After wrestling with the tube barriers, wheelie bags, metro maps and passport control at Eurostar, the Lower Sixth eventually arrived at their hotel in Paris. All the hustle and bustle was soon forgotten once we took a boat ride along the river Seine. We sailed towards the Latin Quarter, gliding past the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay which stunned us into silence. Despite the rain and losing several personal items including many Metro tickets, Paris introduced us to a whole new world.

Enjoying such sights and witnessing the great art masterpieces from Monet and Picasso, viewing their work first hand allowed many to wonder at the context in which such art could be created. The majesty of the classical architecture experienced by visiting the Sacré Coeur and Notre Dame and its contrast with the futuristic, jigsaw design of the Centre Pompidou was also plain to see. Inevitably a visit to the Champs Elysees with its grand, luxurious gold plated stores was a must and only served to highlight the alternate world of the city’s backstreet emporiums. As a shopping capital it didn’t fail although many would agree perhaps their purses did.

Between speaking French and eating baguettes, a conference was attended on “Your Future in Europe” at the impressive Palais des Congres. Relevant topics on global issues such as EU’s future, global warming and the EU’s involvement, Britain’s ties with USA and EU, articulated by inspiring politicians such as Caroline Lucas and Michael Portillo. The atmosphere generated thoughts about the future of young people and opportunities which cannot be ignored. The conference was followed by a moving visit to the Arc de Triomphe where a ceremony in honour of the heroic dead was being held. Under such inspiring circumstances one was unable to remain unmoved by such united feeling of honour.

Paris certainly has a fantastic atmosphere and culture, experienced to the full by everyone on the trip. Looking down at the city from the heights of the Eiffel Tower, its beauty was dazzling, stretching beyond its borders.

Alicia, LVI