I love nothing more than chilling out with good company and talking over good coffee, a glass of wine or a great meal. I love nothing more than talking about the great things that are happening in the world and relishing in things that have recently happened to me. I’m an enthusiastic storyteller. But the stories I tell are all true.

 

It was a few weeks ago, on the eve of the marathon that I was having a chat with the lovely Mr & Mrs K. I was telling them the tales of my journey to Paris from Melbourne only a few days prior. I was telling them about meeting my first friend from this European adventure, Marianne. About how we met sitting next to one another on the plane. Fascinating, intelligent and kind Marianne. I knew I would like her almost instantly and when she lent me a copy of her New Yorker, it was settled. Friends.

 

When we landed in Paris, I realised just how little research I had done into where my Parisian apartment was and how I would even get there. You see, I am in a habit of taking things as they come because everything works out in the end… right? Standing in Charles de Gaulle Airport with no ability to speak French and no idea how to get to the bus transfers let alone which bus to take left me feeling a little anxious. Enter my new friend Marianne. She helped me get my bags, translated for me, shared her amazing French pastries whilst we had a coffee, waited with me for my transfer and then literally put me on the bus with written directions! Several hours later as I sat safely in my warm and cosy apartment, she emailed me to check that I had arrived safely and if all was well. All was indeed well.

 

Mr & Mrs K loved the story of Marianne. But I had more to tell! The next morning I realised I needed to make my way to the other side of Paris to register for the marathon. I couldn’t help but think to myself perhaps some basic French phrases from the lovely Ms Emma wouldn’t have gone astray. It took me 25 minutes to find Port Maillot, the metro station that is actually 5 minutes from my apartment. But hey, I did find it, eventually.

 

 

Googling ‘Paris metro’ that morning I read that the majority of metro staff speak English to be able to help non Parisians. The Port Maillot staff were clearly the minority. I was getting nowhere and no amount of Parlez-Vous Anglais was going to help.

 

I told Mr & Mrs K of standing in the station, confused and unsure and of the moment I heard the woman’s voice. I’m not even sure what language she was speaking. Something made me walk straight over to her and ask her if she spoke English. Of course she did! I told Mr & Mrs K of how this lady, a perfect stranger, looking me in the eye asked if I was ok and then proceeded to scoop me up in her arms and give me a massive hug! She helped me buy my tickets, gave me her Paris Metro map and escorted me to my platform! Indeed all was and is well.

 

It was at this point that Mrs K turned to me and told me something that I have been pondering for the last few weeks.

 

You are so lucky!

 

It is not the first time in the last few months that I have been told that. Some people refer to the current situation I find myself living out. The freedom to wander around, travelling and seeing the world and doing as I choose. Some people refer to the stories I tell. Believe me, these stories are not isolated instances for me. I have lots. Awesome things happen all the time!

 

So am I just lucky? Or do we in fact make our own luck? I might just leave you to ponder that for now. Next week I’ll let you in on some of the things I believe contribute to this so called luck. Wanna get lucky? Stay tuned and make sure you park yourself here for a few minutes next week to check it out. Till then keep your eyes peeled and your mind open. Awesomeness always surrounds and if you let it be, all will be well.

 

Much Love

 

PB x