Out with Dr. Bill – Paris Memories, Old and New

As I was writing this next installment of Out with Dr. Bill I noticed a fun little pattern: each of my last two pieces ended with Eric and me at a Soho House, sipping their signature cocktail, the Eastern Standard. Our two-decade membership has certainly brought its share of joy and value.

Our last evening out in London was no different, spent at Soho House's cozy Greek Street location, where we savored one final cocktail together before heading off to Paris the next morning.

Our journey to Paris on the Eurostar began with an unexpected twist. A citywide cycling event had blocked our usual route, and our bellman at the Trafalgar St. James London, Curio Collection by Hilton, became an unexpected hero. He cheerfully pushed our luggage trolley–two weeks' worth of bags–across four city blocks to bypass the barricades and hail us a taxi. We make it a point to stay at Hilton properties whenever possible, as they're known for being LGBTQ+ friendly and consistently score 100% on The Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index.

Thanks to our "Hero with a Hotel Cart," we were able to flag down a taxi and finally make our way to St. Pancras International Station, ready for our Parisian adventure.

Our driver, clearly a seasoned pro, navigated the lively scene with ease, even managing to wave down a police officer at one point to move a barricade so we could pull right up to the station's front door. This impromptu VIP treatment was a welcome surprise!

Once inside, we headed to the Eurostar lounge–a perk we've enjoyed since reaching Carte Blanche status in the Club Eurostar loyalty program. The lounge offered a calm break from the bustling main departure area, complete with a smoothie bar, snacks, and newspapers. Unlike Amtrak's Metropolitan Lounge in NYC's Moynihan Train Hall, which has a private elevator down to the tracks, the Eurostar lounge experience herded us into a busy crowd scrambling for the moving walkway–affectionately known as the "travelator"–to reach the platform. Quite the mob scene!

After what felt like a mile-long trek to reach our car at the front of the train, we finally settled into our seats, facing each other and both lucky enough to have window views. Eric took the backward-facing seat–a fun twist–while I looked forward to relaxing for the next 2 hours and 16 minutes on our way to Paris.

Starting the Day with Purpose: WEConnect at Disneyland Paris

Arriving in Paris, I was immediately drawn into the purpose of my visit: attending the WEConnect International conference at Disneyland Paris, a short 45-minute train ride from the city. Being part of this event as a board member fills me with pride; it's an unparalleled gathering that unites women business owners and leaders worldwide, giving them the tools, connections, and support to grow.

Those early morning commutes were such a small price to pay for the chance to witness the incredible work WEConnect does in building a more inclusive global economy. Every pre-dawn start was worth it to be surrounded by such energy and dedication.

A real highlight of the conference for me was catching up with friends and colleagues from different parts of the world. I especially enjoyed time with Pavel Subrt, who came from Austria, and Peter Zerp, from Amsterdam. Both traveled solo, leaving their husbands back home, and we wrapped up the conference with a cozy, post-event cocktail afternoon, sharing stories and strengthening our bond. It was one of those simple yet memorable moments that made the experience even more rewarding.

Enjoying Paris Unrushed

Having visited Paris so many times, we didn't feel the need to rush around, checking off sights from a list. Before heading to the Eiffel Tower, we spent a calm afternoon at the Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris.

The outside buzzed with the frenzy of Fashion Week preparations, but inside, the museum offered a serene escape, letting us enjoy the collection without the usual rush. The quiet halls provided the perfect counterpoint to our busy itinerary.

Once finished, we took a lovely, leisurely walk along the Seine. The path was packed with runners, sticking to their designated side of the street, giving the whole scene anvibrant feel.

As we walked along the Seine, we admired glimpses of the Eiffel Tower from various spots, each view feeling like a postcard. We also passed by Notre Dame, which is nearing the end of its extensive renovation. With most of the scaffolding down and only a few secure barriers remaining, seeing it restored felt like witnessing the resilience of this beloved landmark–and this city.

Finally, we arrived at the Eiffel Tower, and I was thrilled to see it proudly adorned with the Olympic rings–a breathtaking reminder of the recent 2024 Summer Games that had filled Paris with excitement just a month before. Over 10 million people had poured into the city, cheering in the streets and stadiums, creating an incredible energy that still lingered in the air.

Standing beneath the Tower, I could almost hear the echoes of those roaring crowds, feel the pulse of celebration, and imagine the magic that had brought the world together in the City of Light. I could even picture Céline Dion's voice ringing out from the Tower as she sang "L'Hymne à l'amour" to close the Opening Ceremony.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo even wants to keep the Olympic rings on the Tower a little while longer. Though they're too heavy to remain as they are, there are plans to replace them with lighter versions so they can continue to shine over the city.