The Traveling Journal

The Traveling Journal: Finding My Passion in Paris, Switzerland & France

Student Ambassador Danielle Dudas discovered her passion for traveling while taking a trip to Europe. Taking cooking classes in Paris and learning about the history of Switzerland while roaming the streets of Geneva ignited her newfound excitement for learning more about the world, and herself!

“There isn’t a single word to describe how amazing this trip was. From experiencing the Eiffel tower to being at the top of the Swiss Alps, this opportunity was truly amazing.  I learned so much about the culture of Europe and about myself, I also met so many new individuals and formed lifelong friendships with the other students on my trip.

            We started the trip in Paris, France. Our first day we met our tour guide and had a quick tour around parts of the city. I had my first taste of the many pastries I would enjoy on this trip, a delicious almond croissant.

Our second day started early with a bus tour of the city, allowing us to see the Notre Dame Cathedral and learn a lot about the culture of Paris and how the city formed. We then made our way to the Louvre, getting to see so many breathtaking pieces of art, including the Mona Lisa. That night we did, in my opinion, one of the best experiences of the trip, our Eiffel tower dinner. Getting to enjoy an amazing meal while overlooking the city from the first level of the tower was amazing. We also had the opportunity to go to the top of the tower while the sun was setting which was beautiful. In Paris, we also visited Versailles and learned about life during the French Revolution and did a role-playing class to act it out. Later we participated in a cooking class, getting to make our own dinner and learned about the typical Parisian food and culture. Throughout my time in Paris I learned a lot about the culture, visiting all the historic monuments and museums was very interesting.

We got to travel on Europe’s fastest train from Paris to Switzerland. We started our journey in Switzerland in Geneva. We spent the afternoon walking around the city, seeing the fountain and learning about Swiss culture. In Switzerland, we visited both a cheese and chocolate factory, getting the chance to learn about the production of these two products that are so well liked and known all over the world and the role Switzerland plays in production. We stayed overnight in Lausanne, Switzerland and viewed a beautiful sunset while overlooking the city and experiencing the culture, street music, and entertainment. My favorite experience in Switzerland was riding the cable car to the top of the Swiss Alps. The view and beauty of the mountains was indescribable. Being at the top of the mountains felt so freeing and uplifting. We ended our time in Switzerland with a traditional fondue dinner, getting to experience and learn about the food culture there. Switzerland was truly a beautiful and amazing place to visit.

Our last stop of the trip was the South of France, specifically Nice. On our way to Nice we visited the town Chamonix Mont Blanc, a beautiful ski town surrounded by mountains and clear skies. We were able to explore this town by shopping and trying new foods. My favorite experience in Nice was visiting the Perfume factory, Fragonard. Getting to walk around and watch and learn about how different perfumes and soaps were made was very interesting. We then got to shop and purchase different perfumes and products. In the South of France, we got to explore the towns of Ezé and Saint-Paul-De-Vence. I really enjoyed being able to walk around these towns and visit the garden in Ezé.  We also spent a lot of time in local shops in these towns.  Another one of my favorite moments on the trip was swimming in the Mediterranean in Nice. The water was so blue and warm, it was such a fun experience. Nice was filled with beautiful cities and so many small businesses and amazing restaurants to try.

This trip was filled with so many wonderful things, including historical monuments, mountains, the beach, new foods, culture, and lots of gelato.  There’s no way to describe it besides “amazing.” I learned so much about France and Switzerland and how their cultures differ so much from the United States. I also learned about myself, that traveling is something I am so passionate about. Nothing compares to the feeling of trying new foods, seeing new sights, and doing things you never thought were possible. The everlasting friendships and experiences on this trip make me wish I could relive it over and over.  I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to go on this trip and I cannot recommend it enough to other students.”