Mont St. Michel in Normandy. By far a highlight of my trip, and an unforgettable experience!

Thanks mom, for coming out and taking me to this magical place!

I can’t believe my experience abroad is coming to an end. It seems like just yesterday I was hauling my 70lb bag up 4 flights of stairs. When I arrived to my apartment, I laid on my bed exhausted and jetlagged thinking; “it is going to be a rough 5 months on this hard mattress.” Now, when I travel I look forward to coming back to my little Parisian apartment, because it is my home.

Gates of Hell at Musée Rodin

Arches dating back to the 14th century. Wow!

The past few months I have had a lot of time to myself. Time I’ve used to reflect and think. If anything this is how I’ve changed. Going to a park and enjoying some alone time, going to dinner by myself, walking through a museum, or seeing a movie, doing things by myself isn’t awkward any more. I can enjoy myself without taking refuge in my phone. It is a good change and I think many could benefit from such time.

The Belvedere in Marie Antoinette’s English gardens

The fountains in Versailles are truly spectacular!

I have truly mixed feelings about going back. Paris, France, and Europe in general, are incredibly beautiful places. It is rich and diverse in culture and history. I know I will come back, and I hope to live here again some day. Honestly, I think I will have more reverse culture shock than anything. It will be weird going from barely understanding anything to being overwhelmed with a language I recognize. One thing I certainly hope to continue is my French language skills. It was shameful living in a country and barely being able to get by!

Saint-Étienne-du-Mont interior, a beautiful and unique Church in Paris 5e

Tomb at Les Invalides

Every taste I get of art and culture leaves me wanting more. I decided to go abroad hoping to satisfy this need to experience more, but now I feel more desire than ever! I want to see the world. I want to experience other languages, cultures, and most definitely food. My thoughts of possibly living abroad permanently in the future are beginning to turn from ideas to plans, and one-day reality. I am sad to say “good-bye.” But now I know it is more of a “see you later.”

Paris in the spring, yes it is as beautiful as they say!

Rue Chanoinesse had a delightful little surprise

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Michael is a student at Colorado State studying at Paris American Academy in France during the Spring 2014 term.