Poly GIP French Exchange: Balades parisiennes

After a lot of rides in the bus, we arrived in Paris a few days ago. I have been able to adjust a little bit, but it has been great stay so far. I have done a lot of walking especially in with my correspondent. I got to ride the metro a couple of times after getting my pass navigo, and I also got to ride on bikes to get to school. We were a late a few times, but the experience is what mattered. We visited a lot of places by walking which was tiring but it was giving us the real Parisian experience. On Monday we were unable to go to school due to having a person demonstrating right in front of the entrances to the school. They completely blocked it off, so my correspondent and I got to spend most of the day together and we had a great time. One place that we visited that was very powerful to me was the museum or monument we went to that honored the Jewish people who transported to the concentration camps. I found it very beautiful to see that each life was really remembered and honored. (Nathan)

On Saturday, we made the long trip to get from Brittany to Paris. It was very tiring, but we made some stops on the way and I was excited to finally meet up with my correspondent. These past couple of days, I’ve been getting to live the real Paris experience, which includes tons of walking, taking the metro, and hanging out with some new friends. On Monday, school was closed because of protests that were taking place right in front of the school. That was interesting to see, and we got some free time with our correspondents instead of attending school, so that was fun. Something that stuck with me was the monument that honored the Jewish people who got deported to concentration camps. There were in depth writings about what atrocities occurred at the camps, which were hard to read, but necessary to learn about. I was happy that there was such a beautiful place to honor these people though. -Ani

As we reach the tears and goodbyes, I think about my last few days in Paris with longing in my heart as I miss the days I have experienced. I miss walking around Notre Dame.

Yesterday was quite the day! I started the day at the boulangerie by the school! Breakfast was a ten out of ten with the crepe and such yum fresh squeezed orange juice. I got some strawbs for the walk around Paris. They had that wonderful fresh orange scent. Orange juice is super popular here! We went to the Marais and to the fountain of Saint Michele. Crazy! we went to the house of Victor Hugo: lots of fun wallpaper and plates. During our free time, I had a 10/10 lunch and some shopping time. For lunch I split a salad and pasta with Maja, and then I really craved an affagato so I got the French version of it which as mindblowingly wonderful. The day before yesterday there was a blockage in front of the school, and it really showed the school's culture. (Alexis)

We visited the very beautiful mosque in Paris, and got to try a thé à la mente in its tearoom. After the mosque we got to go to other little landmarks such as a Pantheon and the Odeon theater. We have a plan today to have our own itinerary and visit what places we want which I think is cool. I know we are going to have fun, so I can’t wait. (Nathan)

With the mosque's Rector Chems-eddine Hafiz. His grandchildren lived in Brentwood and he has been to Pasadena many times. Le monde est petit!

At the Salon de Thé at the Mosquée

Aux Arènes de Lutèce -- Roman Amphitheater excavated in the late 19th century

We just went to a gorgeous mosque and now we’re at a Moroccan restaurant - the baklava cigar was very yummy. I love seeing the diversity in culture within Paris. We took the metro to get here which makes me so excited. I wish we had them in LA. When we don’t take the metro we do a lot of walking which has been making my legs sore. (CATIE)

Yesterday was a fantastic day. First, we visited the Musée D’Orsay, with its beautiful art work and incredible architecture. Next, we visited the neighborhood of St. Germaine de près, with its Romanesque Church, boutiques, and narrow streets. Lastly, we visited the Musèe Rodin, with its luscious garden and the famous Thinker statue. (Nicolas)

My favorite part of this trip was the amazing places I got to explore throughout France that I wouldn’t have found without going on this trip. In particular, I really enjoyed the 2 day trip of traveling throughout France and being able to see amazing sights like Mont Saint Michael. My favorite thing that I saw in Paris was the Musée d’Orsay because I love Impressionist art very much. I was so amazed to see Edgar Degas’ sculpture “Little Dancer of Fourteen Years” as it’s been one of my favorite art pieces since I was very little. I am very much so an art nerd, so I loved having the opportunity to look at so many amazing museums. I also think that the home stays were very valuable as I feel that my French improved greatly because of how much I was practicing it at home! Overall I had an amazing trip and made memories I know I will never forget. - Hannah