Postcards From Paris: No. 11

Sorry for the delay. This week’s postcard got a little lost in the mail!

In all seriousness, the first week of April was emotionally draining. Although I kept busy and was fortunate enough to have several new experiences and visit places I still had not seen in the now, three months of being here, everything was happening amidst a week of anxiety. The beginning of April is always an odd time for me, one year older, and somehow, I don’t feel as wise as I should be. However, this year, my birthday took on a different connotation: it was the milestone that I was both excited about and dreaded since January. With the goal of having the most magical birthday, for the first two months, I kept a running catalog of the places and activities I loved most in Paris. At the time, April felt very distant. So this year, the reality of it being the first week of April ushered in a great deal of sadness. On the one hand, the pressure of only having a month left made me want to do as much as possible. On the other hand, part of me didn’t want to leave the apartment at all, as if my inactivity would make time stop so that I could stay in Paris indefinitely.

So long story short, the chaotic hum of overthinking was the soundtrack for this past week. However, I did not hole myself up in my apartment, and I have the pictures to prove it.

Blooming: Chasing Cherry Blossoms

As it turns out, the winter-like temperatures and snow I reported in the last postcard did not prevent the remainder of the cherry blossoms from blooming. Around this time last year, my friend (who is also my roommate here in Paris) and I took pictures in front of the various cherry blossom trees scattered around campus. Later that spring, we had a picnic, where we fantasized about retaking those pictures in Paris. At the time, several study abroad programs were being canceled, and we weren’t sure whether the state of the world would allow us to study in Paris. Fast forward to April 5, 2022, when we – two students from a state nobody in France has heard of – found ourselves galavanting in the Jardin des Plantes, practically running to the nearest pink tree.

The Eiffel Tower at Night: It was all a Dream

Wednesday was the most anxious I’ve felt in months. I spent most of the day overthinking and stressing over aspects of my life I won’t have to worry about for at least another year. So when I returned from class and was asked by my roommate if I wanted to take pictures in front of the Eiffel Tower at night, my immediate response was “no”. However, after a series of somewhat unfortunate events unfolded, I eventually agreed to go and dressed up for the occasion.

Despite my initial resistance, going out was arguably the best thing I could have done for myself. Observing the gold lights of the Eiffel Tower shimmer against the night sky is a magical spectacle that never fails to evoke an "American in Paris" moment. On this particular night, it was also an excellent reminder that pretty soon, I won't be able to console myself by hopping on the metro and heading to the Eiffel Tower. So what began as a stressful day ended with chocolate crêpes, repeatedly declining persistent vendors, and appreciating the moment.

Petit Palais: Ethereal Escape

At this point, I've been to all of my must-see museums several times. However, there was still one museum on my Paris to-do list that I always forgot about. So, taking advantage of a rainy day, my friend and I visited the Petit Palais. To put it simply, the museum is breathtaking. Although the museum houses thousands of pieces of beautiful artwork and artifacts, it's worth going to the Petit Palais just to stand in the grand hall and explore the interior garden. The grand hall is a masterpiece of mosaic floors, marble walls, moldings, and painted ceilings. Despite being incredibly detailed, the pastel and muted color palette prevents sensory overload and creates an ethereal effect. As for the garden, it's overflowing with greenery and has an aura so peaceful you forget you're in the middle of the city.

Although this analogy will probably resonate with very few people, the experience of wandering around the gardens and grand hall of the Petit Palais was reminiscent of the feeling I get when seeing the creations of my favorite designer Paolo Sebastian. Similar to the interior of the museum, his dresses are painstakingly detailed and have an ethereal quality. It's that feeling of wanting to run down a grand hall in a long flowing ball gown in a very whimsical and dramatic manner..., just me? Ok.

Rouen: Half-Timbered Houses, and Historic Landmarks

On Saturday, I embarked on the final program-sponsored excursion. This adventure took us to Rouen, a historical city in northern France, in the Normandy region. Aptly referred to as the “city of one hundred steeples," Rouen is home to the most beautiful cathedral and, quite literally, churches on every corner. However, Rouen is best known for being the place where Joan of Arc was tried and executed for heresy. The dungeon tower Joan of Arc was imprisoned in during her trial still stands, and throughout the city, there are various statues and references to the famous French heroine.

Aside from the city’s connection to Joan of Arc, Rouen is a quaint area with buildings reminiscent of the timbered houses of the Alsace region. The historical part of the town reminded me of scenes from Strasbourg and Colmar; busy cobbled streets, cute houses sandwiched together, and architectural relics of previous centuries. Although we did visit one museum, I was perfectly content just exploring the streets of Rouen and seeing how the locals spend their weekends. As it turns out, many spent this particular Saturday shopping at the farmer’s market, buying dishware at the flea market, and being entertained by the Viking Festival taking place outside of Notre-Dame de Rouen.

Speaking of Notre-Dame de Rouen, it is easily the most gorgeous cathedral I have ever seen. Our first sighting of the cathedral was like the physical representation of an epiphany: we emerged from a narrow street, with dark timbered houses on either side of us, to suddenly and unexpectedly see this intricate, white, and incomprehensibly grand cathedral in front of us. It's the tallest cathedral in France, making the fact that there isn't an inch of the building that isn't intricately carved even more impressive. To put into perspective the beauty of Notre-Dame de Rouen, my friend thinks it's even more magnificent than the Duomo. I wish I could say the inside was as beautiful as the outside, but unfortunately, most of it was under construction (not unlike the rest of France)

Sunday Picnic: Croissants, Champagne, and Celebrations

As Taylor Swift once said, “it’s supposed to be fun turning 21." Actually, it was more fun turning 21 and one-week-old thanks to the long-awaited, highly anticipated picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower. Although I was mentally prepared to wear a sundress and freeze, it was warm and sunny all day. The picnic was complete with vegan pastries, fruit, and pink Champagne! Perhaps not the usual twenty-first birthday affair, but I thought it was perfect.