Submitted by Blaine Siegel on the 2020 winter session study abroad program in Paris, France sponsored by the Department of Biological Sciences…
My third week in Paris was even better than the last, and I can’t believe that I only have one week left on this program. Last weekend, I went to Sacre Cœur which was well worth the climb and I was able to see Paris in a new way. The church was extremely beautiful and cannot even be described as anything other than breathtaking. While up on the mountain, we went to an art fair which had many handcrafted paintings and sketches that make me dream that I was so talented.
That Sunday, I went to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. This walk was even worse than the day before, as to get to the top, you walk up a spiral staircase with close to 300 stairs. Once again, the new view of the city I have been living in took my breath away.
Monday, I went to the Louvre where I saw the Crown Jewels of France, the apartments and furniture of Napoleon III, and the Mona Lisa in addition to countless sculptures, artifacts, and historic pieces. The Louvre was enormous and filled with so much making me see why so many go to see it while visiting Paris.
Throughout the rest of the week, I spent my time soaking up what I could of the city as my limited time is unfortunately dwindling down. I sat at cafes as Parisians do, hung out at the Eiffel Tower with friends, and enjoyed the beauty of the city.
This weekend, I traveled to London with five other students from my program. We ate the comfort food we were desiring, saw the sites (although unfortunately the London Eye was sold out) and enjoyed the weekend! We went to Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and even took pictures in an iconic red telephone booth! Saturday night was for sure the highlight of my weekend when we got tickets to see Wicked. I must say seeing the play at my age is eye-opening and makes me appreciate the show more than when I did when I saw it for the first time when I was younger. The British accents enhanced the performance for me.
I am currently at the airport on my way back to Paris for the last time during this study abroad program. Although I am dreading that my program is coming to an end, I am simultaneously excited to see what is in store for my last week in Paris.
