Postcards from Paris: No. 2

My second week in Paris can be characterized by the start of the spring semester and frequent solo excursions. More so than last week, I feel very comfortable here in Paris and love city life! While I’ve enjoyed meeting new people, it can be overwhelming at times, and I’ve found comfort in being able to admire Paris at my own pace. I feel like independence has been my superpower, and it's allowed me to see so much of the city in the short amount of time I've been here!

The Start of Spring Semester: Wanting to be a Tourist, Having to be a Student

With classes starting, my time of being an uninhibited tourist has ended, and it’s time to embrace the student aspect of studying abroad. So far, my classes have been very interesting. However, the format is exhausting. Unlike my usual 50-75 minute lectures, my classes are taught in 3-hour blocks – it’s trying.

Unlike previous semesters, my need to be an over-studious student is competing with an equally powerful inclination to take advantage of these next four months and indulge in the out-of-the-classroom learning opportunities. To put it simply, I think I’ve developed FOMO. While it may only count for personal development (arguably more important than class credit), I want to spend as much time immersed in the Parisian experience as possible. I've made it a personal goal to do at least one thing a day that I wouldn't be able to do at home – which really isn't that hard.

Museums: Back to the Louvre, and Visiting the Musée de l'Orangerie

Although first experiences in a group setting can be fun, after last week’s escapades, I felt a strong desire to return to some of the places we visited by myself. In my opinion, museums, in particular, are best experienced alone, where you are free to wander and absorb everything your heart desires and eyes command.

I returned to the Louvre earlier in the week – a spontaneous decision inflicted by the need for a restroom, being in the area, and having time to kill before class. On this trip, I revisited the Statue Gallery, explored the Appartements Napoléon III (which brought back flashbacks to Versailles), and quite literally got lost amongst the Renaissance art.

Whereas the Louvre is as much of an architectural feat as it is home to some of the world's greatest masterpieces, the Musée de l'Orangerie displays its art against the most simplistic backdrops. This small museum features impressionist and post-impressionist paintings by Claude Monet, August Renoir, and Pablo Picasso, to name a few.

The main attraction of the Musée de l'Orangerie – and the primary reason I wanted to visit – is the two oval rooms featuring Monet’s Water Lilies. Comprised of eight panels spanning a total of 91 meters, the effect of this exhibit is truly breathtaking. These are the most peaceful rooms I’ve ever been in, and the benches in the middle are the perfect place to admire and get lost in Monet’s ethereal perception of Giverny (where he lived and drew inspiration for these paintings).

Similar to Monet's Water Lilies, A Year in Normandy (pictured above) by David Hockney spans 80 meters and focuses on similar images of his home in Normandy through various seasons. The exhibit is pieced together from over one hundred iPad illustrations created by Hockney during quarantine.

The Latin Quarter: The Panthéon and Quintessential Old Europe

On Friday, I ventured into the Latin Quarter. Situated opposite the Notre Dame Cathedral, this area, otherwise known as the 5th arrondissement, is home to the Panthéon, several universities, and museums. It was built by the Romans as the city of Lutetia, making it the oldest district in Paris. This neighborhood is practically begging to be explored; with its cobbled streets full of cafes, restaurants, and little shops, the Latin Quarter is a wanderer's paradise. The remaining pre-Haussman architecture makes this area of Paris unique and gives the 5th arrondissement that quintessential old-world feel. Although I wasn’t in the Latin quarter at peak time, I imagine it’s a lively place to be, and I will be returning to it often.

Escape to Lille: Historic Buildings, Cold Walks, and Shopping

My study abroad program includes four day trips to various destinations outside of Paris. Our first excursion was to Lille, a city in the Northern part of France close to the Franco-Belgian border. The city is otherwise known as the Capital of French Flanders, which explains the Flemish architecture and influences that still remain. Most of our time was spent in Old Lille, a historic center characterized by beautifully ornate brick buildings and cobbled streets. Although culturally and architecturally different, the city reminded me of Newport, RI; with its plethora of high-end stores and restaurants, Lille is clearly a social hub that attracts tourists and French people alike.

Had it not been exceptionally cold and windy, I would have spent more time outside. However, as this was not the case, we spent most of our free time ducking into shops to warm up. Regardless, Lille was still charming, and with it being only a 1-hour train ride from Paris, a great day trip option (preferably in warmer weather).