Un Petit Tour de Paris

Bethanyinthebigcity first started life in the city of Paris, during a whirlwind year abroad spent in the greatest city on earth. Don't get me wrong, London is a fantastic home and I have been very lucky to travel to some other wonderful places, but Paris will always have my heart.  

I can't explain it but when I walk around the streets of Paris I feel at home, I know the back streets, the best restaurants and how the city works. I understand the brash french joie de vivre and I will never get bored of the golden hour sunlight bouncing perfectly off the Dior-grey Paris buildings. 

It seemed only fitting that I show AN where my heart really belongs, so just before Christmas (yes, this post is very late) we hopped on the Eurostar to the city of light. It also helped that we managed to catch Miss VN on her final few days living in Paris. 

VN acted as tour guide and showed us her Paris. I am a firm believer that you have to find your own slice of a city, you own 'quartier' of Paris and your own way. I was really excited to see V's Paris and to explore areas that I had not yet discovered. Thanks for being our guide V! 

We dashed about seeing all of the sights and even took a quick selfie under the Eiffel tower itself. 

On the final day we hired bikes and raced along the river from one side of the city to the other, and back again!. 

We were lucky enough to catch an old friend SAPG who kindly cooked us a lovely supper as we caught up over a fine bottle of wine. Again, we were fortunate to catch her just before she moved to South America! 

A wonderful few days in Paris which both warmed and broke my heart as I love and miss the city so much. 

Mood - In need of a croissant! 

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Photo Competition

My university runs a photo competition for all those who have been on a year abroad to encourage us to capture unique moments of our travels. As if I needed any encouragement to take photos and document?? However, this leaves me in a tricky situation as I now have so many favourite photos that I have to narrow down into two entries. The theme is "All the world's a stage" which is admittedly a very open and applicable subject. Below are a few photos I have shortlisted as my favourite pictures and together they summarise pretty nicely my trip. 

Which is your favourite, which should I enter? Leave me a comment with your opinions and help me decided! 

Mood - Indecisive

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Reflections on the Sorbonne

During my time in Paris I spent six months studying at the Sorbonne university; the most well-known and historically influential university in France. I spent most of my time in the several other campuses around the city rather than in the old building in the centre of the city. Nevertheless I used to opportunity to explore one of the most beautiful buildings in the city especially as it is only accessible with a Sorbonne student card. Not many people get to look around the building and it is certainly off limits for tourists. It’s a shame really as the building really is amazing, but it does feel special to have access to a special, secret little area.

I enjoyed my time at the Sorbonne but found the difference between English university and French university difficult to bridge at times. For one, in France there is no real campus that students live on and most students live with their parents. Similarly there are not many student organisations or clubs, or even special areas designated for students to socialise. Due to this difference I found it difficult to feel involved in the student environment and to meet other students other than in class. I definitely missed the buzz and energy that exists in all English universities.

Classes were much more time-intensive which I greatly appreciated, not just because it meant I had more time hearing and practising my French but also because it felt like I was getting value for money. Ironic considering in France University is state funded, whereas in England my heavy tuition fees are rewarded with a few measly contact hours a week!

The university buildings were of course stunning and made for an interesting, historical and inspiring place to study, however I am used to this at home as my English university just happens to be a castle.

I enjoyed my experience, leant a lot and met some wonderful people and as much as I can say that I really appreciated and valued the wonderful surroundings I can safely say that I am very happy I am an English student at an English university.

Mood – Grateful 

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