The Aya Uma

By: Daniel Alfaro

Week 2: I'm technically a local in Paris

Week 2 has come to an end and this week was so much more enjoyable. I been having so much fun and no more anxiety of navigating public transportation. I feel so much more confident getting around, the pastries have been amazing and my camera has been working overtime. Every single pastry I have tried here is chef's kiss. The coffee has been great since you can actually taste the coffee and isn't filled with sugar. I like how in every restaurant you go they prepare everything so fresh and French people treat you so much better when you give an effort to speak French. My friend that happens to be French has gave me the ultimate tips on how to be a favorable tourist and I know it's great advice as I been having the best interactions with the locals. It really is about having manners and always giving an effort to know about their culture. 

A highlight of my week is visiting Château de Vincennes one of the most preserved medieval times castle in France. From a castle it was turned into a prison / military site and now a national monument. It was very cool walking inside and seeing how life was living there. I almost felt like I was traveling in time. The stairs going in circular motion with tiny space was very scary as they make you dizzy and can't imagine how the servers of the king would use those everyday quickly and frequently. They seem so dangerous of used that way. 

Another highlight of my week is visiting Disneyland in Paris. I went to both parts of the park and it was very big. I got on the ratatouille ride which is mandatory as it is based in Paris. For context if you may not know the movie it based on a rat that its passion is to cook and then starts controlling the chef by pulling his hair to make delicious recipes for the restaurant he works at. I also went on the cars ride and it was amazing, it seemed too real as it showed a real fore then getting it turned off with actual water coming  from the sky. It seemed so realistic at first I thought it was an actual accident and not the ride. I tried the pizza there and donuts. The donut was so good.

Now it is week 3 and I am very excited for the new adventures and food, however time is going too fast and I don't want to even think about my time finishing abroad.