The Opening Ceremony
Just over 24 hours after I arrived in Paris, it was time to open the games. Alongside my 24 classmates, 3 professors, and 2 alumni, we needed to figure out plans to watch the anticipated ceremony. Unfortunately, the ceremony on the Seine was not as open to the public as originally planned. We could not just pop up along the riverbanks and wave to the Olympians. As a preference, I’m glad this wasn’t an option.
Our lead professor, Dr. Lisa Delpy Neirotti, is working for the IOC during these games so she was booked and busy. That left 29 of us to figure it out. The city has multiple “Live Sites” where they broadcast events, often in a park or plaza. We considered going to a bar. We thought about dinner at a restaurant with TVs. And a group of the class took advantage of these options. However, I leaned into the unknown a little bit. I joined my Polish classmate, Savannah, at Maison Polonaise, the Polish House. This is the hospitality house for Team Poland. Savannah convinced eight of us it would be the best time, and she was right. For 30 EUR, we had: unlimited food and drink, got to meet Bugs Bunny, a tattoo parlor (don’t worry mom, they’re temporary), and the opportunity to make new friends.
The Polish were SO kind. Savannah was interviewed by a Polish news station, while Facetiming her grandma in Poland. We learned Polish words, tried Polish food (delicious!!!), and really became a part of Team Poland by the end. When the ceremony began, folks took their seats out on the patio to watch on the big screen… until it poured. If you watched on TV and it looked like it was raining, I can confirm it was WET. Most folks had better decision making skills and headed inside to continue watching. Meanwhile, some of us stayed outside for the entire ceremony, chatting with new friends and bonding as peers. This was the best way to break the ice with new classmates. On the downside, I wore mostly white and by the end looked like a cat who slipped into a bathtub. Most of us ended up buying Team Polska gear to change out of our drenched clothing. Our new friend, Damien, invested in new gear head to toe. Damien is Polish and French, living in Paris. His older brother was of the group smart enough to move inside and was not impressed with our choice, with good reason. I hope they made their 6am flight to Poland the next morning.
While this was weeks ago at this point, it feels like just yesterday, but also a month ago. The Games have been a THRILL and time feels warped. Wasn’t it just yesterday I was hesitant to head to Maison Polonaise with folks I just met? How have we celebrated three birthdays and met with over 20 speakers already? It’s been unbelievable and I can’t wait to share more with you as I find time to sit and reflect.
Jak nie my to kto!
With Stars and Stripes,
Aine
