Wow, Paris is big. My first night, I joined two Frenchmen for dinner, which started at 10:30pm. I did not expect to eat this late, but hey, do as the locals do. Afterward, we saw the Eiffel tower at night and barely missed the light show, which occurs the first five minutes of each hour. The next morning, I joined a church meeting spoken entirely in French and Chinese. Afterward, almost 40 of us crammed into a small flat for lunch and fellowship! It’s such a joy to spend time with believers in a different country who I meet for the first time.
I walked around 10 miles each day exploring the city including China Town, the statue of Liberty, Champs de Elysee, Saint Michel, the Latin Quarter, Notre Dame, Montmarte, Sacre-Coeur, love lock bridge, and other places. One thing I learned during the free walking tour is that statues with men on horses indicate three ways a person died… 1) horses front feet are down – died of natural causes 2) horses front are up – died in battle 3) one foot is up and the other is down – died of unnatural causes (assassination). I also spent hours getting lost in the Louvre. I literally got lost a few times and I am VERY impressed. Definitely worth the entrance fee… the Mona Lisa was okay, other works I thought were better! There are so many stories and knowledge I can share gained from these few days, but am trying to keep it short .
Duration
4 days
Accommodation
Believer’s flat (4 nights)
Favorite Food
Escargot
Favorite Site
The Louvre Museum
Cool Person I Met
Abel. Abel is studying a Master’s in business and statistics. He’s from Taiwan but is doing a study abroad program in Bordeaux. I caught him in Paris a week before he continued his studies. We enjoyed walking the giant city of Paris together talking about France history, Asian culture, and couchsurfing.
Highlight
Eating a three-course meal for 10 euros in the Latin Quarter talking with two believers originally from China and Taiwan
Big Takeaway
I was reluctant to make this post’s subtitle the “city of lights”. Yes, Paris at night is brilliant and beautiful, but if I didn’t google “nicknames of Paris” then I wouldn’t have named it so. This made me think about how limited words can be to express thoughts and ideas. Two people can perceive the same word completely differently. Also, can one word bring justice to describe Paris or any other city or historic event or person? Well, words are the best form of written communication we have. They won’t ever fully express the deepest meaning or will be perceived by each person the same way.
On the other side, one word descriptions help us contextualize an abstract concept more easily. It provides us with a parameter leading to a basic understanding, which can be built upon. For example, what comes to a non-American’s mind when I say Orlando? … Disney world! Of course, Orlando is a powerhouse Floridian city with UCF, Universal Studios, and a lively downtown. Even still, one thing usually will take precedence because it’s just easier for foreigners to understand. That’s why all the famous cities have a brand or picture affiliated with the city. London – Big Ben. Dublin – Leprechauns. San Francisco – Golden Gate Bridge. New York – Statue of Liberty… the list goes on and on, which has significantly helped the souvenir and tourism business. That’s all I have to say for now about words, brands, and tourist traps.
Your Turn
What two words would you use to describe Paris?
Share an example when words were too limited to express a deeper thought or idea you had.
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