You don’t have to “check the box.” 

If I’ve learned one thing during our time in Europe, it’s that you don’t have to hit all the tourist destinations to have a memorable time.

In fact, Ralph and I have the best times when we just wing it! Take today, for example – our only “full” day in Bordeaux. We slept in, ate breakfast at the hotel, and wandered the streets. We shopped, stopped for coffee, got massages, and then did some people-watching while drinking cocktails before returning to the hotel to relax before dinner. And you know what? That was perfect. I’m not missing anything, longing for anything, or having one smidge of FOMO.

But I still have observations! 😂

1. Don’t worry about what you’re wearing. Practically anything goes these days, and you’ll see plenty of jeans and sneakers which are always practical options for the amount of walking you’ll do. But you will see some of the most stylish people, too – at all ages! We saw one older couple rocking coordinating shades of brown, plus fabulous boots, scarves, and handbags galore. Gazing at passersby for fashion inspiration while sipping a latte is the old-school version of Pinterest and I am here for it! I also needed some inspo because apparently, my go-to combo of skinny jeans, infinity scarves, and half-tucked shirts are no longer cool. Yes, this conflicts with my earlier statement, but life is a quandary. Anyhow, I still intend to wear my old faves, just not as often…so fortunately I found some new jeans to throw into the rotation.😆

2. If you’ve never had the chance to buy lingerie in France, try it sometime. It’s very different from my memories of overrun VS stores in the mall at sale time! There are always at least 5 main options to choose from – stores like Etam, Princess Tam Tam, Intimissimi…but I like one called Aubade because their selection is always super classy and unique. The service is what really stands out, though…because as with most jobs in France, any job is worth doing well! Your attendant will ask what you like and what your preferences are, get you the perfect size, and adjust the fit so that you feel gorgeous before steaming and carefully wrapping your selections. They might even ask if your partner wants to come take a look. I don’t quite know how to describe this feeling but the experience is refreshing. Maybe it’s a lack of old-fashioned American prudishness? Hmm…

3. Massages are way more affordable…but different! We are fortunate to have an amazing health insurance plan that reimburses us for up to 50 massages a year, $75 each time. It’s incredible. There are important health benefits to massage like lymphatic drainage and stress relief, and I think this therapy should be available to as many people as possible. But in the US, massage felt like a special occasion thing – how could it not when you’re looking at $100-175 + 25% tip for an hour at a spa? Of course, it depends on where you go, yet it’s consistently been much less here. But like I said, it’s different, haha. We did a walk-in appointment at a Chinese spa and as is the case at many places, they gave us each a pair of those paper thongs. This is your sign that your booty is going to be hanging out, folks – and no one is going to care! So set aside your memories of careful draping because you’re about to get a therapeutic beatdown. PS My Mandarin is still good enough to chat with the ladies. 😉