Having the opportunity to write about the first day of our only free weekend during this two-week study abroad experience gives me the chance to share not only what I did today, but also to reflect on my first week in Paris as a whole. My first time traveling by myself gave me a calm sense of independence.
Paris is truly magical. Every day, I find myself in awe of the city’s architecture, historic buildings, incredible food, statues, and captivating language. It is impossible not to fall in love with this city. On our first day, we attended an orientation about Paris and what it means to live like a Parisian. While I appreciate the cultural insights, I will admit that I am unapologetically a tourist. I will happily stop to take a hundred photos of a stunning street because nothing here ever seems to get old.
Today began later than usual, allowing me to spend the day away from our scheduled academic activities. I traveled by metro and train to Roissy-en-Brie with my best friend, Anielia to visit her family. One of the highlights of the day was meeting her aunt and uncle in their beautiful home. Although they spoke very little English, and we spoke almost no French and only a little Khmer, we still found ways to communicate. It was my first real conversation with people living in France. Despite the language barriers, their warmth and genuine desire to get to know us made the experience incredibly comforting and memorable. It reminded me that kindness and hospitality can transcend language.
After visiting her family, we spent the afternoon at the Luxembourg Gardens. We wandered through the grounds without any particular destination, taking our time to appreciate every corner of the gardens. We captured countless photos, enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, and simply lived in the moment. To end the evening, we treated ourselves to Asian food, which provided a small sense of comfort as I had been feeling a bit homesick.
Looking back on the week, I realize how much I have already experienced. Upon arriving in Paris, we took a bus tour. Sitting on the second floor of a bus was something I had never done before, which introduced us to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Place de la Concorde, one of the most famous public squares in Paris. We have also visited sites such as Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Louvre Museum. While seeing these famous locations is exciting, learning about their history through our class excursions has made them even more meaningful.
One fact that particularly stood out to me was learning about the Eiffel Tower. Originally, the tower was intended to be a temporary structure and was supposed to be dismantled after its initial purpose had been served. However, as it became increasingly popular and useful, it remained standing and eventually became the symbol of Paris that we know today. It is difficult to imagine the city without it.
Our studies have also allowed us to explore the deeper cultural and historical layers of Paris. We visited Le Procope, the oldest café in Paris, established in 1686. We also saw the area where Ernest Hemingway once lived and explored historic bookstores that continue to preserve Paris’s rich literary tradition. These experiences have shown me that Paris is much more than a beautiful city. Understanding the stories behind the landmarks, streets, and buildings gives them a greater sense of significance and makes every visit more meaningful.
This study abroad experience has taught me that travel is not just about seeing famous places; it is about connecting with people, understanding history, and appreciating different cultures. Whether I am visiting a world-famous monument, walking through a garden, or sharing a meal with people from another country, each experience contributes to a deeper understanding of Paris and its people.
There truly aren’t enough hours in the day to explore the entire city. The sunsets at 10 PM, and the city is lively all the time. I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to visit Paris at least once in their lifetime. No photograph, movie, or description can fully capture the beauty and atmosphere of this city. It is something that must be experienced firsthand. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to study abroad here. I know the memories and lessons from this experience will stay with me long after I return home. Paris has changed the way I see the world. I already yearn to return here and hope to one day actually be able to say I’ve seen all of Paris.