We all have those childhood favorite traditions when the holidays come rolling around. Those traditions that you expect will always be there every single holiday season. Sometimes traditions last generations and some traditions are only for a season. One of my personal favorites is a particular drink that I absolutely love. I will embarrassingly admit it. I love the basic white girl Peppermint Mocha Frappucinno. In fact every time I go to Starbucks that is my go to; rain, shine, or snow. It doesn't matter what season; I love my Peppermint Mocha Frappe but I especially love it during the Christmas season.

So now begins the tale of the peppermint hunt in Paris....

When I first started to adapt to the culture here I found that the culture shock wasn't in the big things and that it was always in the small. Now, it might be a shame but most of our group goes to Starbucks at least every two weeks. Now before I get shamed we don't just go there for coffee, we go to do homework and get good wifi. When we go to cafes it takes a lot of time and usually these cafes are not meant to be cyber cafes. So, it's not that bad.....? Right? Early on I found out that most Starbucks don't have peppermint syrup here in Paris. The only time I had it was at the Starbucks by Disneyland (which completely makes sense). Naturally, I figured I could wait until it gets closer to christmas when all of the seasonal flavors come out.

But....long behold...

ALL of the seasonal flavors for christmas are out and there is still no sight of peppermint anywhere. I even googled where I could find peppermint in Paris and to no avail there was nothing. At this point in the story I have brought you now up to present day.

About an hour ago I walked in to Starbucks with no hope; planning on just buying their new Chocolate seasonal drink when out of the corner of my eye I saw...a candy cane. I went ahead and bought both the new seasonal drink and the candy cane because at last I was going to get my peppermint fill. I got situated quickly and popped open the lid. I threw the candy cane in and waited for the magic to begin. I got three sips in and realized something quite odd....I didn't taste any peppermint. It took only seconds to realize the atrocity that had occurred. I grabbed up my candy cane wrapper and there in bold print it stated "Strawberry Candy Cane" I put a strawberry flavored candy cane in my christmas mocha drink. The disappoint was unreal! My friend and I just looked at each other with wide grins and funny snorts sounding from our mouths. We both could not believe that I had done that and the fact that I had been so excited for peppermint just added to the humor.

So, when I said that culture shock is in the small things..... I meant that culture shock is in the small things. I have come to discover that peppermint is just not a thing here in Paris. The strawberry candy cane proved it. My tradition has been put on hold but there are many new traditions I have found on this trip. I love eating crepes and drinking lots of chocolat chaud! In fact Paris has the best chocolat chaud. If you ever get the chance try some...it will forever change you!

Note to any future travelers you will have these funny moments where you expect one thing and get the complete opposite. Go with it and make a fun memory out of it. These make for great stories and prove to be the best memories. I will forever remember my hunt for peppermint in the city of lights.

The end!

... or so I thought. This story does have a happily ever after. While I traveled to Dublin and London I found out that they indeed knew about the wonderfulness of peppermint syrup. My first peppermint mocha was in Dublin and I must say it made me so joyful and animated. After I found out that they had them, I shamelessly bought one almost everyday on our trip. I did try many other food items that were specific to Dublin and London, but I did have many cups of Starbucks. What can I say? Sometimes its good to eat or drink something that reminds you of home, as long as you are still willing to try new things.

So....there you have it my hunt for Peppermint in the City of Lights.

The End!