Leaving France for the United States

The day had finally arrived for leaving France for the United States. We were off to Paris on the TGV! (The fast train) My suitcase was miraculously packed, though it had put up a good fight. Honestly, suitcase  zippers deserve way more recognition. Their sheer determination to unite two sides of an overstuffed bag is nothing short of heroic. If not for their turbo strength, I would have to part with even more than I already had. In the end French pharmacy beauty products and French chocolate cookies won out over a few well-loved sweaters. Priorities!

The Airbnb was clean and tidied up just as I found it, I slung my carry-on over my shoulder, ensuring it was well stocked with the essentials. The dogs’ muzzles for the train ride, their travel documents, snacks ( for both them and myself), and of course their trusty travel blanket. Now came the real challenge getting to the train station. Picture this, one large suitcase, a duffle bag on wheels, and two dogs on leashes making our way to a nearby hotel to call an Uber. Simple, right? How naïve.

Finding a Pet-Friendly Uber in Paris

The Uber arrived swiftly, but the driver’s face soured the moment he spotted my furry co-pilots. waiting for an Uber. “I don’t take dogs,” he declared, shaking his head. Knowing I had 20 minutes to get to the train station, so I pleaded my case, even offering to cover the seats with a blanket. Still a firm “Non Madame!”. Desperate times called for desperate measures, so I pulled out my last resort, a 20 Euro offer.  Success!!! 

With a newfound enthusiasm he welcomed us abroad after the blanket was put on the back seat. What started as a shaky encounter turned into a delightful conversation and by the time we arrived, he was gracious, friendly and an excellent driver. 

Taking the TGV with Dogs – Leaving France for the United States

Gare Annecy at 11:45 a.m. was buzzing with travelers, all of us glued to the departure board waiting for our platform to appear. Train stations have fine-tuned the flair for suspense, only announcing the track 20 minutes before departure. And when they do? It’s like a synchronized sporting event everyone leaps up at once, humans and dogs alike, bags in tow ready to make a mad dash. 

Thankfully, I had planned ahead. My ticket was booked a week in advance, first class, for the price of 88 Euros, which included a ticket for myself and my larger dog. She needed a ticket as she is unable to sit on my lap. Paying for First Class provides extra space and is usually less crowded. I had also scouted the elevator location last week, as I would not be able to negotiate the luggage and dogs down 2 levels of stairs. 

Our train was, at the absolute end of the platform, of course! But once we settled in, it was comfortable, quiet and spacious enough for all of us to stretch out. Interesting fact I learned is that cell phone use (conversations) are  not allowed, which ensured that the environment was quiet. 

A Night in Paris

We arrived in Paris at Gare Du Nord in 3.5 hours. The drive from Annecy to Paris takes close to 5 ½  hours. Gare Du Nord greeted us with the usual energy, crowded and chaotic everyone walking with a distinct and determined purpose. My mission was to get an Uber to the hotel, fingers crossed. 

After countless rejections, I finally found one willing to accept us. Yeah! We were off to the hotel in the  Quartier Pigalle neighborhood. I was not familiar with this neighborhood doing some research,it was described as gritty, with lots of creative dining, and  plenty of theater shows, also the home of the Moulin Rouge. Sounded interesting. 

One thing was certain after the day’s adventures, a warm meal, a soft bed and a good night’s sleep before the flight back tomorrow sounded absolutely divine.

We arrived at our hotel, a quaint little place so discreet we nearly drove past it. The entrance was unassuming, but stepping inside felt like traveling back in time. The warm glow of old wood, the soft reflections in the antique mirrors, and a cozy little cafe tucked in the corner, ready to welcome early morning guests, like myself. It has a perfect blend of charm, just enough history to feel authentic yet modern enough to be comfortable. 

A Unique Neighborhood

Our room was on the fourth floor, which meant one of  two things: 1. an incredible view of the old street from the balcony, 2. A silent prayer was there was an elevator? Thank goodness there was both! The dogs have been amazing through all of this, ever patient and now thoroughly convinced that we were on some grand expedition. They were fed and made themselves comfortable on the soft bed both looking at me saying, Where exactly is this adventure leading us? 

The room itself had everything we needed, tiny but efficient. A comfortable bed, a wonderful bathroom stocked with heavenly scented products and just enough to turn around without bumping into something. 

With the pups settled, my next mission was finding a dinner place. I asked the hotel hostess hoping for a solid local recommendation. Without hesitation, she suggested a pizza place just up the street. Perfect! The restaurant was perfect for people watching, large windows, lively energy and the kind of ambiance that makes you linger a little longer. And the pizza? Was absolutely fantastic! Exactly what I needed after a long day.

 However, I would be remiss if I do not rewind my walk to the pizza place, which turned out to be quite the experience. Just when I think I’ve seen it all, Pigalle proves me wrong. This area, famously home to the Moulin Rouge, also happens to be dotted with sex shops. And, not just the run of the mill variety, oh no! These shops were fully committed to their theme, bakeries, displaying suggestive pastries, stores showcasing Eiffel Tower shaped adult items in every color imaginable. It was an education to say the least.

Leaving France for the United States

The next day we made our way to the airport and for once everything went smoothly. The dogs, as always, proved to be world class travelers. Their patience, adaptability and the ability to sleep through just about anything never ceases to amaze me. Landing in New Jersey brought an overwhelming sense of relief after two full days of travel complete. 

After leaving France for the United States, if there’s one thing life continues to teach me is that uncertainty is inevitable. But somehow, I always manage. And more often than not hidden within those twists and turns are surprises we never see coming, such as fresh perspectives, and especially resiliency.

Thanks for being here,

-Soraya

Flying with K9 Jets