Submitted by Jasmine Pennington on the 2024 Spring semester program in Athens, Greece…
It’s only the first couple of days in Greece, but I haven’t found a group of people I enjoy going out with. Regularly, I walk alone, I eat alone, and I have fun alone. The many solo walks to and from the grocery store to buy things that were always regularly available in my home. On my daily walks, the street was lined up with orange trees, but don’t eat them because they don’t taste like oranges. On my walk, I saw a lot of dog poop, more than in the streets of NYC. On my walks, I saw 100 no-smoking signs. I think that Athens is for sure going to be an adventure, and I can’t wait for classes to start, but on my walk, a wave of emotions came on that was the opposite of excitement. I felt that it was only the first couple of days, but I miss my old routine, I miss Dollar Tree, I miss my cat, and my family. On this walk home, I felt alone and defeated and out of nowhere, there was this lemon tree. I was so confused because all day I had been seeing orange trees, and out of all the walks, and different streets, there was only one lemon tree. I felt that being alone wasn’t a sad thing, but a brave thing. This lemon tree made me stop dead in my tracks because it was so pretty, and my favorite color is yellow. I love eating raw lemons, lemon poppyseed blueberry muffins, lemonade, and lemon pepper shrimp alfredo. This lemon tree stood out to me because it reminded me of home, and that in Greece can be my home for the next few months. It made me realize that I can still thrive being alone in a crowd of oranges.
The next day I went out alone again, even after being invited out. I love talking to people and experiencing things in groups, but I do feel that being alone gives me time to actually take everything in. It’s a blessing to be in this program, and at the end of the day, a lemon tree can make you feel way happier than winning the lottery or seeing a Unicorn. Seeing that lemon tree reminded me of why I wanted to come to Greece, and what my expectations were. I knew that I wanted to cook my meals, experience Greek culture, and meet people who share similar values. Maybe in the warmer months, I will explore more of the amazing landscape here and nothing will top the lopsided Lemon tree I saw on my walk home. I know it’s silly to talk about how a Lemon Tree made me laugh and smile when I wanted to cry from being homesick. But, my whole life never made sense either. It truly is the small things that make someone’s day. (January 12, 2024)
Submitted by Nia on the 2024 Winter ENGL program in London…
For my last breakfast in London, I chose to do something special for myself. So I woke up at a reasonable time for a Saturday (noon), dressed, and walked to a cafe I discovered at the beginning of my stay in London. Looking over the menu briefly, I debated whether I wanted to eat something I already had there or try something new. Due to that Saturday being my last Saturday in London, I chose to try one last new thing: a full English breakfast.
A packed plate of fried eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, toast, hashbrowns, tomatoes, and black pudding (cooked pig’s blood). At my cafe, they swapped the pig’s blood with mushrooms, which I didn’t eat because I don’t like mushrooms. I was very surprised by the meal because of how good it was. The beans especially. Normally, back home beans are more salty and served with dinner/lunch. But here, they are sweet and can be put on top of the toast, like jam.
I greatly enjoyed the peace and quiet that came with last day, along with my breakfast and getting to catch up on my reading while eating a Full English Breakfast. (Submitted February 2, 2024)
Submitted by Tara Vaughan on the 2024 Winter EDUC program in Barcelona, Spain…
Preparing our dishes and some of my favorite plates!
During our final week in Barcelona, we attended a Spanish cooking class, gaining advice from a professional about how to make authentic dishes. As a person who is still working on her cooking skills, I was eager to learn how to prepare these recipes and bring a part of Spain back home with me. Upon attending the class, we were welcomed by our teacher, a Spanish native with loads of cooking experience. Throughout the time, he shared Spanish history and tidbits about his upbringing as a chef. In this class, we made several courses, including steamed vegetables in romesco sauce, the famous Spanish omelet, tomato bread, paella, and crema catalana. My friends and I learned about the ingredients, preparation, and execution of these dishes and took part in creating them. I helped make the crema catalana, which is a creme brulee like dessert with notes of cinnamon and citrus. In addition, I did prep work for the steamed vegetables, as well as plated them. After the crema catalana set, we used a traditional press to caramelize the tops of the desserts. Having my own hand in cooking my dinner was very exciting as I felt inspired by the Spanish culture that I have been so immersed in. I also got to see how some of my favorite dishes that I have had here are made. It was by far the best meal I have had on this trip.
This cooking class was such a fun way to dive deeper into Spanish traditions, as well as engage with authentic ingredients and recipes. I had a smile on my face the entire time and pushed myself to try everything, something that I am not likely to do back home. I even enjoyed romesco sauce, made of tomatoes, peppers, and nuts, something that I would never have imagined that I would. During nearly all of the courses, I cleaned my plate and savored every bite. Attending this class enhanced my appreciation for food and Spanish culture, while creating a memory of Barcelona that I will never forget. (Submitted on January 28, 2024)
Submitted by Dimple Swain on the 2024 Winter ENGL program in India …
Leaving Assam and the Golden Triangle
Our time at Parijat Academy was an interesting experience. We learned a lot about the handloom business. We went to a worm silk farm to see how different handlooms are made. The different kinds are muga, eri, tasar, and mulberry. The process of creating fine silk handloom is so intricate that the weavers should be given more appreciation for their work. Our time in Assam came to an end. My roommate and I learned a lot about our host mother and how cool she is: she ran a marathon, has modeled, and has participated in women’s car rallies in India. Departing our homestay was truly sad, but we were so thankful to have had a great host family.
Jama Masjid
We flew back to Delhi and from the window of the flight, we could see the Himalayas. This reminded me of our trek up the foothills and how far all of us have come since the last time we were in Delhi. Eager to visit Old Delhi, we were shocked by the loud, cramped, colorful bustling streets. We visited Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest and busiest shopping areas with markets full of various things. Seeing the beautiful dresses on the wedding street, I decided that I would come back here and shop for my wedding. After all, I will be having an Indian wedding. The next day was our free day. Some of the girls decided to get tattoos and piercings, while three of us decided to visit some nearby shops. Coming out of one of the shops, we were told that there was a great bazaar with many different traditional items that we would like, so we decided why not check it out. At first sight, I told myself that when I had enough money, I would buy all of the great handicrafts, but when it came to it, I bought “one of a kind” archived postcards from the British ruling that had handmade paintings on it with vegetable dyes. My friends and I were stunned and bought them, but after returning to the hotel, we realized that the place we were taken to, Indian Loom, was a scam. Classical India am I right?
Monday we set off for the Taj Mahal. Seeing one of the wonders of the world is a breathtaking experience for sure. I could not believe that after so long, I was finally able to see it. The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the right bank of the river Yamuna in Agra. From the outside, no one can see the structure since it is surrounded by a boundary. That is how precious it is. The Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, ordered to build the Taj Mahal (“crown palace”) to perpetuate the memory of his second and favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is a tomb for her, but he was also burried there after his death. It is estimated that 20,000 workers helped build the structure, but after construction, it is rumored that Shah Jahan commanded to chop off the hands of all 20,000 workers in case of any replication. The marble and other beautiful gems on the fascinating piece are marvelous. The Taj Mahal was built using white marble, but it includes other gems, such as carnelian, jade, and lapis lazuli.
Friends and I at the Taj Mahal
Now we are on our way to Jaipur, completing the Golden Triangle. I am so excited because I have always wanted to see Rajasthan. I cannot wait!!! (Submitted on January 28, 2024)
The Pink City and Our Farewell to Delhi
JAIPUR JAIPUR JAIPUR!! The Pink City. The capital and largest city of Rajasthan. Known as the Gateway of Rajasthan. The “pink” of the Pink City’s walls is Gerua (or ochre), in which the city was coated during the visit of the Prince of Wales. I have been most excited to see Jaipur more than any other place on this trip. Rajasthan is a beautiful state and I wish I could have had more time there.
Our first full day in Jaipur had a packed schedule. We visited the Amber/Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, markets, and the City Palace. Amber Fort is a jewel of Jaipur, with its majestic, beautiful architecture and rich history. The Amber Fort brought out the child in all of us, as we were running around the maze of a palace, trying to discover all the nooks. After, we stopped by at the Hawa Mahal, a palace built from red and pink sandstone. The five-story building looks like a honeycomb of a beehive and it is always windy inside, owing to the numerous windows and jharokhas. This amazing ventilation that the palace enjoys is the reason why it was named as the Hawa Mahal, which literally translates into the “Palace of the Winds”. The façade has 953 small windows, known as jharokhas, which are adorned with intricate designs. These windows were designed to allow the royal ladies to observe street festivals and daily life in the city without being seen themselves, as they were secluded from public view in accordance with the strict customs of purdah (seclusion). Today, Hawa Mahal is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Jaipur and a symbol of the city’s rich cultural heritage.
The girls at City Palace
While some of us wanted to go back to the Old City the next day, we were unfortunately held back because the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, and the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, decided to visit Jaipur that day. We did, however, visit the Monkey Temple, where monkeys roam freely surrounding the multiple dieties. We also had the opportunity to watch a movie at the Raj Mandir Cinema, an iconic movie theater that has stunning architecture and opulent interiors with a seating capacity of over 1,200 people, making it one of the largest single-screen cinemas in India. We watched “Fighter”, a movie with my all time favorite actor, Hrithik Roshan. The movie, released just before Republic Day in India, is a movie about the Indian air force and national pride.
As we headed back to Dehli, I realized how close we were to the end of this trip. The last few days of Dehli were memorable. We made the best of it in such a short time. We visited Rajghat, a memorial complex in Dehli. The first memorial was dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi where a black marble platform sits with an eternal flame at the end of it.
We also went back to Chandni Chowk to buy some more little goodies. I got an 8-piece bangles set for 100 rupees, which is less than $2.00.
On our last day, I visited Sheroes Hangout Cafe, a place for Acid Attack Surviviors. I was able to speak to them and listen to their stories. For my research paper, I planned to write about the awareness of Acid Attacks, since many people in the States do not know anything about it. While their stories were deeply saddening, I was so happy to know that they have a support system now with people that will love them unconditionally. (Submitted on January 31, 2024)
Submitted by Makenzie Dowlin on the 2024 Winter ENWC program in Tanzania…
Week 1:
After over twenty-four hours of travel, including two long flights spanning two days, we landed in Tanzania and set foot directly on the tarmac in the country where we would be spending the next month. There are nineteen students on this trip, the majority of us don’t know one another and as we look forward to what is to come, we are already hit with a significant challenge almost as soon as we arrive. Our luggage has been lost and we are now facing a trip filled with camping and outdoor activities with only what we have packed in our carry-on day packs. The next few days without our checked bags would prove to be a bit challenging for some, but ultimately, we were all in the same boat, and although we were tired, a little smelly, and wearing the same clothes for the past few days, it didn’t stop any of us from taking advantage of experiencing all that we did in our first week.
We are staying at a camp location in tents and ultimately got our bags back after the first few days of the trip. However, so much has happened since we arrived. We hit the ground running in regard to learning about the culture and wildlife surrounding us. In this first week, we have not only walked through the local village while interacting with the children and people living there, but also visited Arusha National Park where we had our first up-close encounters with wildlife bird and mammal species, interacted and learned from the Maasai people about their culture and practices, but also learned about the conservational efforts taking place here. In addition to these experiences, we have also been immersed in this new culture, trying new foods, and engaging in learning Swahili with our guides who are teaching us common greetings and sentences.
Our game drive truck parked outside our tent at sunrise
Although not much time has passed, I have gotten to know and have become grateful for the peers joining me on this trip, in many more ways than one. In one instance specifically, I really appreciate getting to hear the questions they ask, as I have learned so much just by hearing others pose different questions, share their perspectives, and contribute to conversations, adding to our chance to learn as much as possible. In addition to the other students, I have really enjoyed the time spent with our guides and school faculty, they are so knowledgeable and I truly love getting to talk to them and learn about their experiences, as our entire group continues to grow closer.
All in all, observing wildlife, both the many bird species as well as the African mammal species, is almost always the highlight of my day. I love having the chance to stand up in the safari trucks to look for wildlife. It sometimes feels surreal as you look out at your surroundings with the wind blowing in your face, realizing how in awe you actually are to be here in Tanzania observing such amazing animals as well as the insects, plants, and landscapes present all around. There are no words or even pictures that do it justice and it is hard to describe just how amazing of a feeling it is to witness it all so close. It truly has been such an insightful experience to be immersed in the animal’s natural habitat, view their natural behaviors, experience their surroundings, and hear their calls as you fall asleep in your tent at night, and it has only just begun.
Week 2:
Just like that, before we know it, it’s already week two of our program and it feels like it’s going by too quickly. This week has been busy and packed with such valuable cultural and wildlife experiences. Throughout the past few days we have traveled quite a bit, spending a couple days in each new location, and learning from the local people in each place as we go. Traveling such a distance, passing through the Rift Valley, Nou Forest, Mbulu Highlands, and Yaeda Valley regions allowed us the opportunity to take notice of and observe the landscapes as they transform and change. It is clear that you can see distinct changes in the land, plant diversity, climate, and civilizations including homes and structures as we got closer to each destination, even the air smelled and felt different in certain places.
We had the opportunity to spend time with multiple local communities, learning directly from them about their cultural practices and lifestyles. For instance, we got to spend a lot of time with the Hadza people in the Yaeda Valley. The Hadza are among one of the only remaining hunter-gatherer societies existing in Africa that rely on what the land provides to sustain their lifestyle. They are very open people who live simple lives in fluid communities. We were lucky enough to have the opportunity to learn from and interact with them, sharing many new experiences, including making and shooting bows and arrows with the men, making beaded bracelets with the women, visiting their homes, gathering food, going hunting, climbing baobab trees, singing, dancing, and spending time communicating and asking questions about each other’s cultures.
To be more specific, one of our highlights with the Hadza was when we all participated in learning how to make arrows from branches we gathered on a hike. It was such an amazing process, watching them methodically transition through every step of the process while also including us as well, teaching us each step, and walking us through as we all made our own arrows. It amazed me to think about how this was such a simple and everyday task for them and yet they intently but effortlessly worked on each arrow, being patient with us, taking the time to show us what to do. Knowing that this process is so essential to their lifestyle made it all the more interesting to watch as they rely on making the tools they use to hunt and gather all of their food. After making the arrows, they even taught us how to shoot them, which was so fun as we all tried to aim and hit the target.
The time we spent with the Hadza was so insightful and when we had the opportunity to speak with them, it was very interesting being able to hear the responses and translations of their answers to our questions as well as hearing the questions they had for us. I think it’s easy to forget or neglect to realize that people don’t know much about our culture in the same way we don’t know about theirs. Being able to learn from each other was a truly valuable experience. I admire their openness and curiosity, and really enjoyed spending time with them. One last special moment to share that is definitely a favorite of mine is singing and dancing with them around the fire. This was such a fun experience, and I loved that they welcomed us in this way. Learning the words and the movements of the dances, as well as laughing and jumping around with them was truly incredible and a memorable experience I will always cherish.
Week 3:
It’s already week three, how crazy is that? Another week down and only a short time left to go. This week was filled with exciting wildlife encounters and sightings, including some unlike any we had experienced on the trip so far. Over the past few days, we spent time in Karatu, Ngorongoro National Park including both the Crater and the Conservation Area, as well as Ndutu, where we had a chance to witness interesting animal behaviors while also gaining some valuable knowledge about conservation in the area.
Visiting the Ngorongoro National Park
During our time visiting the Ngorongoro Crater, we traveled down winding roads on the sides of the mountain with beautiful views of the crater below until we reached the bottom where it opened up into a flat open plain. There were animals everywhere we looked and as far as we could see, wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle were scattered across the land. We were able to get so close to them and really spend time observing their behaviors closely, seeing even the most minute movements and details through our binoculars. Not only were the animals abundant but we were able to get some rare views as well. For instance, among the more common species we see most often, such as gazelle, zebra, wildebeest, elephants, and giraffe, we also got to see black rhinos in the far distance as well as a hippo out of the water, golden jackals, a honey badger, and a pair of lions mating. There were so many animals we were able to observe, it was truly an incredible opportunity to witness firsthand.
However, it doesn’t end there, we would go on to see a Mama lion and her three cubs up close and personal the next day. They were out in the open and she was nearby as the three cubs ran and played with each other. We were able to get a great view to watch them as they all interacted. It was so interesting to watch the cubs’ behavior as it mimics the actions that will one day be essential to them becoming good hunters. You can see them stalk their siblings, pouncing and tumbling together ultimately teaching themselves how to hunt their future prey. Yet another amazing animal sighting was three cheetah brothers that could be found cooling down in a shady spot beneath a tree. While we got to see them resting together, we also witnessed them with a fresh wildebeest kill which they had caught just moments earlier. Watching the behaviors that go along with such a sighting was such a cool experience as we got to observe a display of their natural instincts so closely.
An up-close encounter with a giraffe
Among the up-close animal sightings, we experienced, my tentmate and I had an additional close animal encounter. It was late at night, and we heard footsteps and loud sniffing and rustling sounds just outside the entrance to our tent. The zipper jingled as if something was trying to get in. The light was on and nothing could be seen through the screen windows. Once the lights were turned off, under the bright light of the moon that night, it could be seen that there was a honey badger right outside our tent that had been trying to get in. Now we could both see and hear it walking around the perimeter of our tent through the screen window beside my bed. Still hearing the sniffling and scratching, it came closer, walking right below my window as I looked down upon it, watching it as it walked by. Wow! It then walked over to the tent next door and did the same, waking another member of our group. Ultimately, we were able to scare it away, avoiding a honey badger break-in. However, we walked away with such a crazy and exciting experience that we will always remember. There was no better way for end a week already filled with amazing wildlife.
Week 4:
It’s our last week here in Tanzania and we have been so lucky to see and do as much as we have. The experience has been amazing and as we spent our last safari game drive in the Serengeti earlier this week, we have made our way back to Arusha where our trip began. To recap a bit, our time in the Serengeti truly lived up to what we were all hoping for, with the views and landscapes of tall grasses and acacia trees that we grew up knowing from the wildlife documentaries and movies we obsessed over as kids, it truly made for a full circle moment. We had just spent the last month traveling through Tanzania visiting a handful of National Parks where we were able to observe wildlife up close and in ways I had never dreamed I would have the chance to. For many of us, it was a literal dream come true. Our last few days on safari were filled with lion sightings, views of hyenas, hippos, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and thousands of migrating wildebeest, not to mention the countless bird species. It was a perfect way to bring our game drive experiences to an end.
However, the trip wasn’t completely over just yet, we still had a couple of days left. They were spent in a lodge where we had time to recoup and refresh before heading to the local markets to buy souvenirs for ourselves, friends, and family. With the time remaining, we got to experience aspects of the local life as we explored the area, taking taxis, eating at local restaurants, and spending quality time with each other in addition to the guides that we had all become so close with over the past month. It is sad to think that our time here is coming to a close, it is happening faster than I would like and we will sadly be going home soon. But these last few days have provided a lot of time to reflect on the trip as a whole. I miss my family, and while I do want to go home, I also don’t want to leave. I have learned and experienced so much here, not only from the wildlife perspective, but also from the local people, the cultures, those that are surrounding me on this trip, and from the very trip itself. I have truly gained so much from all that I learned from my time here in Tanzania. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience or better guides, professors, and peers to join me along the way. Not to mention, the relationships and bonds that have been built will forever be linked by the experiences we all had together in this study abroad program, for that and much more, I am truly grateful.
Submitted by Kaitlyn Taylor on the 2024 Winter BISC program in Paris …
This weekend in Paris, I went to the Musee D’Orsay. I have been going to a lot of museums and historical sites with my class such as The Louvre, Versailles, Museum of History of Medicine, Palais Garnier and more. Although all of these places were beautiful and I learned so much from each visit, the Musee D’Orsay was unlike any of them. D’Orsay was an old train station, so the layout was very open and had a lot of natural light which I enjoyed. The artwork I saw was very different from the artwork I had been seeing, it was a lot of impressionism and art nouveau. The artist whose exhibit I spent the most time in was Monet. I had already known a lot of Monet paintings but didn’t realize until I got there. I really enjoy the style of Monet’s paintings, they were very colorful and bright. Most of them were paintings of nature, they were all so peaceful that I wanted to climb into the painting and spend the day there. Each painting was made with thick strokes of paint intricately placed. Out of all the paintings I saw when I was there, Monet’s stuck out to me the most. I hope to go back someday. (Submitted on January 23, 2024)
Outside My Comfort Zone
During my month in Paris, I have learned so much about history, food, art, and much more. Most importantly I have learned a lot about myself. This trip put me outside of my comfort zone and it was hard to adjust to the change at first. This was the first time I have ever traveled alone on a plane. This made me nervous at first, but I was able to figure everything out. Over time, I was able to settle in and enjoy my surroundings. I learned it was good to push myself outside of my comfort zone, because I learned I love traveling and I can’t wait until I can go on my next adventure. The next place I would love to visit is Italy because that is where a lot of my family is from. I am so grateful for this study abroad experience and I encourage any student who can to study abroad before they graduate! (Submitted on January 31, 2024)
Submitted by Spencer Sorensen on the 2024 Winter ENGL program in Netherlands…\
I had never lived in a city, let alone one on another continent, so I anticipated facing challenges. While I expected to feel lost and alone, surprisingly, I haven’t experienced those emotions. Navigating the city has been relatively easy, and I’ve formed deep connections with the friends I’ve made on this trip. Initially, I thought I would gain an appreciation for the local culture, theater, and people, but instead, I’ve found myself appreciating the way I was raised.
I was warned about rude Londoners, yet I’ve found them to be helpful. The real challenge was with some people on the trip abroad. I’ve witnessed a lack of respect and independence among them, making me value my upbringing even more. This trip was supposed to be about freedom, but some individuals seem incapable of doing things themselves.
I’ve always considered saying “please” and “thank you,” listening to professors and offering help as basic courtesies. Interacting with individuals who don’t have these same values has been a new experience. The most important lessons I’ve learned in London are a deep appreciation for good manners and consideration for others.
Spatial awareness and courtesy are lacking in some members of the abroad community. Despite considering this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, there are ungrateful and challenging people on the trip. I’ve been trying to cherish every day, but their negativity impacts my experience.
Dealing with people raised differently is a test of my patience and kindness. I’m torn between ignoring them and trying to help them have a better time. Regardless, their negativity affects my trip, and I’m learning to navigate this aspect of studying abroad. (Submitted on January 23, 2024)
The Arno river that goes through Florence. It basically splits Florence into two parts.
Submitted by Andrea Cannizzaro on the 2024 Winter LLCU program in Siena, Italy…
Studying abroad in Italy offers a transformative academic and cultural experience, blending the richness of history, art, and cuisine with a world-class education. The country boasts a plethora of renowned universities, each offering unique programs that cater to diverse academic interests. Immerse yourself in the cradle of Renaissance art and architecture, as classrooms often become open-air museums, providing a backdrop for intellectual exploration. Beyond academics, the Italian way of life encourages a holistic approach to education, fostering personal growth and a global perspective. Living amidst the enchanting landscapes, vibrant cities, and the warmth of Italian hospitality enhances the learning experience. Moreover, the opportunity to master the Italian language and engage with a diverse student community broadens cultural horizons. Studying in Italy not only equips students with academic excellence but also imparts a lifelong appreciation for the arts, history, and the joy of savoring la dolce vita. (Submitted on January 22, 2024)
Submitted by Ashley Luffman on the 2024 Winter HLTH program in Athens, Greece…
During the second week of my travels, I tried amazing and delicious food! I really wanted to expand my knowledge of Greek culture and dive into their traditional and tasty food! One of my favorite dishes was the eggplant salad. I was hesitant to try it at first but I was pleasantly surprised with the variety of flavors and absolutely loved it. Another dish that completely blew me was Halloumi. We had it at the first group dinner and I wasn’t sure if it was a type of cheese or tofu, but it was excellent to say the least. And each day I have been trying more mouthwatering greek foods like moussaka, gyros, greek salads, and other traditional style meals. (Submitted on January 20, 2024)
Pictures of halloumi and eggplant salad from my favorite places
Submitted by Kaitlyn Tayloron the 2024 Winter BISC program in Paris…
There is no good way to describe the scale of the Palace of Versailles. I had learned about Versailles in my history class I am taking here in Paris and have seen some pictures of it before, but I was amazed when we were walking up to the gates to see how big it really was. We started our day at Versailles with a tour of the Kings State Apartments. I learned that these apartments were created by Louis XIV for more personal use. The existing rooms of the castle were very large, so these rooms were smaller and more comfortable. The smaller size also made it easier to regulate the temperature of the rooms in the winter.
Almost everything in the Palace was covered in gold. There was such much detail in everything in each room that you walked into. The ceilings were covered in murals, the curtains were made of silk with very detailed designs, the floors were made of marble, and so many other details it was overwhelming. The gardens outside the Palace went on for what seemed like miles. It had many beautiful fountains and sculptures and I’m sure in the summer time it is even more beautiful with all of the greenery. It was crazy to think that the Royalty had lived like that at one point in time. I am very thankful I got to walk through the history of French Kings and experience all of this beauty. I got to feel like royalty for the day! (Submitted on January 16, 2024)
