"The community in Paris made it easy to acclimate and feel comfortable, despite my poor French speaking skills. The many people I met along the way radiated a warmth that made me forget any homesickness."
This summer, I spent six weeks in Paris studying Art and Music Humanities on the Columbia Summer Core in Paris program. It was the most fulfilling experience I have had at Columbia thus far, making it incredibly difficult to summarize my trip briefly. It was so special sitting in the classroom looking at artworks and then going to the Louvre each week to see them in person, or listening to operas on YouTube and then going to the Versailles Palace to see them performed live. From the Euros to the Olympics to a snap election, Paris was the place to be this summer. I am beyond grateful to have lived through the excitement of sports, politics, and art in under two months. I left truly understanding why Paris is referred to as the City of Love.
Love, whether romantic, platonic, or familial, was felt on every street I wandered and every place I went to. With just a few steps outside my door, I would witness skaters cheering each other on by the fountain, kids shooting water guns on a hot day, friends celebrating birthdays in Jardin du Luxembourg, and so much more. The friendly owner of the Lebanese restaurant right next to the hostel always insisted I sample a dish every time I walked by. The bartenders playfully teased us when they saw us at a competing bar across the street. Chatting with strangers and locals was a breeze when I wanted suggestions for new spots to try out. The community in Paris made it easy to acclimate and feel comfortable, despite my poor French speaking skills. The many people I met along the way radiated a warmth that made me forget any homesickness.
Although I was sad when the program came to an end, I knew that I had made the most of my time there and would be back to make new memories. Paris, the City of Love, filled my cup with a lifetime of stories. I had a newfound appreciation for slowing down, spending hours people-watching over an espresso, and stepping out of my comfort zone. If you have the opportunity to visit Paris, then embrace aimless walks and see where they lead. Be kind to strangers, and don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation with your neighbor.
