Glen Billinghurst Tours Paris

In addition to learning about the history of the Jewish Holocaust, this trip provides an opportunity to experience cultural differences. Student Glen Billinghurst shares his personal view on the Parisian lifestyle and how it compares and contrasts with his own in a number of ways.

Dining And Getting Around: I tend to eat a lot during meals, but I feel as though I’ve been losing weight every day here. When I consider how well the portions are controlled in restaurants, I discovered why obesity in European countries like France is at a much lower rate than in the United States. It looks as though a majority of Parisians reach their destination by walking or taking the Metro instead of driving. Honestly, it took me a few days to adjust to the amount of walking our group did throughout the trip. When I looked at others around me, I noticed they were moving at a very quick pace unlike myself. Their lives are very fast-paced and it almost seems like a task is always at hand with them. The differences between my life and that of the Parisians is that I live at a much slower pace, I eat a lot more, and I don’t drive as well.

The Attitude And Architecture:The majority of Parisians I met seem happy and are a pleasure to be around. I’m not sure if it’s something in the overpriced water or if it’s the food they eat, but it appears to me as though Parisians live an upbeat life. Despite how different the people seem to be from Americans, the city itself reminds me of New York and Seattle because of the roadways and architecture. I wouldn’t say it’s the actual structure of the buildings that resemble cities in the United States, but more of the placement.

The Students Walk ...

... And Walk ...

... And Walk!

Navigating The Streets: The way Parisians drive still comes as a shock to me. They all drive manual vehicles, at a quick speed and they maneuver along roadways seamlessly… Initially, I made the judgment that all of the drivers were just crazy, but after taking a closer look, I noticed the drivers know exactly what they’re doing.

It’s A Nice Place To Visit… Paris is a wonderful city but after a number of years, the swarms of tourists, busy streets, and crowded stores could grow to be bothersome. A fast-paced and busy city is not exactly my preference — but I can’t think of a better city to visit.