The Temporary Tourist

Upon arriving in Paris, I’ve been faced with an interesting paradigm: the desire to blend into a city that I am undoubtedly a tourist in. Of course I’ve been to see the Eiffel Tower for the first time, and obviously I’ll be heading to all the famous museums. I won’t compromise on what I do - after all, I am a tourist here (for now). 

Eiffel Tower

I'm not immune to the grandeur of the Gardens of Versailles, either.

Versailles

Endless gardens at Versailles

However, I’ve offset each cliche visit I’ve made with an activity local to my school or neighborhood. Discovering the city for myself is something I've placed at the top of my priorities. My time in Paris is about finding where I fit into the patchwork of the city, and that is not limited to its major monuments.

Off the typical tourist path, I've fallen in love with the quiet street of the CEA Center in Le Marais.

Rue de Braque

I've found my local park of Square Saint Lambert, a bustling park in the 15th arrondissement. Surrounded by the city, it provides locals with a temporary escape from the bustle of the city.

Park in the 15th arrondissement

I've searched the city for hidden treasures, finding art on the street and in shops rather than in the museums.

Urban Art

Most importantly, I've tried the French delicacies — at local restaurants and patisseries!

Cremebrulee

Eclairs

I'm gradually working my way to the heart of Paris' lesser-known wonders. By the end of this semester, I hope the little monuments of my time here mean more to me than the city's tallest tower or most magnificent museum.

Dana F. is the Fall 2017 MOJO Photographer in Paris, France. She is currently a junior studying Cinema & Photography at Ithaca College.

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