Major: Chemistry, Class of 2009

How long I studied French: I have been studying French on and off since middle school, and the trip to Paris was magical for me, a chance to see in real life all the beautiful aspects of French culture that we studied in class.

Favorite part of the trip: It’s hard to pick a favorite part of the trip.  The châteaux and museums were all glorious, but I am partial to the halls of sculptures at the Louvre. 

Favorite dish: Though I had the chance to try many interesting dishes, including sweetbreads and snails, my favorite may have been foie gras poêlé. 

Biggest surprise: I was most surprised by the knowledge of American politics displayed by the students at Sciences Po with whom we had the chance to debate. 

Favorite new vocabulary word: My favorite new vocabulary word is the name of a delicious apéritif—a martini, which is nothing like martinis in the US.

Favorite place to wander: My favorite place to wander must’ve been le jardin du Luxembourg, which has a giant golden head in it. 

Favorite piece of furniture: Finally, my favorite pieces of furniture in Paris were the museum benches, which, in crowded exhibits, were the sites of vicious fights over who had more of a right to a seat. 

Entries that Koyel wrote:

Food: Ambassade d'Auvergne, Dinner Cruise, Le Falstaff, L'Elephant du Nil, Usagi, Vietnamese restaurant

Quartiers: La Défense, Le Marais, Quartier Latin, Montmartre, Monceau, Passages Couverts

Monuments: Tour Eiffel, Trocadero

Museums: Hotel des Invalides, Petit Palais

Nightlife: Jazz club, Les Etages

Project: Picture Frames

Theater: L'Illusion Comique

Wandering: Arrival in Paris, Jardin du Luxembourg, Place de la Madeleine, Tuileries/Place de la Concorde/Petit Palais