Every API (my study abroad program) program has one international excursion, and this semester's was Paris (next semester's is Morocco, woo-hoo!). I was actually surprised we went at all, because the week before we were supposed to go, the US State Dept. released a statement saying that Americans traveling abroad in Europe should be extra cautious of terrorism, especially in Paris. Then on top of that, they were having major demonstrations against raising the retirement age. Oh, don't worry, I'll get to my opinion of that.
And here comes a confession, try not to grab your pitchfork. I'm not the biggest fan in the world of Paris. Not that I dislike it, not even near to that. But for some reason, I don't feel the same pull that has been attracting artists, architects, musicians, or tourists for centuries. I mean, the Hilton's loved Paris enough to name their sniveling little daughter after it. What's wrong with me? Am I immune? I can see the charm it has, but in my opinion, you can't truly enjoy Paris unless you have a lot of money to blow. Something students don't happen to have a lot of. And here comes the final doozy, try not to faint.... I don't see the big deal with the Eiffel Tower. I know, I'm crazy. But really, it's just an oversized, glorified radio tower. It's all iron and metal, and it's really not old (1889). Maybe it's because I'm a history major, but I find things that are old and beautiful attractions. Which Paris has plenty of!
The rest of the API group went on a tourbus to take a highlights tour of Paris, which, no disrespect, to me seems like walking around with a target on your forehead for anti-American radicals. So I opted out and took to the streets. I went to my favorite district: the Marais district. That's where the real Paris is. Away from the Eiffel tower, the Notre Dame, the Louvre. This is just beautiful, ancient streets, sidewalk cafes, and is home to the beautiful Musee Picasso. I didn't get to go to the Picasso museum this year, because it was under renovation, but I went two years ago, and I can tell you it's worth a visit. Then I went to go meet up with my friends at the Notre Dame when they got out of their tour. Luckily enough, some French protestors decided to meet outside the Notre Dame as well. With their banners, and their songs, they're acting as if a huge injustice was done to them. Ok, seriously? Raising the retirement age from 60 to 62? Not such a big deal. America's is between 65-67, so I don't want to hear it.
The Notre Dame is beautiful, of course. Back in the old day, there wasn't that huge open square in front of it, all the houses went right up to the very front of the Cathedral. As I have now excitedly realized, Disney was surprisingly accurate in their portrayal of Medieval life living in front of the Notre Dame in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Hell yeah! I knew Disney could be used as a history textbook! Ok, maybe not for Pocahontas... Oh, and Victor Hugo, author of the Hunchback, lived and died in the Marais district, and you can still go see his house. Another incentive to go there. 
But by far the best part of the Notre Dame--- no, Paris--- is the Crypte Arquelogique. It is AMAZING. I cannot stress enough how cool it is. Everyone in the whole wide world knows about the Notre Dame. But what not many people know is that in the square in front of the Notre Dame, behind a couple bushes, is a staircase going into the ground. The Roman ruins of Paris lie intact directly UNDERNEATH the Notre Dame. When you descend into the crypte, you can walk around, and see what the houses looked like. You can see the staircases, where they moored their boats, their front doors. It's incredible. And it only costs 2 euros with a student ID.
But by far the best part of the Notre Dame--- no, Paris--- is the Crypte Arquelogique. It is AMAZING. I cannot stress enough how cool it is. Everyone in the whole wide world knows about the Notre Dame. But what not many people know is that in the square in front of the Notre Dame, behind a couple bushes, is a staircase going into the ground. The Roman ruins of Paris lie intact directly UNDERNEATH the Notre Dame. When you descend into the crypte, you can walk around, and see what the houses looked like. You can see the staircases, where they moored their boats, their front doors. It's incredible. And it only costs 2 euros with a student ID. 
Now the last thing I cannot forget to talk about is the food. YUM. Steak Frite, bouillabaise, cheese souffles, and CREPES... all accompanied with a nice glass of French wine, of course. Let's just say I'm glad I walked a lot, because I probably would have gained a lot of weight in that one weekend. Oh well, life's too short. Au Revoir!
