Increased responsibility, inner growth, Paris, France: Gap Year Stay Review

#Became more responsible and experienced internal growth #Gained experience interacting with diverse people #Spent a valuable two months in Paris

Author: Kim Taeyeon
Country / City: Europe/France/Paris
Views : 3454

What I liked most during the gap-year stay was, above all, meeting many different people and being able to help them, and I was moved by their reactions. Looking back, the two months passed so quickly—like two weeks—that I felt very regretful, and I cried a lot when I left.

- Paris, France, Gap Year Stay / Kim Taeyeon, gap-year traveler / 8-week gap year

Deciding to take a gap year at my age was itself a challenge.

After quitting my job and taking time for myself while researching travel, I happened to learn about gap years. I wanted to understand myself through a gap-year rather than a simple trip, and since I could stay in France for an extended time under safe conditions, I joined the gap year stay program.

I already miss everyone and want to talk with them again.The day I first arrived in Paris it was very cold. I was surprised it was much colder than I expected. The subway was similar to ours, so I used it without difficulty and arrived at the guesthouse fine.It was after the Paris attacks at the time, so I was quite anxious, but I remember feeling relieved because it was surprisingly calm and everyone seemed friendly...

As soon as I unpacked on the day I arrived, I went out into the city of Paris.

Paris''s subway system is similar to ours, so transferring and boarding wasn''t much of a problem.

One thing I found really interesting was that you have to open the doors manually when getting on or off the Paris metro. The newest trains were automatic, but most were manual, so at first I remember struggling and not being able to get off. Anyway, I went to see the Eiffel Tower on the very first day, but it was so cold that my hands were numb even to take pictures.

During the first month and a half when the weather was cold, I hardly went out, but after a while...After the weather warmed up considerably, I wandered around a lot.Sometimes when pollution levels in Paris are severe, public transportation is free for 2–3 days. They run it for free to reduce car exhaust. It''s nice for citizens to save on expensive fares, but is this something to be happy about… On those 2–3 day stretches, it really looks hazy, as if covered in fog.

The buildings in Paris are really beautiful. I envied how well they had preserved the old buildings.

In our country, old buildings are gradually disappearing, but in Paris they have preserved them well, and even when parts need repair they rebuild them in the old style, which left me full of admiration.

Ah, I really don''t have the courage to resist these.

All kinds of desserts are always available at bakeries.Everyone was buying baguettes, so at first I thought they were just trying to show off,but after buying and tasting one, it was reaaally the first time I''d had such a baguette. They are delicious no matter where you go.