Postcards From Paris: No. 7

I can't believe this is the seventh installment of Postcards From Paris. Several times this week, my friends have commented on the fact that we only have two months left, and every time I've cried. If it were plausible, I would move to Paris now if I had the chance.

Unfortunately, with midterms coming up, the study component of study abroad is especially prevalent. I will not be posting an update next week to focus on midterms, but I suspect these next couple of weeks will be the most strenuous of the semester. So, once I get past the first week of March, I will hopefully have more time to explore and resume my tourist mentality.

Musée Rodin: Intimate Moments Immortalized in Clay

The Musée Rodin features the work of Auguste Rodin, who is considered the founder of modern sculpture. Musée Rodin is one of the smaller museums I’ve visited, but it makes for a more intimate, emotional experience. This museum combines my favorite aspects of the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay; the architecture and interior design of the museum itself are stunning, and the statues offer a more accurate depiction of humanity.

In general, I am fascinated by the depths and range of human emotions and tend to gravitate toward art that reflects this. The sculptures in the Musée Rodin offer a very raw portrayal of some of the more powerful emotions; there is love, pain, despair, thoughtfulness. Some sculptures are more sensual, and others are borderline disturbing; however, each art piece evokes emotion. Since I practically had the entire museum to myself, I felt like I was intruding on some very private moments between the sculptures.

I think the Musée Rodin should first be seen alone and then with a close friend or partner. With the right person, I think that viewing the sculptures of the Musée Rodin could lead to some interesting conversations.

Walking in Circles: Destination Nowhere

I would argue that one of the best ways to discover any city is to get lost in it. Naturally, certain safety precautions should be taken, and while I can’t speak for every city, at least in Paris, as long as you have your metro pass, charged phone, and navigation app, there is no better activity than to wander. Walking without a destination in mind fuels curiosity and leads to finding some hidden gems. Particularly towards the center of Paris, there are plenty of attractions, boutiques, cafes, and quaint streets that may go unnoticed by tourists and undocumented on travel guides.

Aside from admiring the city, walking around has been a big stress reliever. Paris living has its challenges, especially when sharing a small apartment with seven other girls. When things get chaotic, and I need a moment to be alone with my thoughts, I essentially disappear into the Parisian streets and go in whatever direction feels right at that moment.

The Abbey Bookshop

Paris at Night: The City of Lights and Joie de Vivre

Except for my walks home from class, I’ve only experienced Paris at night a few times. For safety reasons, I restrict my wanderings to the daytime. However, this week I had more evening plans, so I got to experience the city in a different light.

Although the darkness obscures some of the beauty of Paris, the City of Lights is magical. Once the sun sets, a different energy encapsulates the city; although it's calmer, the night heightens the “joie de vivre” (joy of life) mentality. Culturally, there is a much healthier work-life balance, so the evenings are an opportunity for people to destress. While the streets and restaurants themselves are busy, there is an absence of urgency. Regardless of whether it’s a Tuesday or Friday, restaurants are crowded, couples are walking hand-in-hand, and in general, people are just relishing the night.

Not to mention, the city itself is beautiful. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to see the stars in Paris, but the millions of lights used to illuminate monuments, cafes, and streets make up for it. To put it simply, Paris at night feels like a dream.

The Eiffel Tower in Support of Ukraine

Without being able to understand French, in many ways I am isolated from the anxiety of others. I can walk the streets and hear constant chatter without knowing what any of it means. That said, I am certain that many conversations concerned the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Compared to being in the U.S, in which conflicts and world affairs all feel very distant, being in Europe intensifies the gravity of the situation for me. Although many Americans have fought and continue to sacrifice themselves for the sake of our nation, it was only 80 years ago that many Europeans watched as bombs fell from the sky and war wreaked havoc on their lives. While I’ve only had a few conversations with locals on the topic, one friend commented: “next week, I could be returning to a different Paris.” It’s a sad statement, but it’s a reality that many Americans have not known since the Civil War, a reality that some Europeans remember, and a reality that many civilians are currently experiencing.

It feels wholly unfair that I'm the happiest I've ever been, while others are living their worst nightmare. I can only begin to imagine the insurmountable anguish and heartbreak being felt by the people of Ukraine. I hope that one day, the world will be a safe place for everyone, and the prevalence of empathy and compassion will be greater than the prevalence of war and terror.