10 days. 5 countries. 7 cities.
This winter, we embarked on an unforgettable adventure, Karimi’s first road trip through Europe. It was ambitious (maybe a little too ambitious), full of long drives, clinking glasses, sleepy photo shoots, and a whole lot of firsts. But more than anything, it was a trip we’ll always remember, messy, magical, and uniquely Fifinono.
Paris: Haute cuisine & Missed Photo Ops
Paris, of course we have to start in Paris, la ville lumière et d’amour… haute cuisine, haute couture, and the place Fifi once called home for over a year, falling in love with everything French. Excited to indulge with some great food and wine, we took Karimi to Michelin-star restaurants every day for lunch. The staffs were so welcoming and accommodating with our little boss. And She spit it out all over the place. A true Parisian food critic in the making.
We had also booked a dreamy family photoshoot in front of the Eiffel Tower, imagining the postcard worthy portraits dancing in our heads. But of course, Karimi fell asleep just before the shoot, snoring peacefully through every shutter click, and woke up the moment it ended. C’est la vie.
Épernay: Champagne for the Big & Little
Next up: Épernay, the sparkling heart of the Champagne region. We toured the grand houses, Mercier, Moët et Chandon, and the boutique Jacquinot et Fils, soaking in cellars and centuries of bubbly history.
What makes it even more special, Karimi had her first juice here: 100% Chardonnay grape juice, served right where they make the real stuff at Moët. While the adults tasted vintages with fine bubbles, she chugging her chardonnay like a seasoned connoisseur.
Bouillon: Castles and Local Brews
From Épernay, we drove to Bouillon, Belgium, a storybook Belgian town wrapped around a hilltop castle. We explored the medieval fortress, climbed stone towers, and imagined life in the time of knights.
Afterward, we rewarded ourselves with local Belgian beer, huddled in a cozy tavern while Karimi munched on fries like a true Belgian baby.
Luxembourg: Tiny Country, Grand Past
Then it was on to Luxembourg, one of the smallest countries in Europe—but rich with charm and layered in history.
We wandered through the old quarters of Luxembourg City, where fortified walls hug narrow streets and centuries of rule and resistance still echo from the stones. We met up some some old friends, shared memories and joy of being bullied by our little bosses.
A quiet yet powerful contrast to the flash of Paris, Luxembourg was a quiet stop before the next festivities!
Strasbourg: Glühwein & Christmas Magic
Back in France, we landed in Strasbourg, home of the world-famous Christmas markets. Strasbourg doesn’t just host a Christmas market. It hosts 12 of them, spread throughout its fairytale Old Town and beyond.
The city radiated festive spirit. We wandered cobbled streets with glühwein in hand, surrounded by twinkling lights, carousel music, and the scent of roasting chestnuts. Karimi was mesmerized by the sparkling ornaments, and hopefully picked up the tune to “Petit Papa Noël” somewhere along the way.
Frankfurt & Farewell
Finally, we crossed into Germany and ended our journey in Frankfurt, ready to catch our flight to Nairobi. Tired, full, and happy, we looked back on our whirlwind trip with a mix of gratitude and relief.
The Recap
Again, 10 days. 5 countries. 7 cities. We did it!
Some tips to ourselves next time:
- Stay in one place for minimum 3 days, country hopping with a baby every day was a bit too much for everyone
- Take the time off! We were both working remotely at night after an all day traveling with Karimi, that was exhausting.
Yes, it was a lot of driving. Yes, we were maybe a bit too ambitious. But it was also so worth it. The moments of chaos and excitement, laughter and sweats, sippy cups and champagne flutes, all made the trip whole. And more than the places we visited, it’s watching Karimi experiencing everything for the very first time.
Karimi will not remember anything. But one day, we’ll tell her the story of her first European road trip. And maybe, we really really hope, she’ll grow up loving the open road, new tastes (even if she spits them out), and the joy of discovering the world, one ambitious itinerary at a time.
FIFINONO - a blog about cultural exploration 
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