DAY EIGHT OF
OLYMPIC ODYSSEY!
Hang on
tight folks, this was a packed day:
The group
started the day at The French Open – SO COOL! We all ventured to different
matches, but Jordan and I sat down to watch a few games of a men’s USA vs.
Taiwan match before heading a few courts down to a women’s Italy vs. Hungary
match. It was incredible to be a part of such a sophisticated and significant
sporting event, never mind in Paris! Plus, we ran into a just-graduated SPM
major and close friend, Alex Guo! Everyone loves Alex :) After a couple of hours
watching tennis and exploring the gift shop, the group hopped on a train to
Versailles! HOW COOL! It very seriously was one of the most impressive places I
have seen thus far, never mind ever in my life. Each room was decorated completely
different than the one before – garnished with gold at ever turn, with
intrinsic molding, bright colors, embroidered silk and fabric, painted and vaulted
ceilings, crystal chandeliers and candlestick holders, and polished wood and
stone furniture. It was an unbelievable display of the French royalty; it’s
hard to believe real people lived here. Funny enough, my favorite part
of every room were the long, embroidered curtains and their windows with views
to the giant gardens behind the palace. Unfortunately, we were unable to
explore the gardens… but we just went to the gift shop instead :) After taking
a much needed rest on the train back to Paris, the group walked around the
Eiffel Tower once more on our way to our dinner reservation at 20 Eiffel, only
a few blocks from the base of the Tower. At this Michelin Guide restaurant
(!!!), we all got a three-course meal varying from escargot to rabbit leg to
beef chuck to crème brulee and souffle. It was immaculate to say the least! Now
on to the event of the evening… the Seine River Cruise! Boarding just at dusk,
part of the group sat on the top deck and admired the French architecture as we
sailed what will be the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony route. Though we had walked
past or through them all the day prior, we saw the French assembly building,
the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and the Notre Dame just to name a few. We had not
seen the Notre Dame up close yet, and it was almost saddening to see the rear portion
of the historical landmark destroyed from the fire a few years before :( However,
the city is working effortlessly to restore the monument back to its notorious
beauty. Plus, we had a great time waving and yelling back to all the people
lined along the river eating, dancing, and hanging out. But, the most
impressive part of the ride was easily the Eiffel Tower lit up in its shining
lights! As we began to approach, cameras instantly came out and people began
posing to get their Instagram content with arguably the most recognizable monument
in the world… and we did too, no shame. The night concluded there, and the group
headed back to the hotel to rest before heading to Switzerland tomorrow!
We miss
you Prof. Ryan and GM!
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