One of my most cherished memories from my iSEED Paris trip was the night we visited the Eiffel Tower. I had briefly mentioned this day in one of my earlier blogs, but I want to elaborate on why it was so special. It started off with a small group of three, but gradually, everyone from the iSEED program joined us in the park in front of the Eiffel Tower. It turned into a fun-filled night as we had a picnic with snacks and played games. We even engaged in some Rice-like activities under the sparkling tower. The sheer size and beauty of the landmark before us solidified the fact that we were indeed in Paris, France. What made the experience even better was being surrounded by Rice students. Despite the challenge of figuring out how to get back to the hostel since the metro stopped after midnight, we managed to make it back amidst the chaos. The pictures and videos from that night never fail to make me laugh, and I know I will cherish those memories forever.
Another lasting experience during the program was on the last day of class. Throughout the week, we had been working independently in our respective groups, so I didn’t have a clear idea of the progress made by other teams. On the final day, it was so rewarding to see the reactions of our classmates and professor when we presented our working prototype. I felt incredibly proud of what my team and I had accomplished in just one week. We all worked exceptionally hard together, and it was refreshing not to feel overwhelmed in a group project for once. Hannah and Eva were on my team, and our personalities complemented each other well. We were able to divide and conquer the project, trusting each other’s processes. I truly enjoyed the collaborative process and the satisfaction of our collective effort. I only wish I had the space or weight allowance to take our invention home, but perhaps the hostel can make use of it.
When it comes to the food in Paris, one of my absolute favorites was the banh mi sandwich. It may sound silly, but it was genuinely the best sandwich I have ever had. Made with a traditional Parisian baguette and deliciously prepared beef stew, it had a yummy and savory flavor. Even the carrots in the sandwich were surprisingly sweet, and I actually enjoyed them, which is rare for me as I tend to avoid vegetables in my sandwiches. The shop owner was an incredibly kind man who made the experience even better. He generously gave the entire class free drinks on my first visit, and he continued to extend his hospitality every time we returned. He was a true gem, always greeting us with a smile, even if we were just passing by. Despite not knowing any French, I somehow managed to communicate with him. On my last day, I went back with my bags packed to bid him farewell and savor one more bhan mi for the road.
I do regret not trying more of the traditional Parisian foods during my trip. I was trying to stick to a budget as I had spent too much in Amsterdam and needed to cut down on expenses. However, I know I will return to Paris one day because I have unfinished business with the city. There is so much more shopping to do, iconic landmarks to visit, and neighboring towns to explore. When I become a rich engineer, I will come back and fully indulge in the city without any financial burdens.
To anyone considering participating in the iSEED Europe program, I would wholeheartedly recommend it. These are memories you will never forget and always cherish. It offers a unique experience of taking courses outside the traditional classroom setting. Stepping out of your comfort zone in this way allows you to immerse yourself in a new culture, cuisine, music, and entertainment, all while still benefiting from Rice courses. Money may come and go, but memories last forever.