Looking Back On 2020 and its Highlights

2020. Boy am I happy to see the back end of this year. It's been a bit of a shitshow, hasn't it? It feels immensely against my nature to start a blog post off so negatively, particularly as I have had some of the best moments of my life in the first few months of this year, but I think it's extremely important to address the difficulties we have all faced as a society and as individuals this year, and so sweeping all of the hardship under the carpet would be a silly way to start off this post. I sincerely hope that 2021 brings more luck, health and overall prosperity to all of our lives and my well wishes are being sent to everyone reading this - I really really hope 2021 will do good things to you. My fingers (and toes) are crossed for us all.

Although 2020 brought about a pandemic that has, let's face it, wrecked what's meant to be one of the best years of our lives (the sheer amount of times I've been lectured about your 20s being the best years? Doesn't quite feel like that!), I can't help but reflect on it and think about how grateful I am to have experienced some of the things that I was fortunate enough to be able to do. 2020 was the year that my dreams came true and I moved to Paris to work at Louis Vuitton. Yes, it happened. As I sit here, I can't quite fathom that my reality was in fact, something I had dreamed about doing for so long (still in utter shock, can you tell?), and how much of a distant memory it seems right now. If there's one thing this year has taught me, it's that things in life are transient and you have to relish living in the moment, because you just don't know when someone's going to eat a bat and force you to stay inside for months on end. Too soon?

Although I have admittedly been a bit inconsistent with my blog this year, I wanted to take some time to reflect on the last 12 months and set myself some new goals in this annual post. After all, I do love a good ol' tradition. 2019 was a year full of adventure, excitement and personal growth for me, so the stark difference between the previous year and this one is quite laughable, really. 2020, although it started off on the same foot as 2019, very quickly descended into a year of confusion, emotional rollercoasters and a whole lot of baking. Looking back on the lockdowns, I am proud of the positivity I genuinely tried hard to instil into my everyday quarantine lifestyle. This year was also the year I began my final year at University, which is mind-boggling in itself. These were the resolutions I set myself for 2020 (try not to laugh, the penultimate one is so unfortunate):

• Start a bullet journal
• Work hard every single day at my internship with Louis Vuitton and impress my managers. Go above and beyond expectations. Always say yes. 
• Spend my final university summer holiday travelling a lot - my goal is 5 new countries
• Do at least 1 kind thing for others everyday

As you can probably tell, I didn't quite manage to fulfil all of my resolutions. Any guesses which one?  Yes, travelling was a write-off this year, however, I was lucky enough to squeeze in one holiday to Venice, which is a city I have longed to visit for years. That entire trip makes it feel like I did in fact travel far and wide like I'd wanted, it was a beautiful holiday. I did start a bullet journal and I did keep to it, enjoying the process of making a creative space to log my thoughts, plans and calendars. I really tried my best to work as hard as I could during my internship, whether that was successful is a subjective affair. But, I left that internship feeling fulfilled and so entirely grateful for being given the opportunity in the first place and I can only hope that I made somewhat of a good impression there. I also became a lot more aware of kindness; the pandemic actually provided a solid reminder for the need of this every single day. This is something I will continue to be more mindful of in the future.

A year of perpetual ups and downs, I feel like I now have whiplash, but here are my highlights of the year:

Had a 21st birthday party on a bus

Turning 21 is a symbolic event that is worthy of a big celebration. I always pretend to not want to hype up my birthday much, but I would be lying to myself if I said that was the case for this milestone. I decided to organise a party in London, the best bit being that half of it took palace on a big fat double-decker bus, fitted with a sound system and disco lights. It was so much fun being able to celebrate with my incredible friends and I'm so grateful that this all happened pre-pandemic, so we we able to fully go all out.

Moved to Paris

Truth be told, the day I boarded the flight to move to Paris, I wasn't feeling my best. I felt as though I had barely spent any time at home (I was only home for a couple of weeks over Christmas after coming home from Canada) and I just didn't feel mentally prepared at all. My worries very quickly dissipated though, as I settled into our poky little flat slap bang in Central Paris with my two closest course friends. Looking back, living in Paris was exactly what I had imagined it would be like and I was unfathomably happy to be living out what I had been dreaming about for so long. 

Turned 21 (in Paris!?)

My parents came to Paris for the weekend and we were able to spend my birthday together, which was a truly unforgettable experience. They surprised me with a trip to the Moulin Rouge, which was such a shock (although I was beginning to get a bit curious as to why we were heading towards the 18th arrondissement) and I couldn't believe they had bought front-row tickets to such a renowned show. It was dazzling.

My Internship (the whole thing)

I feel as though I've already harped on too much about my internship on this blog, so I'll keep it short and sweet. Being an intern at Louis Vuitton really has helped cement my future career ambitions and I will be eternally grateful to my managers for having granted me the experience in the first place. 

Helping on the press day for the launch of Heures d'Absence

This press day was easily one of the most daunting yet rewarding days of this year. I couldn't quite believe the role I had in assisting with both the prep and execution of the event and I absolutely loved meeting editors, journalists and influencers from all over the world and present to them a fragrance that I felt so passionate about. My confidence in my language abilities was also really strengthened that day, which was a boost I really needed and was very grateful for. 

Saw the Louis Vuitton FW2020 womenswear show live

When my manager asked if I wanted to chaperone a celebrity guest to the fashion show, I was in total disbelief. My jaw dropped to the ground and I didn't hesitate to say yes! It was such a glamorous experience and although I felt like a total imposter peeking round at the rows of famous faces that lined the catwalks, I couldn't help but think this was exactly the type of industry I want to work in. 

Saw shows at the Moulin Rouge and Le Lido

As if Moulin Rouge wasn't enough (it definitely was!), my flatmate and I surprised our other flatmate for her 21st birthday with a show at Le Lido. It's safe to say we pulled off the surprise impeccably (if I do say so myself), and our friend couldn't believe we were going together - she'd always wanted to see a show there! The acts were just incredible and I couldn't help but sit there with a big grin on my face and think how did I get so lucky to be able to spend a weeknight at one of Paris' most sought-after shows.

Saw 3 live concerts in Paris

If there's one thing I learnt about watching British singers live, it's that going to another European city to watch them will probably mean you get a more intimate experience. I was fortunate enough to see Grace Carter, Lewis Capaldi and Jade Bird during my time in Paris and I adored the small venues that allowed for a much more personal experience with the artist. If there's one thing 2021 can bring back, it's live music! I miss it! 

All the visits from family and friends

I was visited by my family, boyfriend and best friends in Paris and each one was an amazing weekend, filled with happy memories and a shit load of alcohol. Only joking, we kept it classy, it's Paris for goodness sake. Showing my loved ones around my favourite city on the planet was a true pleasure and spending such quality time with them is something I am so grateful for, especially as it has been made virtually impossible from Covid. 

Stayed at the Crazy Bear Hotel

Moving away from the topic of Paris (do I hear a sigh of relief?), one of my favourite trips of this year was a little staycation to the Crazy Bear Hotel with my SO. Whilst restrictions had eased and we had some kind of exciting life to lead, we voyaged a humble 40 miles to Beaconsfield to enjoy one night away in the most extra hotel you've ever laid eyes on. Copper bathtubs filling up from the ceiling, garishly-decorated interiors and a dramatic, mirrored staircase, I was in my absolute element. After Lockdown 1.0, it was  such a welcome experience to be able to have a change of scenery and the occasion to dress up to the nines and drink my body weight in pornstar martinis. 

Went to Stratford-Upon-Avon

Another staycation that I eagerly booked was a weekend in Shakespeare's birthplace. With the sun blazing down, we roamed the quaint streets and enjoyed taking in different scenery. Taking advantage of the glorious weather, we rented a row boat and merrily floated down the river Avon and had a blast trying the figure out the best coordination strategy to overtake other passers by. I do hate a slow rower. 

Went to Venice

Having postponed our trip to September, my SO and I were itching to board a plane and jet off overseas. Visiting Venice was my favourite city break yet and I was relishing every minute of being able to be abroad again. With a lack of bustling herds of tourists, we were able to enjoy Venice in such a special way, making the trip even more wonderful than we could have imagined.  

Was a Maid of Honour

When a long-time friend of mine announced she was engaged, I was so delighted for her and couldn't help but think what a great thing to happen during such a rubbish year. I was even more ecstatic when she asked me to be her maid of honour, I was incredibly flattered and honoured that she wanted me to be there by her side. It was an incredible responsibility and seeing the marriage of a dear friend of mine was such a special occasion that I'll never forget!

Began my Final Year at University

Beginning the most crucial year of my degree slap bang in the middle of a pandemic has certainly been an unexpected vibe, but, living with my best mate in a city I love so much, I can't really complain. Having spent the previous year abroad, the motivation I have to finish my degree and begin my working life has never felt so strong, but I also am so aware of the fact that this is the last year I will spend living as a student in Bath. A bittersweet highlight, I can only hope the tumultuousness of this year doesn't have a devastating impact on my grades, but this is yet to be confirmed. Stay tuned to see how that pans out (and have a little pray for my grades while you're at it!)