Yes, you read that right. The third time. It is escapism at its finest.

By the time I finished I was completely convinced that I needed to pack up and move to Paris. Seeing as that actually couldn't happen, I decided maybe I could bring Paris, to me. Paris, but in Baltimore.

After I finished Emily in Paris the first time, I had become slightly obsessed with all things France. I read the book How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are and had a Pinterest board full of inspiration on how to live like the French. The New York Times Travel even posted a story on "How to Pretend You're in Paris."

A few of the things I knew I had to include in my day were champagne (obviously), coffee and a croissant at a local café, a leisurely stroll to the market and apéro outside on my balcony.

[Apéro is basically how the French celebrate the end of their work day, by convening for a drink and a few small bites before dinner. It's a fantastic concept; slowing down to enjoy your time instead of rushing to get home.]

My agenda was set. I had the day off from work and was ready to jet off!

My first stop was a local bakery café a couple of blocks from my apartment. I ordered a coffee, pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant) and a baguette to go. The sun was shining and it was a mild 45 degrees. I sat outside with my book and my breakfast and relished in the moment. The fresh air, slightly cool but warm with the sun. The taste of the pain au chocolat; rich butter, flaky croissant, bittersweet chocolate. How with every bite I was covered in croissant crumbs. People watching from my table next to the water while reading a book that actually made me laugh out loud. The joy I felt in taking it all in.

After walking to the market (i.e. Whole Foods) and a few other shops, I returned home for apéro. I put together my tray of small bites and chilled my champagne. Using Apple Music, I found a French playlist (French Touch Essentials - highly recommend) and turned it on. The late afternoon sun was shining on my balcony. It was the perfect apéro atmosphere. You really can't go wrong any time you pop bubbles, and the sound of the French music made me want to dance as the champagne warmed me up.

I'd like to say that I ended the evening with a classic French film, but in all honesty, I turned up the French tunes and danced around my living room before turning on another episode of Emily in Paris (I know, I know).

I might not have truly jetted off to Paris for the day, but I definitely cultivated that feeling of travel that I was missing so much.