In one week I’ll be done with the classroom portion of my time abroad… nuts! I’m staying in Europe for the majority of the summer to travel and volunteer a bit, and so ready for a change of pace and fresh adventure!
Recently I had the opportunity to go to Paris! With all the hype, fantasy, and dreaminess that surrounds this city I was a little skeptical, almost going as a sort of obligation (I am in France, after all). Well I can now safely say that Paris is worth all the fuss… it’s magical! It’s a city made for wandering, my specialty, and while my friend and I hit up the major tourist spots the majority of our time was spent walking, exploring, and running into the most beautiful things by accident. I have plans to go there again before I leave for the States, and I’m sure that there is an entirely new adventure waiting.
Picnic of my favorite things on bank of the Seine!
I recently finished up my volunteering at Alliances et Cultures, an organization that promotes equality and fights discrimination in their community through a variety of channels: cinema, ludotheque (think library of games), community planned vacations, classes, help navigating the crazy French administration system. I helped with homework and taught a bit of English with their after school program. It was challenging, but a great example of how to unite a very diverse community in practical and useful ways.
Now I’m off to study for final exams, write a giant paper, and prepare a presentation… I’m sure many of you are doing similar things. Bon courage!