While my time here in Paris is coming to an end there were a lot of fun adventures that I have experienced. I was able to sleep in a little more today, which was really good. Regarding the lost time of exploring this morning, I got myself a tattoo. It was a once in a lifetime choice that I had made for myself. Then later on in the day we came together as a group one more time and enjoyed a very delicious 3-course meal. The starter was a goat cheese salad, main course was chicken with mushroom sauce and basmati rice, and dessert was chocolate mouse.
The dinner was really great and I have no dislike for it, but there was a lot more better food that I had. The only reason that I say that is because I walked around and looked at different menus and tried different things. I believe that it tastes and feels so much better that you found it yourself.
Using public transport was one big worry that I thought I was gonna come across. Having the endpoint of where you want to go is really easy, but getting there is the hard part. Over time though I eventually did figure it out. It was really convenient knowing how to navigate my way to the nearest metro and knowing where to get off. Sometimes if you’re lucky some metro lines could be a sauna or somewhat conditioned.
Most importantly, the scenery was very beautiful. There is never a point in the city where you can’t get a good photo. It is way bigger than what you see on just the postcards. Those are just iconic but inside of Paris is where the beauty of it really lies. Speaking of the landmarks and museums, it is plentiful here. After visiting and looking at them you really understand so much about French history and significantly about the French Revolution as well. You retain so much information, and it’s live in action so you wouldn’t have to just sit in a classroom listening when you can live it. All the structures and monuments are truly fascinating. It gets you thinking how all these years, the people of Paris built them.
Having everything organized by the World Strides team was very helpful. Without them we wouldn’t know how to get to places, or find a way around the city in the first place. One really cool thing that I noticed is that we would have to find our own way there to meet with the professor. It gives the responsibility to the kids and a test of getting around on their own. Also people in my group would help another one out if we were lost or needed a recommendation of something. After the time with the group is over, we have time on our own to do anything we want. The thing with that is there is so much to do you don’t know where to start. Noting that the goal of this trip is not to stay in the hotel and sleep and scroll away. I was almost a victim of that but then the city really reminded me of the things that are waiting for me. So when we depart from the class, I always start walking and walking. Doing that allowed me to see everything around and how it worked. Also the best part of doing that is I get to see some really cool shops and cafes without trying to spend time looking for one on my phone.
Getting this chance to study abroad has been a blessing and I wouldn’t think twice of ever leaving. The city has so much to offer, that people back in the United States would not understand. Everybody here is a community and people get along really well here. For example I was hanging out with one of the people in my group one day. We stumbled upon a couple, who were really experienced with Paris for a long time. We talked to them for a good amount of time and they gave us some really cool spots to look at. So if you are ever worried about not being able to communicate with people that won’t be an issue. It is very diverse and everybody is welcomed so you won’t ever have to feel left out.
I am really grateful for the group that came with me on this trip. It allowed me to make some new friends and really enjoy this moment with them. I would definitely recommend this spot to go to and it is just more than learning about the history of it.