Paris run takes me back to my magical youth

I have been to Paris before. My first time was an idealist view, the city of Romance and yes, it was beautiful, but I think romance follows you to many areas of beauty and so this time with the family it’s about magic, about fun, about going back to being a child for a few days and wow, did Paris transport me from adult life and back into childhood.

We’ve surprised the children, a treasure hunt to find clues to lead them to the tickets. The excitement, the determination, the banter, finally getting to the end goal of finding each clue. Then the shock, the joy, the appreciation. I lap up this very moment because as the youth get older and become involved in groups, activities and friendships, time is limited so whenever you get an opportunity to spend time together, it is magical. However, this trip has a different kind of magic; it’s the dream, the thrills, the stories they and us adults grew up with. A faraway place that we see, hear and read about but now we are going. I am beyond excited myself.

For days the questions keep coming, the bags are packed, thoughts of getting to leave school a little earlier, it’s all adding to the excitement.

On arrival, we hop on the shuttle bus to bring us to our Disney hotels. On route we can see Disneyland, images of Mickey and Minnie Mouse powering over the Princess Castle but most of all the younger travellers can see the rollercoasters. They tell me I’m going on. I’m a little hesitant but then again, I’m a child for the weekend.

From the moment you walk in the front door, you are surrounded by lights, colour, characters, smiles, laughter and joy, I love it. Food, then bed, as we have an early start. In a place that attracts hundreds of people on a daily basis, we’re first up to avoid the queues.

On limited time the best way to discover your surroundings is on foot, especially with a bit of speed. A light-up footpath is alive with people walking, running and cycling, to work, to the resort, to escape from the madness just for a short while. It’s pitch dark but the street lights guide our way. It’s teeming rain but my light Irish running jacket does the job. I begin to move, up the lane from one Disney hotel and pass the next, the third and fourth, trying to figure out which is the best. They are all brilliant, they are all attractive with friendly, familiar faces, some from our childhood, some from the movies and some from a make-believe world.

The first length done, a mile beeps, listening to Midwest Radio but there is no news, we’re an hour ahead. I am happy because I don’t need the news where I am now. I meet some more on the same journey, running up and down the safe laneway, on the outskirts of Paris.

Soaked from the thick mist, roasted from the humidity but not like the refreshing West of Ireland dampness, I head for the mermaid shower. All still soundly asleep, gradually opening their eyes and then boom, up, noise, dressed and mad for action.

A breakfast for a hungry bunch to keep us sustained for a jam-packed day as I believe one won’t have time to eat. All delighted with a typical Parisian array of foods – pastries, croissants, baguettes, coffees – we’re ready for a day of exploration. The bus awaits, packed with families going the same way.

On arrival to Disneyland, the vibrant colours, make-believe architecture and enchanting characters evoke a sense of nostalgia that transcends age. An adult may feel an overwhelming rush of memories from their formative years, reminding them of simpler times when imagination was boundless and joy was easily attainable. I don’t need to suggest, plan or organise a thing; the children are the experts here today. They have researched exactly where to go, I just follow the lead. No queues yet and before I know it I’m in the line for the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, one of the fastest, scariest, rollercoaster rides that speeds through a haunted goldmine. I’m telling the family not a hope but the more I try to back out, the more they convince me and suddenly I’m belted in and have no choice. My mind wanders as I hear some of the story behind the mountain I look so fearfully up at.

Sometime in the late 1800s, gold was discovered on Big Thunder Mountain in the American Southwest. Overnight, a small mining town became a thriving one. Mining was prosperous and an extensive line of mine trains were set up to transport the ore. Unknown to the settlers, the mountain was a sacred spot to local native Americans and was cursed.

My son keeps a seat and reckons he’ll mind me. As the train begins to rise up, I think I can do this, I have ran much higher on foot than this and survived, then aaahhhh, we’re gone. I can’t see, feel or hear anything only fear, but it’s a fun fear. I always like running downhill but this is a different experience, your stomach feels like it’s about to take off. I gradually open my eyes and watch in awe at how brave the younger generation are. I smile after a tough year to see such happiness in our children’s eyes, to see them completely immersed in the moment. I begin to share their joy. We stop, jump off and head for the next ride. I am getting into this.

Next up is my choice, The Pirates of the Caribbean. We sail slowly through the river, it brings down the heart rate, relaxes one after the nailbiting mountain experience, sailing through the Caribbean, experiencing pirates’ voyages, troubles and explorations from the West Indies. I am in heaven. Glimmering fireflies appear, pirates jumping out of nowhere, experiencing their way of life. Banjo melodies tune our way, gliding past an old pirates’ shipwreck, up a lift hill to reach treasure at the top, spilling back into the sleepy bayou, where we began.

I cannot believe how I have become completely oblivious to the modern busy world and become immersed in a beautiful, magical world of wonder. I am now up for anything. Indiana jones and the Temple of Peril is being mentioned next and then it’s wind down with a Disney show. As we head back to our hotel, miles and miles walked, steps and steps clocked up, everyone is hungry and no one complains about going to bed.

My next adventure is running through the City of Romance, experiencing its rich history and vibrant culture. As I meander through the cobblestone streets, I trot along by the calm and peaceful River Seine, my eyes capturing the Eiffel Tower, the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Lourve Museum, again no queues at this hour. Running my way through the streets, the city becomes alive in a way for me that cannot be replicated through any other form of exploration. The rhythmic sound of my footsteps harmonises with the business of early morning cafés, echoing against centuries old architecture, the scent of freshly baked croissants wafting from quaint cafés drawing in workers on foot, all adding to my rich experiences of the Parisian way of life. My adventure this morning has allowed me an opportunity to connect with the city on a deeper level and create lasting memories of history, culture and beauty.

Today it’s off to Universal Studios where, I believe, I will move from the fun-filled colourful worlds of Disney and Pixar to the exciting action-packed movie world of Marvel Avengers, Spiderman, Toy Story and Finding Nemo. I am trained a bit better and so, getting into the zone of being present, not thinking of what’s coming up next and going with the flow becomes easier, allowing me to reconnect with the world of wonder and innocence of childhood. The sensory stimuli present play a crucial role in this experience. Mickey Mouse awaiting above in the Tower’s Balcony, a photo opportunity not to be missed, the sounds of laughter, the aroma of freshly baked pastries, the sight of iconic attractions such as Sleeping Beauty’s castle, people running everywhere to make the next ride.

I stand back and take a few photos but I don’t think I will need reminding; memories from here will last forever. Watching our children soak up every moment, immensely enjoying every step, provides me with profound insights into the essence of joy and curiosity. When you are reminded of modern-day life and trying to navigate through its complexities, this live-in-the-moment attitude can serve as a powerful reminder to embrace creativity and spontaneity – qualities often suppressed by societal expectations. My juggling of adult responsibilities and childlike wonder are already balanced, with my personal values and priorities now higher on the list.

This weekend I have experienced a world through a child’s eyes, allowing me to dream without limitations. My hopes, dreams and aspirations are now bigger and brighter than ever before. Yes, Paris is still a city of romance but for me now, also a city of wonder, awe and magic.