All good things come to an end, and our trip to Europe finally drew to a close. It felt strange that those days just went by, and we were about to fly home.
We were not sure when exactly we’d be back, but Mon and I are certain we’d visit again some time next year. We just had sole unfinished business in Rome and Paris. But that would have to be planned thoroughly.
We also already missed the 3 kitties at that point (just watching them play, eat and sleep from the CCTV).
Last look at our AirBnB in Paris
We woke up quite early that day, as we had to ensure all our last minute items were packed securely. We checked everything twice.
It also meant we had to leave the AirBnB. As pretty as the place was, we had a couple of issues with it. The next time we go, perhaps we could opt for a cheaper hotel instead?
We had limited choices once we got our visas back in March, and it was extra challenging to look for a place that meet our requirements with senior travelers: maximum second floor or should have a lift if above that, and no ‘bathtub’ -type shower to minimize the need for my parents to hurdle it and risk slipping.
The small room of our AirBnB
En route to CDG Airport somewhere at the 18ème arrondissement
Ikle also dropped by the AirBnB to us off, looking a bit sad that we were leaving. I was so sad as well but promised her we’d visit again next year (whenever that may be).
She also hugged Mama and Papa, before saying goodbye as our Uber pulled over. We had booked an Uber instead of FreeNow since the night before, so it’d be easier for us to estimate our time.
At 11:15 pm, we began driving away from rue Poissonnière, and waved goodbye to Ikle. I felt so sad that time more than anything else.
While our flight back to Manila was not until 4:00 pm, we decided to leave for CDG much earlier. Mon and I thought we could still do some last minute shopping before boarding.
We were just had our eyes glued outside, taking in Paris once last time.
Waiting for the Qatar Airways check-in counter to open
This walkalator looked like a spaceship
On our way to the many checks at CDG Airport
At around 12:30 pm, we reached CDG. We immediately looked for the Qatar Airways check-in counter so we won’t have to go very far.
The check-in was fortunately already open, and we thought we’d have plenty of time around the Duty Free area. We were wrong.
Despite being early, the security checks were the tightest we had experienced more than anywhere else. That was appreciated for everyone’s safety, but it also meant we’d have less time for lunch and Duty Free.
Boarding time!
We barely had an hour before boarding time. We just ended up ordering lunch from the packed McDonald’s.
While waiting for our food to arrive, Mon rushed to Longchamp to buy some coin purses as souvenirs for the ladies.
After he dashed back to McDonald’s, we barely had 20 minutes left. He ate quickly and before we knew it, we were already headed to the boarding gate.
It was time to leave Paris and fly back home.
First leg: Paris to Doha
Before take-off: Bye Paris!
It would be a 6.5-hour flight from Paris to Doha. We were seated at the bulkhead seats in Economy, which was surprisingly comfortable for me.
Business class was good, but I cannot justify spending that much money for it. Perhaps in the future if I were to win the lottery or become a high roller.😅
As we prepared to leave, I thought it was uneventful. Once the engines started revving, there was a man from all the way back who was screaming madly. He was maniacally shouting: «Aidez-moi! Au secours!»
It was not a pleasant experience, especially we were about to fly. I thought we were being hijacked.
The FAs, who were seated in front of us, were just mouthing towards me: “It’s okay. Nothing to worry. We have air marshals on the plane.”
It left me bewildered. What exactly was happening.
First meal of the flight
He was so into the in-flight entertainment
Within an hour of flying, we were served with our meal, which I wolfed everything quickly. The food from McDonald’s somehow did not fill me up.
Mon then proceeded watching a lot of movies as he could. Me, on the other hand, just listened to music on my phone. Airlines save money on me because I almost never use IFEs regardless of how long the flight is.
Then at around 11:30 pm Doha Time, we arrived at Hamas International Airport. For some reason there was no security check after we disembarked and we went straight to the Duty Free area. Perhaps because we came from Paris and we had to go through strict scrutiny?
Our 2 and a half hour connection meant we had plenty of time to look around for souvenirs we have not bought in Paris.
The Giant Teddy Bear at Hamad International Airport
Boarding gate in Doha, awaiting our flight to Manila
HIA was so alive even ar 12 midnight. It felt like being inside a mall in Manila during a weekend sale. We entered Adidas and we were greeted by an all-Pinoy staff who assisted us with our purchases.
We also entered a gift shop to buy a souvenir Teddy Bear tote for Brie. I reached the counter and was informed that the bag was in reality 20 Qatari riyals more expensive than the tag. I was so tired to contest, and just accepted it.
Then at around 1:15 am, we headed to the boarding gate, in time for our Doha to Manila flight.
Finally going home
Somewhere over Bangladesh
I was seated near the window with Mama and Papa, while Mon was seated in the aisle next to us.
These seats almost did not happen as we received an out of the blue message from Qatar Airways on our third day in Rome that they took the liberty of moving us around because of a baby. Damn those bassinet seats, which affected our first flight to Europe and then the flight back to Manila.😅
I was in a phone with a Qatar Airways representative for 30 minutes just for that. Thank God for the Orange eSim call credits!
Finally landed in Manila!
We had two meals for the DOH-MNL flight. Then out of the blue, Mama pulled out the Big Mac from McDonald’s at CDG.
The lack of security in Doha meant she unwittingly brought the burger thousands of miles from France, and possibly back to the Philippines. (She only had about 2 small bites of it).
The nine and a half flight meant I had plenty of time to reflect on the trip that was. Albeit not perfect, I was very proud we pulled it off. Never in a million years I would thought I’d have that trip with Mama and Papa, and thanks to Mon (and Ikle) who had been very patient with them the whole time.
I finally visited France and Italy. All those doubts I had whether or not I was confident enough with my barely used languages, meant I could go by. It also felt like a pilgrimage and some sort of revalida for me, honestly.
At around 4:30 pm, we landed in the Philippines, and we had been greeted by the warm weather. It was nice to be home, too!
Hello, our baby princess!
Our fierce ginger gave us the ‘K. U back’ face
Papa and Mama were picked up by a car service who lives near home, and we said our ‘goodbyes’ and ‘see you next weekend’.
They also kissed, hugged, and thanked me for that trip to remember.
Mon and I took a Grab back home. And on the ride back, I was just imagining how hours ago, we were in Paris. I felt like I was floating as we were plying the Skyway.
Our baby Bami looking confused
Halp! Who are you?
At exactly 6:00 pm, I opened our apartment door and we were greeted by the 3 kitties.😭 I was teary-eyes as we tried to hug them, but they just scampered after an initial look. Oh cats.
We managed to eventually picked up Bami who looked like he wanted to be let go. That was not an option though as we smothered him relentlessly.
I took a nap (if you can call 2 hours that), and woke up disoriented. It took me a good minute to realize I was at home. I deliriously thought I was still in Paris.
Then the Bami approached me, and brushed himself on my leg. “Yep, we’re home.”
Steps: 8,934 + 3,444
P.S.
The McDonald’s burger from CDG reached the Philippines. The kids ate it. 🍔
