From a Kitchen in Kassel

Hello from a kitchen in Kassel!

Yes, a letter about Paris from a kitchen in Germany; how I ended up here is related to the matter at hand.

Prepare yourself for Paris as best you can, because no matter how prepared you are, if it’s your first time to the city, there are just some things you can’t even imagine to anticipate. It’s crushing, fast-paced, potent, and charmed—and that is just the city itself—combine that with the course and there are few words that describe it better than the word “whirlwind”. 

Even when our day was dedicated to one place or theme, the experience is so concentrated and we’re absorbing so much, that afterwards my head would feel heavy and floaty all at once. My mind would whir away with information and sensory overload, so having a plan to help you process through your experience can be crucial. 

Take advantage of the view—Paris loves to show off its city, whether sky high up in Notre Dame or out the window of a local café, Paris is about seeing and watching the world around you. 

Chris and Eric pack in a lot to do, and they are mindful of offering items and excursions for people from all majors and interests, but they can’t take you everywhere, so you have to be willing to seek out what interests you if it’s not in the curriculum. 

Push yourself to try new things, whether it’s as adventurous as trying escargot or something as simple as trying out your spotty French at a local patisserie—an approximation of the words and hand gestures can go a long way, though nothing is more invaluable than being polite and giving it a go. Challenge yourself in regard to the course, because Chris and Eric will no doubt push you to see and think in ways you may not be familiar with. 

Drink lots of coffee, eat more pastries than necessary, and wave at people from the metro trains; always depart with a bon journeé or bon soireé. Discover an artist you’ve never heard of before and pick them apart and put them back together. 

Have at least one group dance party and don’t worry if you never make it to the Eiffel Tower, you’ll always find it in the skyline. 

Bring comfortable shoes for miles of walking—that’s not really a suggestion. 

Your map is also pretty invaluable with its suggestions on places to go and its map of the metro

Research the free days and events throughout the city; Paris has a lot of great opportunities to experience things without paying a lot. Find a neighborhood you like and visit it as many times as you can—though it’s nice to try and visit as many places as once, frequent trips to the same place has just as much potential for new discoveries. My personal favorite was Le Marais—lots of independently owned shops, galleries, and book stores—check out the galleries and shops on rue Quincampoix.

Have a plan for your post-trip aftercare, whether you return to the States right away or continue with your travels, plan for a chance to decompress and reflect on your time in Paris. My route was to continue travelling—visiting friends in Germany and returning to my favorite places in Ireland—I knew I couldn’t return right away with a head full of thoughts and ideas, this additional travel has allowed me to put Paris in perspective outside its city limits. If you return home right away, plan some time to treat yourself with your favorite things you might have missed while you were abroad. 

Don’t take the opportunity for granted—whatever your experience of the trip or the city, you’ll have had a tremendous opportunity to travel somewhere most people haven’t and seen things even fewer people have seen, that’s a remarkable thing. Home will always be there when you get back, and it’s never far away even on a shoddy internet connection, so plant yourself in the place you find yourself and see what chance you have to grow.

From a kitchen in Kassel, this is Tanya signing off.