Walking the streets of Paris is truly unlike any other learning experience I’ve ever had. The scenery alone was enough to capture my attention. However, the historical lessons we received from our guides while actively inspecting the locations they described generated a different way of experiencing Paris. This method of teaching us about the history of Paris, especially in regard to the French Revolution allowed me to become more intimate with the lessons. For instance, I was better able to understand the situation the prisoners of the Revolution described by being in the physical space where the were kept at Le Conciergerie. I could see for myself the small cells they described and then picture at least seven of them cramped in that single space. I could also see how suffocating it would be without windows and walked in the same courtyard they did.

Aside from the group outings we had, I did some exploring of my own. I especially loved the river cruise. On this cruise, I saw the location of where the guillotine was set up, the building in which was the model for the white house and crossed the oldest and lowest bridges in Paris. However, my favorite part of this entire trip was being the Luxembourg Gardens. It was the most peaceful place with scenery that inspired me to write again. I sat in the garden for about three hours writing and relaxing.  Also, I am not a big fan of most of the food in Paris, but I certainly loved the pastries and crepes. I can definitely see myself visiting Paris again just to write in the Luxembourg Gardens, and enjoy the delicious delights of French pastries and crepes.