Submitted by Blaine Siegel on the 2020 winter session study abroad program in Paris, France sponsored by the Department of Biological Sciences…
I am writing this one week into my Paris, France abroad experience and after returning from my first weekend getaway in Ireland. This week has been a whirlwind and although it seems like I just got off the plane, I have simultaneous feelings that I have been here forever. I can already tell that my month abroad will be unlike any other and will be something I will cherish for the rest of my life.
When I first arrived in Paris, I had so many emotions coursing through my body all at once. I was terrified of the language barrier, excited to try the famous cuisine, intrigued by the architecture and rich history that the city has to offer, but most of all I was nervous. I was nervous to be surrounded by people I didn’t know, in a city I’ve never been in, without my family and friends. One week later, I can say that I have conquered these nerves and am enjoying the experience more than I could have ever imagined.
Thus far, I am happy to say that I am beginning to assimilate and feel more and more comfortable in this great city every day. I have accomplished so many things already such as navigating my way through the complex metro system regardless of the transportation strike, learning my way around the city to my local market and restaurants, and most importantly, I am becoming less of a tourist. Throughout this past week in Paris, I have already visited the Trocadero, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, countless art museums, shopped throughout the fashion capital, enjoyed true French cuisine and attended the markets, and savored true macaroons from the famous Laduree Bakery.
This first week has been unlike anything I could have ever imagined, and I cannot wait to see what is to come for the next three.
