My semester abroad has been flying by. I only have one month left here in Paris and still so much to do! Paris is even more beautiful than I could have imagined. Throughout the semester I have adjusted to the Parisian way of life, and now it feels like home. The city is full of beauty, culture and history, making it impossible to not fall in love. Here are some of the amazing landmarks I have visited over the past few months.
One of the most incredible sights in Paris is the view from the top of the Arc de Triomphe. There are 284 steps to the top, but it is completely worth it. Morgan (one of my friends from Brandeis) and I went up with my parents when they visited. We started our day at the Louvre, and we walked to the Arc from there—through the Tuileries, past Place de la Concorde, down the Champs-Élysées, arriving just in time for a daily ceremony under the Arc, at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Once we climbed up to the top, we could see all of Paris, just as the sun was setting. Breathtaking.
Another Paris gem is the Palais Garnier Opera house. We saw La Sourceby Jean-Guillaume Bart. The dancers were incredibly talented and inspiring, and the orchestra was great, as well. The costumes were designed by Christian Lacroix, and they were absolutely stunning. We all enjoyed the ballet, of course, but the building itself is a work of art. I didn’t have my camera with me, but the “virtual visit” online offers an inside view of the elaborate opera house (http://bit.ly/snPCmL). Seeing the ballet at Palais Garnier was something I will never forget; the whole experience was amazing.
Paris cannot disappoint. Even on a day when it is gray and cold, the city somehow manages to be beautiful. I’ve been here over two months, and I’m still discovering cafés, neighborhoods, boutiques and monuments. I still have to stop and admire the Seine every time I see it at night shimmering with the reflection of Parisian lights. I could spend weeks in the museums, and it would still not be enough. I plan on taking advantage of each day I have left to continue exploring. Paris est vraiment fantastique.