs and explore the charming town. Everywhere I turned, I was struck by France's beauty—I can’t wait to return with Michael and the kids for more adventures.
Back at the chateau, we wrapped up the day with a BBQ pool party before packing up for our next day departure.
A Parisian departure
Before leaving France, I had a few things on my Paris bucket list: visit the Eiffel Tower, find a LEGO store to buy an Eiffel Tower set, and grab some Olympic memorabilia. I took the first train back to Paris from Bordeaux and checked off everything on my list. The city was everything I imagined and more. The crowds were light, making it easy to navigate the subways and soak in the sights. I even stopped by a patisserie recommended by a former co-worker—definitely worth it!
Home Sweet Mexico
On Tuesday, August 6th, I headed back to Mexico. Arriving at the Mexico City airport felt surprisingly familiar, and I navigated it like a pro this time. My brain was on overdrive during that trip to France with US layovers. At any point, I would be speaking English to a French person, terrible Spanish to an American, and French greetings upon returning to Mexico. I was happy to see Michael when I arrived and was so thankful he supported me by braving a new country with the kids on his own for a week. The reunion with the kids the next day was filled with hugs, kisses, and lots of stories—mine from Paris and theirs from camp, where they made new friends and learned about everything from gravity, to making apple pies and pizza, to Día de los Muertos.
Week four was a beautiful blend of love, adventure, and restoration. France was everything I dreamed it would be, and I can’t wait to return. Now that I’m back in Mexico, it’s time to settle into our new home and establish a routine. Two more weeks until school starts and Mama is more ready than ever. We’ve got dinner plans with friends this Friday and our first Mexican birthday party on Saturday—life is good!