Paris. The city of love. This is a city that I particularly loved. As soon as I arrived in the big city environment from the small, historical town of Bayeux, I was instantly teleported into a new world. The sights, sounds, smells and ecosystem of France was like nothing I have experienced. Traveling on the Tube Metro in London, I felt confident and ready for the Paris Metro. The map was easier to traverse, and the train itself was faster, but as soon as I entered, I entered a flurry of Parisian music. The music being played in the train was stereotypical in nature of a French song, but to have that be one of my first hand experiences was incredible. Continuing through Paris and seeing the grand old touristy sights of the Eiffel Tower, Trocadero Square, Notre Dame, Arc de Triomphe, etc; the feeling of being in Paris became more real. When I first arrived in the city, I thought it was a dream. But continuing to see historical sight after another was something completely different. Dream turned into reality and at one point there I was, taking a selfie with Napoleon’s Tomb because of course, why not?
But after taking in the history and how the city was massively affected by German occupation and then liberation, I saw what made Paris…well Paris. The people. Coming into the city, we were foreigners. But leaving the city, I felt like I was a Parisian. I couldn’t speak a lick of French, but I knew how to haggle like a boss for Eiffel Tower keychains and Selfie sticks. I enjoyed some nice wine and good conversation with my close comrades on the trip while watching the Eiffel Tower light up like a Christmas tree. I enjoyed the majesty of cheese and chicken in the Heaven that was a lightly grilled crepe. I climbed the Arc and witnessed the beauty of the Parisian landscape and metropolitan life going on below me. I experienced the devotion and love for the Parisian soccer club Paris Saint Germain as they were crowned champions of France and saw how the fans chanted, screamed, and celebrated. It was within these simple moments in life that I truly knew what life in Paris was like. The beautiful art, beautiful women, and the beauty of just living. Without wifi, without technology, without stress or rushing the day at all. It was a beautiful way to live. And even though the danger of pickpockets was evident, it never really phased me. I felt safe and relaxed and welcomed in a city that was very different from me. I didn’t conform, but rather went with the flow and became part of the people. They taught me how to enjoy life and enjoy the beauty within affection, nature and passion. France, in particular Paris, was dear to me, and was the city so far that has made a significant impact on me.
