From Fan to Swiftie: My Unforgettable Journey to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in Paris
Last fall, my granddaughter Jennifer and I were visiting my brother in New York when tickets for the second leg of Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour in Europe were released. The moment we heard they were going on sale, we knew we had to act fast.
Because of the time difference, it was the middle of the night in the U.S., but that didn’t stop us. We immediately jumped online, determined to secure our spots. “We’ve got to make this happen,” Jennifer declared as we joined the virtual queue, fingers crossed.
I stayed up as long as I could, but exhaustion got the best of me, and I finally gave up and went to bed. Then, at around 3 a.m., I was jolted awake when Jennifer burst into my room, flicked on the lights, and screamed, “Grammy, Grammy — I got the tickets!”
In that instant, sleep was the last thing on my mind. I leaped out of bed, screaming with joy. We jumped up and down, overwhelmed with excitement. We were officially going to Paris to see Taylor Swift on May 9, 2024.
Becoming a Swiftie: My Unexpected Connection to Taylor Swift
My journey as a Swiftie began in September 2009 when I watched the MTV Video Music Awards at my home in Dallas. That night became infamous for an entirely different reason—when Kanye West interrupted Taylor’s acceptance speech.
At first, I was confused. Was it a scripted stunt? But soon, I realized it wasn’t. I remember thinking, How could he do that to such a young, vulnerable, and talented girl? From that moment on, I felt an unexpected connection to Taylor.
My last name is Strong, and I live up to it. I don’t like to see people bullied, and I admired how Taylor handled the situation with grace and resilience. That moment sparked my interest in her. I started reading about her life and career and discovered she was born and raised in Reading, Pennsylvania. Coincidentally, my husband, Asa (who is now 93), and I lived in Reading during the 1960s, when all five of our sons were born. That small connection made me feel even closer to her.
The more I learned, the more I admired her. I loved that her parents were actively involved in her career and that she always valued family. I’ve been blessed with 12 grandchildren—six of them girls—and they all look up to Taylor as a role model. They see her as a strong, successful, and independent woman who has never been afraid to tell her story through music.
A Multigenerational Swiftie Experience in Paris
Jennifer and I didn’t just stop at buying Eras Tour tickets—we turned it into a full-fledged European adventure. I’ve run a travel agency for nearly 50 years and have traveled all over the world. At 89 years old (turning 90 in August!), I have no plans of slowing down.
After securing our Taylor Swift tickets for €190 (about $205) each, we planned a week-long vacation in Amsterdam and Paris. We used points to book our business-class flights but splurged on luxury accommodations, spending $2,000 per night on five-star hotels in each city. Our concert group included five of us: Jennifer, 32; another granddaughter, Brianne Pattison, 36; my daughter-in-law, Kay Strong, 66; and me.
When the big night finally arrived, the energy inside the venue was electrifying. Taylor took the stage at 8 p.m. and didn’t stop entertaining us until 11 p.m. The sheer effort she put into every performance—her costume changes, choreography, and vocals—was nothing short of remarkable.
Dancing the Night Away at the Eras Tour
I’ve always loved Taylor’s music, but hearing The Man and Shake It Off live was a surreal experience. The moment those songs played, I couldn’t contain my excitement—I was dancing so much I thought I might tumble over the seats! The atmosphere in the stadium was incredible, with thousands of fans singing their hearts out, creating a shared sense of joy and unity.
Of course, I couldn’t attend a Taylor Swift concert without dressing the part. I wore a sparkly top over a pair of Anthropologie pants—an outfit that flattered me while allowing me to dance freely. At 89, I felt absolutely fabulous.
A few days after the concert, I was surprised to find out that someone had posted a video of me dancing on Instagram. Even though my face wasn’t visible, the clip went viral! It made me happy to see the younger generation celebrating the fact that older people like me still love to have fun.
A Night to Remember—and a Message for All Generations
My Eras Tour experience in Paris wasn’t just about seeing Taylor Swift perform—it was about celebrating life, family, and the joy of music. Being surrounded by my granddaughters and dancing the night away was an unforgettable experience.
Taylor Swift’s music has always been about storytelling, resilience, and empowerment—values that resonate across generations. Whether you’re 16 or 90, her songs remind us that life is meant to be lived fully, without fear or hesitation.
So, to anyone wondering if they’re “too old” to be a Swiftie or to chase their dreams—take it from me: You’re never too old to have fun, to travel, or to scream your heart out at a concert. Life is an adventure, and I plan to keep dancing through it, one Taylor Swift song at a time.
