Study abroad in France - Day 5: Leaving Tours; Paris...Here we come!

Leaving Tours, France, I was more sorrowful than expected. I did not think that I would feel so lively and joyful in Tours. I expected a modest community that wouldn’t be as energetic and dynamic as it really was. Packing my things and getting on the bus for Paris made me feel not ready to leave but also filled me with a rush of excitement to start onto a new journey. Tours was a great starting point to our trip and gave me the confidence to successfully take on Paris.

Prior to our arrival in Paris, we stopped by the beautiful chateau and gardens of Chenonceau. The Loire River valley sat below and gave me a feeling of serenity and stillness as the castle towered over it. Throughout the tour, our guide, Annabelle, was informative and presented information to the group well enough to make us feel how significant the place is today (has been throughout history). It was fascinating to understand how life was during the time the Chenonceau was occupied by nobles such as King Henry II and Queen Catherine de’ Medici during the 16th century. Room after room was filled with amazing history and even more eye-opening architecture and decor. It was hard for me to picture that this museum was once occupied by kings and queens who hosted parties, signed important documents, and furthered their dynasties that are spoken about today.

After our castle visit, we stopped by a local restaurant for a group lunch. The group was deeply hungry after having walked the long hallways and corridors of the castle. I enjoyed fresh filet fish with vegetables, while others in the group had beef and potatoes. After enjoying food and conversation, we finally headed off to Paris.

Arriving in Paris felt surreal. I couldn’t believe I was here. Getting into a new hotel made me feel like it was the first day all over again. After finally settling in, the group and I decided to walk around our new environment. We shopped and had a quick bite to eat before deciding on taking the metro to see the Eiffel Tower in the evening. As intimidating as it first felt, the metro was easy to use and well-organized. Walking up the stairs the view of the Eiffel Tower felt unreal. People were taking pictures, face-timing friends and just standing in awe. As night fell, the Eiffel Tower lit up with a golden glow and then twinkled and sparkled with beaming white lights cascading on top. The group stared in awe while hearing the hum of the Paris life around us. This brought a full circle moment upon us all. It felt like a dream to see something we only thought about, right in front of us. After spending almost an hour just staring, we headed back to the hotel, sat in the lobby, and spent the rest of the evening talking amongst ourselves before we headed up to bed in preparation for the next day.

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