26 in paris

It is Saturday night in Paris and I am officially 26 years old!

After a day of sites and photos with my Airbnb Experience photographer, it was back to the hotel to get cleaned up for my birthday dinner. 

WHAT DO I WEAR?
You have already seen the pictures and know I went with a bold, red, low-V, mini cocktail dress.
I bought this dress at a boutique in New Orleans during the Red Dress Run. I thought maybe some gentleman would invite me to a Christmas Party or on a date and I could wear it and he would just be floored.

But here I was in Paris, the city for lovers, where everyone wears black.
And I am alone and in a red dress.
Some people may think "Wow, attention seeker" but this was something I was really having a dilemma with in my hotel. Just wear black. 
Then I thought to myself: Yes, I am alone but I am not lonely. I am not everyone. I bought this dress. It is my birthday.
PUT ON THE DRESS!

I put on the dress and my big black coat to cover up. 
Fast forward to the restaurant: Georges  was more than I could have imagined. 

Bonjour Veronica Olivarez, table for 1 (UGH, yes!) and then the hostess asked for my coat.
Oh man. No turning back. Here we go.

I get to my table and breathe. No one is looking at you. Chill. You are not important.
OMG! The Norte Dame! The Eiffel Tower! It's raining! I'M IN PARIS!

"....are we waiting for one more?" SKKKrrrrrt thanks to the waiter for reminding me I was alone. 
I ordered wine and started to look over the menu. 
The couple to my right were debating on whether or not I got stood-up. 
The table to my left were all in classic black. 
I did not want to spend my birthday dinner on my phone but I did manage to check-in on Facebook before I put it away to admire the views around me. 

After I devoured the appetizer, cleaned my entree plate, I placed my order for a piece of chocolate cake. I reached for my phone and was surprised when the manager came to sit across from me. He introduced himself and asked how my meal was. I raved about everything and then he asked if it was my birthday. I'm sure I lit up and was shocked, how did he know?? (Now, looking back, maybe he noticed my FB check-in) I said yes! It is my birthday! and he responded with "okay, 1..2...3!" 
I was so confused! Then...
I heard it! I felt it! 
The whole waitstaff came out in their black-ties singing Happy Birthday with sparklers!
I am so glad I pulled my phone out earlier and gave it to the Manager just in time to capture the above pictures. 
...and it didn't stop here!
A lovely couple visiting from Colombia came to my table to say Happy Birthday and buy my a drink. We chatted for about an hour. The girl thought I was some blogger and could not believe I was by myself. She wished for my confidence. Little did she know my doubts before all this!
They were a lovely couple and now new friends.
We closed the place down but it didn't stop there!
The DJ asked if I had a song request and of course, I had two!!
We danced to Me Rehuso by Danny Ocean and Felices los 4 by Maluma. 

WOW! 

PARIS IS FOR VERO!