After a peaceful night in my cozy Airbnb, it was time to check out and move to my new home for the next few days: the stunning Hôtel Norman in the Opéra district. Nestled just off the Champs-Élysées, the hotel felt like a Parisian dream. My junior suite, complete with a balcony overlooking the city, made me feel like I was living in my very own Parisian apartment — and I couldn’t have been more thrilled (but more on that in an upcoming GT Tested review in Global Traveler). I spent a good amount of time simply gazing at the grand architecture of the neighborhood before setting out to explore more of the city.

A short, seven-minute walk from my hotel brought me to the Arc de Triomphe, where I happily climbed the 284 steps to the top. The view was absolutely breathtaking — a perfect, straight shot down the Champs-Élysées and an unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower. I stood there for a few moments, taking in the beauty of it all. Paris, in all its glory, was finally unfolding before me.

From there, I wandered toward the Trocadéro area, smiling to myself as I stopped at every corner, truly in awe of the city. Every other step I couldn’t help but repeat, “I really am here.” It was surreal, almost as if I were in a dream — and, yet, so real.

After 3,000 steps, I found myself at Carette, a charming café I saw recommended a lot on social media. There was no line (apparently a rare stroke of luck), so I grabbed a seat inside. I ordered the famous hot cocoa and a pastry to warm up from the chilly Paris air. The cocoa was rich, sweet and perfectly complemented by the airy whipped cream that crowned it. As I sipped my drink, I let myself sink into the atmosphere — people from all over the world chatting, laughing and walking past. In that moment I realized something essential about solo travel: It’s not just about the places you visit but about the way it helps you rediscover yourself. I was so present and connected to the moment.

Rejuvenated by the cocoa, I continued my stroll and, to my delight, made it just in time to see the Eiffel Tower sparkling for the first time. I had seen it from the Arc de Triomphe earlier, but this? This was different. I was overcome with emotion, my heart swelling with gratitude. The twinkling lights of the tower, the music drifting in the air and the energy of the city made the moment feel unforgettable.

I stood there for a while, taking photos and calling friends and family to share the experience. Then, just as I was about to leave, I heard a cover of Green Day’s “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” playing nearby. I couldn’t resist. I stayed and it turned into something extraordinary — a small crowd of people gathered around the performers, and, suddenly, it felt like a spontaneous concert. Strangers from all corners of the world, singing together, united in a single moment. Some tourists, others just stopping by after work — but we all shared the same feeling.

As I sang and even shed a few tears, I realized this was the ethos of globility, an FXExpress-coined term meaning the quality of being open to a world of cultures and experiences. In that moment, we were all united by the joy of being in Paris, living out our dreams. It was one of those rare, magical experiences that remind you how beautiful it is to be alive and open to the world.

I didn’t care or worry about my phone’s battery dying. I walked back to the hotel with a full heart that night.

Come back for more of my Paris adventures!

— Yasser Ogando, executive director, media