Submitted by Hailey Lospitalier on the 2020 winter session study abroad program in Paris, France sponsored by the Department of Biological Sciences…
This week was definitely a week of tying the two courses that we are taking here together, both biology and history. We had two class trips, both to Versailles and the Louvre which are two monumental places to visit on your program to Paris. Both places are educational and historical buildings that house beautiful artwork and murals while being aesthetically pleasing on the outside as well. I am glad we went as a class to these places because it would have been hard to find time to go on our own because there is so much to do and appreciate here.
At first, I was not thrilled to be taking a history course because it is not my strong suit, especially French history which I have not done much of in my past years. Paris is known for its touristy monuments and parks, but most people don’t realize how many key events have happened here in history. Walking through the same streets that we are learning about in class has made me appreciate the material so much more and has kept me interested and intrigued the entire time. For example, we have to write a research paper and my topic is the hot air balloon. Did you know that the first hot air balloon was first flown here at the Palace of Versailles? I thought that was so cool because we were just there and I guarantee very few people know this is where it was flown.
It has been an eye-opening experience being able to see both places that are held in such high esteem and to see paintings and furniture from such a different time.
