Treat yourself is a motto in my life. I do it often and try to do it as well as possible. A great way to do that is through one of my hobbies. No big shocker here but it’s shopping. France is a great country for shoppers like myself so why not try my luck there. I went to Lille with the pure intent of shopping. Buying all that I like, eating well and treating myself to some me-time. I planned a lovely day. Unfortunately things didn’t go as planned, it turned into Lille Shopping drama, however I did learn the meaning of a travelers saying.
I learned the meaning of a saying I have loved even before I started traveling, it is the following:
“A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving”
– Lao Tzu
I was very intent on arriving even though I know that when I’m en route I always stop at sights that spike my interest. Especially when traveling by car or train. This time I went by train. I had two minutes between my connection. I thought that was plenty of time to get a ticket and hop on the train. I was very wrong. Obviously. Honestly, what was I thinking?! Hence the commencement of my Lille shopping Drama.
I missed the train, and was stranded in that city. I was bummed because I knew the next train would be in an hour meaning I had missed an hour of shopping. Luckily the sun was shining so I shook the disappointment off and decided to wander around the city I was in. It was beautiful. I was happy to have missed my train. I would’ve missed out seeing a lot of things that I love. I saw beautiful architecture and soaked up the sun with some ice cream.
After wandering around in awe I got on the train to Lille. Finally arrived at my pre-planned destination. Even though things didn’t go smoothly, I ended up having lots of shopping time. So much so that I had the time to sit down on a square in the middle of Lille to reflect on my Lille drama and enjoy another a slushy. Honestly, I would go back just for that slushy alone. It was amazing!! I still dream about it.
I full agree with all the people that had recommended me to go shopping in Lille. Next to having a mall, they also have well stocked shopping streets with lots of boutiques as well as the classic high street shops. The shopping was so successful that I was able to restock all my closets and make my heart very happy. I really love shopping in France.
Knowing me I also had to go wandering around in Lille because I had the chance, not that I was done shopping I was more done letting Lille abuse my credit card. I stumbled upon various parks which where very nicely decorated with various flower arrangements, such as roses and tulips in various colors. I also stumbled upon a very weird meat market, I don’t know how I ended up in there. I don’t have to tell you that I love french architecture, they had it in plenty. Even though I mostly shopped during my time in Lille I could definitely see that Lille has much more to offer.
Not every misfortune is really a misfortune.
Love,
DCPR.
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