Travel to a city as ubiquitous as Paris and you will find its history within the people and their passion for freedom. The revolutionary minds of Paris in the 18th century cultivated a unique quality of Parisian culture that continues to inspire today. Placing myself in the city rich with so much to tell, and teeming with anti-establishment sentiments, I’ve noticed a pattern of the rigorous fight for liberty and the constant search for actualization. An actualization searched around the globe, sought out by all peoples, for we all ask ourselves the same questions about existence, regardless of how we answer. 

The tour of the American Revolutionaries in Paris brought our group to the first enlightenment cafés, where coffee provided a new stimulating tool for minds like Voltaire and later Benjamin Franklin to bring the Age of Reason to Europe. This deviation from passivity allowed for reformation en masse in the following decades, and as royal power grew increasingly disproportionate, uprisings and instability brought the American and French revolutions of the late 18th century. 

As I see it, these revolutions were inevitable, and the human race innately craves freedom. I believe freedom means living without insecurity, whether it be personal insecurity or insecurity of food and water, to live with freedom is to live in comfort of going as you please without worry. We all yearn for this freedom separately, in different ways and with different hopes and attempts to find it. Some never find it. 

There’s a moment, when oppressed people realize that they can create their own freedom that begins to show hope and solidarity and grants real peace and understanding of the workings of the systems around us. Unity is what drives that revolution. We learned on our tour of the wealth gap in Paris during the 1790s, and Napoleon’s hubris and forsake for compromise. These events were disastrous for the average person in France at the time, but it stripped so much freedom and comfort from every citizen, that collaboration between the people was the most hope they had, a sentiment that has held true for all of history, and is more pervasive now than ever before. Struggles with global wars, famine, the neglect of the environment, and the oppression of the people are fueled by continuing political instability, abuses of power, and governments without oversight. Paris has been a city always aware of these abuses, and has been fighting against corruption for centuries, and their power in numbers is remarkable. I hope to kindle a similar fire within myself and my peers while in the epicenter of freedom ideals. 

Later that evening, a few friends and I watched the French film La Haine. Set in the Paris banlieues of the 1990s, the movie continues to illustrate the anti-establishment ideas and search for freedom that originated in early French history. The story and themes add nuance and ask us to reflect on why we must fight and who we fight against. The characters of the story have different perspectives, and I personally am most resonant with Hubert, who, while understanding the means of oppression and the necessity to break free from its chains, remains relatively passive – even as a boxer – as he understands the complexity of fighting the police and the distinction between going against an institution, and needlessly killing cops associated with it. Hubert’s most famous line, “…tu saurais que la haine engendre la haine…” summarizes his peaceful approach towards the conflict and his intelligence in his restraint to revolt. Each character is flawed, in their own respects, and their fight for retribution illustrate their internalized relationship with freedom and what it means to them. The film presents an exploration of society’s hunt for freedom against oppression while also providing unique and captivating accounts of what that hunt means for each person as an individual. 

Each person is entitled to their own beliefs and interests, yet societies are larger than the sum of their individual parts. As I sit on what this day taught me here in this city, it would be this: People want freedom, and that means different things for each person, and each person may have a different means of finding that freedom, yet when all freedom is stripped from a group of people, a new type of collaboration is formed. Only when all is nearly lost, do people have a clear understanding of this universal need for freedom. The weak band together time and time again and set our differences aside, to build community and connection against oppression for the needs of others. I hope to internalize this need myself, for the betterment of my own community.

Home often makes us feel too comfortable. The day to day motions of school, work, sleep, repeat, keeps us in what seems like the never ending cycle of familiarity. It describes our safe bubble. But traveling to Paris has greatly broadened my perspective on what the world offers. If you look at what’s in front of you, it often breaks the cycle. The beautiful sights, the amazing food, and the historical aspects is what makes this city feel exciting. 

Back home, I read many books like The Sun Also Rises by Hemingway and The Paris Bookseller by Maher that directed my preconceptions about Paris before I arrived. Through these writings, Paris seemed to be enlightening for most, with offering new experiences and viewing new philosophical perspectives. Overall, Paris seemed to change these characters and open a new side of them they’ve never explored. Because of these books, I had big expectations for Paris and hoped that I would experience the same revelations most of these characters had while in the city of lights.   

But when visiting a new county for the first time, just like I’m doing myself, it’s hard to not miss home and want to put ourselves back in that warm cozy bubble. And we’re not the only ones that felt this way. Many American Revolutionaries that traveled to Paris long ago, often felt the same way. But the opportunities Paris opened for them and myself outweighs the sorrow for home. 

One of the elements that is a part of this course is the Walking Tour of American Revolutionaries in Paris, where we were able to see monumental locations that connected to American’s upbringing. It included multiple locations where our founding fathers, like Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, were able to work up the American ideals that were eventually implemented into the Constitution. And fast forwarding our history lessons a little bit, we viewed places that were a part of the daily commutes of famous American writers and publishers, like Ernest Hemingway and Sylvia Beach. 

When walking along the same paths as these immense scholars, it’s hard not to be inspired. These streets motivate you to remind yourself of the sacrifices and struggles each of these figures had to endure to be able to live freely. Moving from America to Paris just for freedom is not easy. During the tour, I often felt very appreciative of these acts as it provided America with an example of what life is supposed to look like and eventually led to the freedoms we have today. 

And the walking tour was not the only place that makes you feel this kind of appreciation within Paris. Almost all of the famous monuments, like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, make you think. Not just about you standing there in the moment, but the thousands of people that have come to Paris, looked up the Eiffel Tower, and went running home with inspiration for whatever they needed it for. 

When preparing for the trip, I expected Paris to be something so new. I felt all of the emotions that come with adventure. And of course, Paris has been all of those things for me, but at the same time, it feels entirely intimate. When I arrived, half of me felt scared on how to figure out the next two weeks of life in Paris, but the other half knew exactly what to do. Like I’d been here before. And although others might feel disappointed by that feeling, as they want something entirely new, but as someone who loves their home, that part of Paris is the one I love the most. The adventure of it all, but also the comfort the city provides.   

Yes, Paris is the most visited city in the world, but somehow it is so personal. Whether it’s the dog passing by you on the street that looks just like yours back home or the Italian restaurant you tried for dinner that becomes your new favorite spot, Paris gifts you with so many unique memories and experiences that no other city could. It’s old, but somehow new. It’s foreign, but somehow familiar. It’s perfectly peculiar, but somehow it’s home. 

While many words describe the Louvre Museum, there is one it will never let you forget: Grand. From the second it enters your view; the massive complex elegantly shouts its importance at you. Grand statues line the wall between grand windows in formation for nearly a kilometer. When entering from the side, a brief glimpse of the famed glass pyramid juts out in contrast to the stone lobby proceeding it. The courtyard housing this monument seen so often in postcards and pop-culture seemed impossibly large to be surrounded by so much historic value. And yet, not a bleak moment would ensue.

All too many people seem to visit The Louvre for the same sole reason. The Mona Lisa. Not to be mistaken, the stupor induced by viewing the original version of the most reproduced image in human history is invaluable. Even as a less that avid supporter of The Renaissance Era, the surrounding works had historic value and artistic essence that were impossible to pass by. The events behind each painting hold an almost unbearable weight on your shoulders. However, you would be doing yourself a disservice by spending the majority of their day solely in this breathtaking, yet ultimately brief wing of the museum.

The sheer size of the collection held by The Louvre is practically unfathomable until you spend an hour perplexed by creativity through all walks of life, only to find out you’ve only seen a small fraction of all they have to offer. It is difficult to tell the more impressive trait held by their collection, the physical size of it or the eons throughout history that it spans. Mesopotamian statues and Egyptian hieroglyphic tablets mingle with works of Michelangelo and Da Vinci. Varying temporary exhibitions bring modern perspectives to the table, expanding the museum’s years of collection to the limit of modern and ancient human civilization.

One exhibit presented by the monumental artistic compound that all would be misfortunate to miss – a hidden “must-see” so to speak – would assuredly be the numerous recreations of Napoleon III’s various apartments throughout his reign. All shapes and sizes of illustrious drawing rooms and dining halls spanned as far as you could shout. Every object in each chamber seems curated down to the molecule to represent its initial position and purpose. Brilliantly crafter chandeliers and candelabras lined the ceiling and walls. Each separate room was a from a vivid location stayed in by the benevolent monarch, displaying unique characteristics of each locale and current events of the time. You may not feel just as Napoleon III did, but his living quarters’ power and grandiose provide an unforgettable feeling.

Almost, if not on par, with the paintings and pieces of art are the halls and corridors that hold them. Practically every gallery holding artwork is strewn with astonishing architecture and ceilings covered in paintings just as rich in history as the pieces beneath them. Golden columns and velvet wallpaper create a sense of elegance unmatched by anything short of The Vatican. Simply showing the world’s largest collection of artwork would not be enough. The Musée de Louvre must amaze with every nook and cranny.

In Paris, every street, every alley, every café holds an incredibly valuable history. To even ponder the historical figures that could have possibly stood in the same place as you at any moment can be incredibly astounding, not to mention the millions, potentially billions, of souls that have viewed Paris with the same outside perspective as you. Culture flows more plentiful than water on the streets surrounding you. Countless monuments represent countless heroes and stories. Almost every street corner is dedicated a bronze statue of any sort of prominent historical figure. It is impossible not to fall into brief thought while viewing each one after the last, imagining how things were back then and how crucial that figure was in certain events. The Louvre Museum stands as an echo of the unbelievably rich culture held by the city it resides in.

There’s something truly inspiring about immersing yourself in a different culture. The abundance of opportunities and new experiences we get to try for the first time feels magical. Creating bonds with people through the unknown is something I never thought I would see myself doing. Through the laughs, conversations, and endless exploring, I can see myself changing a little more every day.

Upon arriving in Paris, the fear of the unknown was very real. I had never been to a different country before, so trying new things quickly became my motto. From the moment I arrived, I dove into the culture learning how to use the metro, navigating unfamiliar streets, and enjoying meals that often included fresh bread, cheese, and meat. I came into this trip hoping to learn something new, but I never expected just how much it would change me. I wanted to leave Paris knowing more than when I arrived and as a different person than the one who stepped off the plane.

One of the experiences I was most excited for was visiting the Louvre Museum. Walking through its halls and seeing some of the world’s most famous works of art was incredible. We got to see the Mona Lisa, as well as the famous depiction of Jean-Paul Marat. We also saw countless religious works and historical pieces that I found especially appealing. Learning the stories behind these paintings made them even more meaningful. Seeing the symbolism in the colors, the emotion in the faces, and the details put into each piece helped me better understand the purpose and power of art. It was inspiring to see how artists use their work to communicate ideas, tell stories, and preserve history.

There’s also something incredibly special about seeing the Eiffel Tower. The first time I saw it, I was completely in awe. I didn’t think the experience could get any better until I proved myself wrong. Being able to watch it light up at night, surrounded by live music and people simply enjoying the moment without distractions, was truly heartwarming. It was one of those rare moments that makes you stop and appreciate where you are.

What surprised me most about this experience was the friendships that formed along the way. Strangers became friends through shared struggles, endless laughs, getting lost, and finding our destinations together. Without the normal distractions of everyday life back home, we were able to connect on a much deeper level. Those moments taught me that some of the strongest bonds are created when people experience something new together.

Genuinely, I found a home in Paris, and it will forever hold a special place in my heart. This experience has been eye opening because it showed me that I really can step outside of my comfort zone. With growth comes experience, and with experience comes a greater understanding of both the world and yourself.

Paris has also taught me the importance of being present. Without constant distractions, you truly get to experience what is right in front of you, the beautiful views, the museums, the art, and the people around you. Looking at a painting for only a few moments made me realize how much time, effort, and passion went into creating it. The same can be said for so many things in life. Sometimes the little things we do to slow down, appreciate our surroundings, and recognize the work behind them are what make life worth living and exploring.

With all of that being said, I can proudly say that Paris has made a huge impact on my life. The memories, friendships, and lessons I’ve gained here are something I will carry with me long after I leave. Paris has not only shown me a beautiful city, it has shown me how much I am capable of growing. More than anything, this journey has reminded me that some of the most meaningful experiences happen when you embrace the unfamiliar. By opening myself up to new people, places, and perspectives, I have gained memories, confidence, and a greater appreciation for the world around me that will stay with me for years to come.

INTRO

I came into Paris with the preconception that even if I could only see or do one thing it would be to taste everything, and this morning did not disappoint as my first real bite of france. I’m not counting yesterday, I was so Jet-Lagged and out of it that croissant tasted like sleep. However this morning, albeit it was a solo breakfast, easily very different and in my opinion way better than the American style Breakfast. No eggs, no bacon, no pancakes, but there were these beautiful pastries, croissants, baguettes, charcuterie boards with fresh tomatoes, cheese, cucumbers, different types of jam and yogurts, and of course, an espresso machine. Now did I try everything I just listed. Yes, yes I did. However as someone who didn’t like coffee coming into Paris I can say European coffee tastes pretty dang close to American.

CULTURE

That was about all the quiet I got for the rest of the day because soon after everyone else arrived from their delayed flight and we were all off to the metro for the first time. Of course our guide was amazing but when we reached our destination (worldstrides headquarters), we finally sat down and got an in depth presentation on what European culture was all about. The bottom line was basically this: Parisians will tolerate you if you show them you care about their culture by doing things like, not getting drunk in public (showing restraint), keeping your voice down and not shouting in a group, and especially making sure to say bonjour to those you meet. Another point that was stressed during this presentation, was about pickpocketers, how specifically they like to work in groups around the Eiffel tower, picnic areas, and the metro. So we went over what not to have in front pockets and how to hold your bag when you’re on the metro. 

FOOD

Armed with this new knowledge our teacher made his appearance fresh from Spain and we were on the city street within 10 minutes. Unfortunately this was during peak heat however what was not unfortunate was the delicious crepes we all ordered shortly into our walk. I had a few crepes before entering the new country but these didn’t compare in the slightest. This Apricot Crepe was something to behold, maybe it’s the less processed ingredients who knows, but it was so light and fluffy and savory it definitely made my afternoon. 

TOUR

Shortly after was another first for me which was going on a double decker open topped bus. I loved it. You could see everything and finally a nice breeze to cool off during the scorching afternoon. For the duration of the ride I was marveling at not only how many electric cars there are in Europe but how much traffic and how everyone drives. I don’t think I could drive for five minutes without getting in an accident, not to mention most of the roundabouts did not have lines and were 5 lanes wide. Anyways we saw many intriguing sights and learned some interesting History behind them. The Fountain des felices, tuileres garden, The Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, Notre Dame and many, many more. 

SMILE

After I was done being one of those damn tourists, me and my buddy Chris navigated our way home using two different metros but it was surprisingly easy and similar to Montreal. As soon as me and Chris arrived back at the Hotel we Boomeranged straight to the local supermarket and picked up some necessities. My Discover Card of course was declined so I went to the in person Clerk to checkout with cash and this was the most notable interaction I had all day and really tied it all together. As she finished helping the person in front of me the second I said Bonjour to her she immediately broke into a warm smile, and that really made me realize how important it is not only to be culturally aware in Paris, but absolutely everywhere I go how important it is to keep that in the back of my mind.

CONCLUSION

To round off the day I hit a three mile run (jog) with some light working out and again felt so at ease due to how many people were out running and exercising with me. Back home (Massachusetts) I’d be lucky to pass one or two runners on my run, however every five seconds someone would run by me or I’d pass someone, also the amount of people just on a bench or having a picnic, it was really refreshing to see a community meshing like that so naturally I jogged back to the hotel with a smile on ready for whatever the next day brings.

In this study abroad course, UMass Lowell Honors College students will explore the city of Paris through the American writers – their work and their lives – that have called the City of Lights home.