On Saturday 19 August, the Kolisi family made the move to their new home in Paris after a whirlwind week of packing, planning, and difficult goodbyes.
Earlier this year, the family shared that they would be relocating to Paris after the 2023 Rugby World Cup as Siya’s contract with the Cell C Sharks came to an end. The new chapter would mark Siya joining French rugby club, Racing 92.
ALSO SEE: Kolisi family bid South Africa adieu for new chapter in Paris
When the day of their big move arrived on Saturday, Rachel posted to Instagram writing:
“After a week of devastating goodbyes, packing, working, holding space for my babies, farewells, and lots and lots of admin. This morning I woke up to this flower. The promise of a new season. ”
Rachel poses in the mirror with a pink orchid in bloom in front of her, the flower almost forming a crown atop her head.
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“My heart is super heavy, moving is very very hard. I’m throwing all my faith in Jesus in this season. Thank you to those who have checked in, and showered us with love and kindness. We are so grateful. Kez, Nic and I are moving to Paris today.”
The Kolisi brood makes it to their new home in Paris
And just like that, they were off. After a luggage-heavy trip to the airport, Rachel posted an update from their new home in Paris, after day of exploration and discovery in the City of Love.
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“We had the kindest driver pick us up with fresh orange juice and chocolate croissants this morning. The kids slept well on the flight I only got about 2 hours in. Unpacked at our new home, and went for a walk to find some groceries…”
She then goes on to document five things the Kolisi’s learned on their very first day in Paris:
“1. It seems as though the no aircon thing in Paris/France – is a thing! It’s hot, and we’ll need to find fans asap.”
“2. The kids and I are going to learn how to say ‘where is the grocery store?’ In French to save us another 2 hour walk.”
“3. We need to google what ‘chicken’ is in French…”
“4. @bosworld a proudly South African product is stocked in France…”
“5. We’re going to need to work on our meal planning…”
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On their second day of life in the City of Love, Rachel shared another update, writing: “Day 2 of living Paris!”
“We visited @jardindacclimatation park today! It was AMAZING! €7 [about R145.00] for each of us to get in (if you go on rides to have to get separate tickets) we didn’t do that option and still had tons of fun on the jungle gyms, swings and in grassy areas (lots of people took a picnic blanket and got some lunch and relaxed on the lawns) Will definitely go back to visit the @fondationlv to see more of their work.”
She adds that their kids, Kez and Nic, effortlessly managed to spark a friendship with other children in the park despite the language barrier.
“I had a video meeting while the kids were playing, and I saw a boy and girl trying to chat to Kez and Nic in French but they had no idea what either was saying, yet they still had tons of fun in their game – actually pretty amazing to see. So uncomplicated.”
Kolisi also included a video of herself collecting Siya’s car in Paris, driving on the ‘wrong side of the road and wrong side of the car’ but still making it out unscathed! She jokes:
“Also I drove! And both us and the car came out unscathed! I had to do a practice run without the kids first. And successfully got us home after the park, with the help of google maps ( should have taken 15 minutes but after about an hour of taking wrong turns, we made it).”
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The family’s next move will be heading to London on the Eurostar train to meet Siya, attend a fundraiser for the Kolisi Foundation and watch the Springboks vs All Blacks game at Twickenham.
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Rachel & Siya Kolisi launches free children’s book with Roche
Feature Image: Instagram / @siyakolisi
