After spending my first day in Paris, I am both sad to no longer be in Amsterdam and excited by the idea of having two more weeks to explore this new city. Already, I can tell that my time in Paris is going to be very different than what I experienced in Amsterdam. In Amsterdam, everybody spoke English and most signs included both English and Dutch. However, in Paris, most of the signage is in French and people are less able and willing to speak English. But I am optimistic that this language barrier won’t get in the way of a great time and might even lead to some unexpected adventures.
After the great experience that I had working with the University of Amsterdam and Avans students on our design challenges, I really hope to get the opportunity to build relationships with locals in Paris. Interacting with locals, learning about their way of life, and discovering their favorite spots and activities really helps me to immerse myself into the city and to make the most of my time there and create great memories.
Outside of the course, I am excited to explore the beautiful architecture in Paris by wandering throughout the streets. One thing I really enjoyed in Amsterdam was going on a tour of the canals, so maybe doing a boat tour could be great way to explore Paris as well. I am also looking forward to taking advantage of some of Paris’ amazing museums, like the Louvre and the Pompidou, to go see some art. Visiting some iconic Paris spots, such as the Notre Dame and the catacombs, is also on my list.
Of course, I am also extremely excited to eat a ton of great French cuisine in Paris. Fresh baguettes, croissants, macarons, cheese, and crepes are all items that I look forward to filling my diet with. Trying new foods, such as escargot, and visiting local markets are also musts.
Just outside of Paris, I also really want to visit the Palace of Versailles. I love spending time outside and I imagine myself walking through its beautiful gardens and just enjoying the amazing architecture and scenery. I hope to feel really inspired and present in beautiful places like this throughout my stay in Paris.
After a jam-packed schedule in Amsterdam, I now know the importance of taking some time to rest during this program. I am looking forward to visiting some cafes to drink some coffee, eat some pastries, and just enjoy the city around me in a more relaxed way.
Whenever I explore a new city, I usually have a few planned must-dos and then spend the rest of the time wandering around in search of fun and unique activities. However, I do hope to do a bit more planning at the beginning of my time in Paris, so that I can get bookings and reservations done sooner to ensure that I get the opportunity to see everything that I want to during these next two weeks.