It has been a week since I arrived in Paris for the incredible course abroad, “Olympic Games Paris 2024, Behind the Scenes” and it has definitely been a memorable experience since day one!
My trip started with reading news about how many people are expected to arrive in Paris for the Games. To my surprise, I am one of the 1.5 million people! This is not my first time in Paris, but experiencing the city during the Olympics is completely different. The city is dressed with Olympic decarations; all its streets, corners, restaurants, and monuments are festooned with flags representing the Games, and the iconic Olympic rings are everywhere. It is fascinating to see people from all over the world, proudly wearing their flags and celebrating in the streets, even though the Games hadn’t started when I first arrived.
The joy and excitement that the Olympic Games bring are palpable and dominate the atmosphere in Paris right now. My first impression was one of admiration for the city’s organization and preparation. The welcoming spirit of the Games was evident from the moment I arrived at the airport. Banners and signs directed visitors, and cheerful volunteers were on hand to assist, embodying the hospitality and enthusiasm that characterize the Olympics.
As I explored the city, I was struck by how seamlessly Paris has integrated the Olympic theme into its cultural fabric. The historic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, have been beautifully illuminated with Olympic colors, creating a festive yet respectful homage to both the city’s heritage and the global event. The Seine River is bustling with Olympic-themed boat tours, and parks are hosting various sports demonstrations and interactive exhibits, as well as public screaming of the competitions in different locations all around the city, making the spirit of the Games accessible to everyone.
The experience so far has been awe-inspiring. From the grand scale of the preparations to the small, thoughtful details aimed at enhancing visitor experience, Paris 2024 is living up to its promise of being an extraordinary celebration of sports and international unity. I can’t wait to see what the rest of this adventure has in store!
