June 15, 2004

After class ended on Thursday, we went to Paris for the rest of our time in France. Known as "The City of Lights," Paris is an absolutely gorgeous place to visit. One could spend weeks in Paris and still not get to see everything. Paris has so much to offer. There is the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Napoleon's tomb, and the Arc of Triumph, where the Tour de France ends every year. Everyone had an awesome time in Paris and it was a great way to end our three weeks studying abroad!

This trip was an altogether unique experience. I went into traveling to France with a mind somewhat tainted by negative stereotypes. I thought that French people would be arrogant and smelled bad. I was prepared to deal with people who hated Americans, and I was timid even to try to speak the little French that I learned. However, once we made it to Strasbourg, I realized that France has so much to offer. I had nothing but great experiences with the French people. They were all excited to meet Americans and wanted to know all about our country. Whether it was in the grocery stores or on a street, the French people were always willing to help you. I fell in love with their food and their stylish clothing. The atmosphere in the city was one of constant motion, with people walking and biking everywhere all the time.