Deborah Heard is a world traveler, plain and simple. That's why I wasn't surprised when she decided to pack up and move to Paris for an extended vacation of three months...living in an apartment and enjoying the city à la facon francaise. Prissy Mag asked her to reflect back on her adventure here, and this is what she told us.

Essentials:

Name: Deborah
Age: 51
Nationality: American

PM: How long were you in Paris and what brought you here?

I lived in Paris for three months, from the beginning of February until the beginning of May. I'd visited the city three times before and, each time I left, I wanted to spend more time there. In May of last year, when I decided to take an early retirement offer from my job as an editor, one of my first thoughts was that I can go back to Paris.

PM: What did you like most about being here?

I loved that every day provided a discovery of some sort. Discoveries like the stark beauty of the Eiffel Tower framed by winter clouds. And the brilliant, jeweled-toned light inside Sainte Chapelle. And the white chocolate and raspberry cupcakes at Berko near my apartment. And the sublime vibe of the trio performing at the Cafe Laurent.

PM: What was different for you here, versus where you presently live?

The biggest difference for me was that Paris is so easy to get around. I love to walk and it's a walkable city, with interesting buildings and gardens everywhere. Plus, the subway system is far superior to the metropolitan Washington subway system. I walked miles and miles every day just exploring the city. I didn't worry because I knew that there was a subway stop almost every where I turned if I got tired or lost.

PM: What did you not like about living here, if anything?

The cost of almost everything was higher than I was used to. Most of Washington's museums, for example, are free every day.

PM: What did you miss most from your own country?

I missed Washington's diverse African-American population. Part of that was because I left the city just after President Obama was inaugurated and I was hearing stories from friends about the new energy with the arrival of the new administration.

PM: If you hadnt come here to spend three months, where else might you have gone?

I'd have gone someplace in the Caribbean. But I never gave i t much thought because I knew I wanted to spend that time in Paris. The Caribbean or West Africa is next on my list.

PM: What do you miss most now that you're back home?

I miss the art and culture of Paris. I spent a tremendous amount of time wandering the galleries of the Louvre, the Musee d'Orsay, the Picasso, etc. It was a marvelous experience.

PM: Complete these two sentences: Paris is…

... incredible. I finally understand why fans of Paris start to glow when talking about the city. It is extraordinary in so many ways -- from the commonplace pain au chocolat to the ancient architecture.

PM: French people are...

... fortunate.

PM: What advice would you give someone who wants to spend time here?

Just go. Get a couple of guidebooks. Get a museum pass. Get a Navigo subway pass. Go explore someplace new every day.

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