During the Olympics, I managed to steal some moments of leisure, playing the role of a solo, commando-like tourist, dashing through Paris’s iconic landmarks: the Arc de Triomphe, the Palace of Versailles, the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, and the Eiffel Tower. Paris, with its deep historical roots, left a profound impression on me. Walking through the grand halls of Versailles, I was struck by its opulence and splendor, reminiscent of the Forbidden City back home. It seems that every nation, at some point, built grand palaces to showcase their power and authority. Wandering alone through the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay, I encountered masterpieces I had only seen in art books: the Mona Lisa, The Gleaners, Van Gogh’s self-portraits, Monet’s Water Lilies, and more. These pieces of art history, which once seemed so distant and difficult to grasp, now felt alive, as if communicating with me across time.
What I find remarkable about the Paris Olympics is not just the high level of artistry but also the seamless integration of tourist attractions and competition venues. Events like equestrian and beach volleyball blend perfectly with the historic cityscape. From the top of the Eiffel Tower, I witnessed the cheering crowds at the beach volleyball venue near the Champ de Mars. As night fell, I joined fellow tourists under the tower, eagerly counting down to the five-minute light show at 10 PM, marveling at the twinkling lights of the golden Eiffel Tower adorned with the Olympic rings—a truly dreamlike experience. The Arc de Triomphe, with its Paralympic symbols, and the Olympic rings in front of the Louvre have also become must-see photo spots for countless visitors. This Olympic Games has introduced the world to Paris once again, showcasing its artistic and historical significance, beautifully intertwined with the Olympic spirit.
Of course, I also had the chance to watch the USA men’s basketball team play against Puerto Rico, but it was a challenging journey. After missing my 2 PM train, I had to scramble to another station, and by the time I arrived in Lille, the game was already halfway through. Clad in my Golden State Warriors jersey, I waved my Team USA shirt, but unfortunately, Curry didn’t play in the second half, which was quite disappointing. However, witnessing the team’s victory and the playful banter between Curry, Booker, and others made the trip worthwhile. The 115-euro carpool back to Paris capped off a tiring but memorable adventure. This experience left me questioning the logic of such distant venues. Was it to boost local tourism, or is this dispersal of venues becoming the norm for the Olympics? If so, wouldn’t it be better to improve transportation infrastructure, like adding more train services or creating dedicated Olympic lines? Perhaps this is something for LA 28 to consider for the benefit of spectators and athletes alike.
Lastly, I visited several Olympic houses—those of the USA, Japan, France, India, the Netherlands, and Chinese Taipei—each offering a unique atmosphere reflecting their nation’s attitude towards the Games. Some hosted concerts, others felt like parties, and some were more formal—each celebration fitting its national character.
As the Olympics draw to a close, I am filled with a sense of reluctance and regret. I didn’t have time to visit Mont Saint-Michel or the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and I couldn’t get an escort into the Olympic Village, only able to catch a distant glimpse of the building housing the Chinese athletes, proudly displaying the Chinese flag. A surge of national pride filled my heart. I don’t know if I will ever have the chance to return to Paris, but I do know that this city, with its rich heritage, is worth another visit.
