Driving through the French countryside, the majority of our merry Ohio State group was fast asleep during the three-hour trip from Bayeux to Paris. However, once we reached the outskirts of the French capital, every red-eyed student keenly observed the sights and sounds of the massive city. As an experienced traveler, my father has vacationed in Paris several times; he often told me stories about the city’s beautiful buildings and extraordinary food. I was very eager to have firsthand experience in Paris and form opinions on the famous European city.
Almost immediately upon arriving in Paris, I noticed that there were a wonderful variety of buildings throughout the area. The majestic and towering palaces and military schools of the past century could be found scattered amongst the more modernistic skyscrapers. Iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triumphe immortalized France’s fascinating history, while the modern buildings portrayed a new age based around corporatism and aggressive economic systems. In a sense, I found this scenario quite fascinating as architecture quite literally blended different periods of French history together. Furthermore, it provided a means for both Parisians and tourists to remember not only France’s rich history but also how the nation has developed over the last three hundred years.
In terms of Parisian culture, I deemed that the city thrived in respect to its beautiful architecture, expansive culinary options, and hospitable residents. Foods associated with Parisian culture, including snails, duck, pastries, bread, and seafood, were definitely found in almost all traditional restaurants. Despite this, almost every kind of international food group was represented throughout the city; I could not walk more than a quarter of a mile without seeing an Italian restaurant or gyro stand. Regarding the residents of the French capital, I considered most to be very proud of their national identity and romantic language. Additionally, they greatly appreciated any attempt by an American tourist to speak in French. Being considerably bad with directions, Parisians helped me find various locations as well.
The Eiffel Tower
The Arc de Triumphe
Great view of Paris
In conclusion, I strongly believe that the culture of Paris is centered on both a unique appreciation of the past and the proactive search for modern prosperity. Also, Paris was full of babies, dogs, and young children; this leads me to believe that it is a family-friendly European city. My favorite element of Paris, however, was its openness. The city did not feel as cluttered as London and seemed very spread apart in terms of area. This, in turn, helped me to greater appreciate its landscape and architectural design. I definitely plan on returning to Paris, as it has been my favorite part of the trip thus far.