Our William and Mary group arrived in Montpellier this week after a “twampy” takeover of Paris. The city was beautiful and there was always something to do, but I am excited to make it to the South of France where life is much more relaxing, or “tranquile” as the French say!
Paris, however, was still full of some great adventures, the best of which I would love to recap with you! I got to Paris with my mom a little early so that we could see the sights before the rest of the group arrived. My favorite part of that week was definitely seeing an old friend, Audelaure. She came to stay with my family for a study abroad experience when she was 18, and became so close with us that we have continued to keep in touch over the years. We finally met up again in Paris, 14 years later, and this time my mom and I got to meet her husband and 2-year-old son, Leonard. The reminder of how close my family was able to get with a student that we hosted made me very excited to get to know my French host family and start the bonding ASAP!
Once the group got here, we saw all the unavoidable tourist sights (including a stereotypically French strike at the Musée d’Orsay!). Because most of the main monuments are erected along the Seine (the river that runs through Paris), we were able to take a very fun boat tour of the city. This was a great way to get a peak into Parisian life because not only did we get to appreciate the architecture, but we also got to enjoy some great people watching, as a popular French activity seemed to be picnics along the Seine.
Although the group of 20 picture-taking, loud-talking, crèpe-eating Americans might have seemed a little obnoxious for the super stylish Parisians we were surrounded with, we all thoroughly enjoyed our short stay in Paris and are excited for what is to come in Montpellier!