Fashionably Delayed: My Second Day in Paris

When your luggage is delayed, you’re in Paris, and you packed for a flight and the countryside… things get interesting fast. Let’s face it—this is not how I expected my first interaction with Paris—fashion capital of the world—to be. I’d been wearing the same clothes for three days. I did pack a change, but no extra shirt or shoes. My backpack was already bursting (I had to bring two books).

After an espresso, I wandered and landed at Odessa for breakfast: more espresso, a chocolate croissant, a buttered baguette with apricot jam, and an incredible orange purée drink served later in the meal. Great food, sweet service, and just the charm I needed.

Recharged, I set out to find clothes. I walked into Mango—mostly because the name was cute—and everything was 50% off! (Apparently, July is prime sale time in France. Thank you, local friend.)

If you know me, you know fashion matters. So finding soft, organic, quality pieces—and comfy flats I could actually walk in—was a highlight. I left with an outfit that felt good and worked for the journey ahead.

After wandering through a peaceful cemetery, I made my way toward the train station to head to Angoulême. Along the way, I found a cozy little restaurant and ordered beef skewers and a fresh salad with pomegranate, romaine, basil, and tomato. It hit the spot. Even better—my friend met me there and brought the missing piece to my delayed-luggage puzzle: ballet flats and socks! Absolute lifesaver.

As the train rolled into the countryside, I couldn’t help but notice how much it reminded me of farming towns in the U.S.—wide fields, green pastures, a slower pace. The big difference? The homes are much older, and every town feels like it’s brimming with history.

Eventually, we arrived in Mareuil en Périgord (castle).I’m going to pause here, because tomorrow promises a whole new adventure—and I want to soak up every bit of it. I finally made it to Marueil en Périgord, where we were dropped off by the bus in-front of a Château (castle). I am going to stop here because there is so much to explore tomorrow!