Paris

thoughts and impressions

I was drawn to paris for a few initial rea-
sons. first off paris is one of the most fa-
mous cities in the world. I feel it would
have been a huge opportunity missed if I
did not explore paris when the opportuni-
ty arose. My personal goal was to see key
architecture as well as world renown art.
The culture and history of paris is some-
thing I knew would be an unforgettable ex-
perience.
transportation
I had watched a documentary on the Velib
public bicycle system in paris and was ex-
cited to check it out. I was impressed how
this sharing system: encouraged exercise,
worked efficiently, built community, and was
free for parisian (on short journeys). This
was a excellent solution to a congested
transportation situation.
monuments
big names
This is the institut du monde arabe
by jean nouvel. I believe this is one
of the frenchmens more recent fa-
mous buildings within paris.
sports
Tennis has always been my favorite sport,
and the one in which I have had the most
success. Therefore visiting the famous
Roland Garros grounds of the french
open was a must when visiting paris. set-
ting foot on the rich red clay has long
been a desire of mine, and one day I hope
to watch an actual grand slam match
here.
cathedrals
Notre-Dame is one of the most fa-
mous cathedrals in the world, a
must visit when in paris.
parks
I only came across one park while in paris
but the one we did experience was beautiful.
the Buttes Chaumont park was an old quar-
ry which was very intriguing and the guided
tour added a nice depth to the experience.
museums
The Louvre is the first museum that
comes to mind when I think famous
art. It was a pure joy to visit this
site and to take in all the master-
pieces we could in one afternoon.
plaza?
We experienced a philosophical experiment of a pla-
za were individuals create their own reality. I found
this space quite interesting, but over all very dis-
connected. I felt very unsure of how to navigate this
space, but did see a few people enjoying some rather
strange equipment.
innovation
at the end of one of the most power-
ful lines in any city, lies the grande
arche designed by Johann Otto von
Spreckelsen. this building was to end
the champs elysees, but who could be
so bold as to put their building proudly
at the end of this famous strip? the de-
sign solution was to build a box with a
hole in it and keep the line going, bril-
liant. the new part of paris felt so dif-
ferent but was an engaging space none
the less.
metro
One of my personal favorite pieces to any large
city is the subway system. I am personally fasci-
nated at how large cities move massive amounts
of people. I am pleased to report that paris has
one of the best metro systems i have yet to ex-
perience. when analyzing a system like this one
must take into account the cost, travel time,
cleanliness, user- friendliness, and safety. as
a quick overview, this system is a fairly efficient
way to get around which is very cost effective
for the parisian users.
conclusion
to answer the question ‘and what about paris?’ I would say give it two thumbs up. I
personally felt that paris delivered in all the ways I hoped and expected it too. as
far as religion goes I would pray that more people would be open to the Lord and
be more socially engaged. Again overall I would say that my expectations were met
and often exceeded as I took in the city. It was also worth noting that as a youth
and a student there were multiple benefits and cost reductions that made paris an
even more enticing city. I love the way the people live with small places, and small
amounts of resources being consumed. I give paris two excited thumbs up.