I’ve been in Paris for about three weeks, and every experience so far has been amazing. There was a lot to get used to at first, but once the culture shock began to wear off, I was able to jump right into everything the city had to offer. It feels as though there is something to discover around every corner here, and each day brings something new and exciting. The community here is much different than the one I am familiar with in Pittsburgh, even just the other people staying in my building. On any given day, I am surrounded by people from all over Europe and America, from Spanish high schoolers, to British children in elementary school, to college students from other regions of France. As a result, I’ve been exposed to so many different languages and cultures, without even having to step out of the front door!
A typical day in Paris is extremely fast-paced, with classes every morning followed by scheduled or self-guided explorations of the city. A month is nowhere near enough time to explore everything the city has to offer, but everyone in my program is making sure no time goes to waste. Along with visiting iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Notre Dame, and the Palais Garnier, I’ve also taken the time to explore more residential areas, such as where I am staying. Something that I have learned about the community in Paris is how different the twenty districts – or arrondissements – are from one another. My program is staying in the fourteenth arrondissement, which is a bit far from the chaotic areas by the Seine. This has allowed me to see the city more from the eyes of an actual resident, not just a tourist.
One of the biggest differences I’ve found between life in the United States and Paris is the emphasis placed on dining culture here. You can be certain to find somewhere to eat on almost every street, and no matter where you walk the air is filled with the smell of baked bread or cooked meat. It’s been an adjustment to follow some of the Parisian customs of dining, such as a later dinner that lasts for hours. I’ve come to really enjoy this aspect of the day, because rather than feel the need to rush through a meal, there is an emphasis on relaxation and socialization that I don’t experience at many American restaurants.
Although I only have a week left, my list of places to visit and activities to try only grows longer every day. My time here has been everything I hoped it could be, and I’ve really fallen in love with this city. I can’t wait to see what this last week will have in store!
