A lasting memory…
The moment from this experience I will not forget is going up the Eiffel Tower. This sounds like a typical experience that all tourists in Paris could recognize as their favorite, but for me it was different because I was there on my own. When I got off the metro in the Eiffel Tower region, I was pleasantly surprised to see how lively the area was – it had been busy in the Le Marais area where we stayed, but what I saw here was something special. It was clear that everyone around me was from different parts of the world, and the day I chose to visit promised a perfect weather forecast – it was 35°C, and the sky was clear. As I walked closer to the Eiffel Tower, I recognized the spot where all the Instagram photos were taken – it was not how I pictured it, but it was even more beautiful than I expected. I also wanted an Instagram picture, so I asked a girl I saw posing in front of the tower if she could take a picture for me, and she agreed. I was satisfied and moved on from the picture spot, seeking entry into the Eiffel Tower. I was amazed because the tower was so much bigger than I had imagined, and there was a garden and lake underneath it, which you could walk around. I was surprised that it was even possible to go ‘under’ the tower. I found the ticket office, and waited 2 hours to purchase a ticket. I was convinced that I was the only person there on my own – it was a strange feeling to be honest, since everyone knows that Paris is the city of love. However, I did not let that stop me from making the most of the opportunity. Eventually, it was my turn to head up in the elevator – I was so excited as I was going up, and in that moment I remembered the cartoon ‘Madeleine’ (set in Paris) that I had watched and loved as a child. I was in awe when I saw the view from the top – I was most surprised by the height, the beautiful river and white architecture coating the Paris landscape. I stayed there, at the top, for around one hour, then tried to find my way back down. Being a very clumsy person, it was typical for me that I couldn’t find the elevator. However, I made the most of this, and thought to myself, why not take the stairs? I had known from my childhood cartoon that you could take either the stairs or elevator in the Eiffel Tower – it was an option. And so, I took the stairs down…I have to say, the experience of walking down the stairs was an experience in itself, and I recommend it!
Before going all the way to the bottom, I made a stop at the first floor. It had a lot to offer – there was a restaurant, bar, pizza place, bistro cafe and a well-structured, convenient sitting area. I ordered some pizza, sat down and enjoyed the blissful view. At around 7.30pm, I decided it was time to leave the Eiffel Tower and go check out the places I had seen from the top. Importantly, I had seen a large mass of people on the other side of the river. And so, after leaving the Eiffel Tower, I went past the river and towards them, to see what was going on. I was surprised to see a hill with people laying on blankets and just enjoying the distant view of the Eiffel Tower – so many people with their loved ones made me happy. I walked up the hill, went to a coffee shop, and then to a sushi place, before getting the metro home. It felt strange being at the Eiffel Tower on my own, but I am very grateful for the way my experience turned out.
Endless highlights…
- On my last day in Paris, two very special things happened. Firstly, I was trying to go to the Louvre Gardens one last time, but I took the wrong metro. After realizing, I got off at the soonest stop, and when I got outside, I saw a bride and groom walk out of a church after getting married – how beautiful!
The second thing was that I ordered a coffee right before leaving for the train station. I accidentally ordered a normal latte instead of my usual iced latte, and it was the best coffee I ever had.
- I received a free Starbucks drink on the day I had to create my final prototype in class. This gesture made me very happy, and it pushed me further through the most challenging day.
- Enjoying the music festival day and listening to French music at the DJ stands was also one of my favorite experiences, as I like listening to music in over 8 languages.
Learning and growing…
Overall, I was very pleased to be in Paris at the time when everything was going on – from Paris fashion week to the music festivals and concerts. I also really value my time in France as I had a lot of time to reflect about myself as a person, and how I would like to improve. I reflected a lot by the river, which was just a 10 second walk from the hostel. I also grew a lot thanks to the people around me. I would say the person who left a mark on me most is Emily. We were roommates for the final week, and I really enjoyed her positive energy and enthusiasm. I definitely have a lot to learn from her!
To people considering the program: do not hesitate, and make sure to come with a hungry belly, brain and soul – you never know what you could learn or experience! I learnt a lot more than I thought I would, in both an academic and personal way.
My favorite day + the Instagram picture spot
Marriage
That special latte
Me – back home, seeing my dog after a month <3