What's Happening?

“Still round the corner there may wait, a new road or a secret gate.”

– J.R.R. Tolkien

As a member of the WSU Cougs Abroad Blog Squad, for one entry I am asked to choose a picture and explain why it best describes my experience in-country to date. After getting settled and having finished my first week of classes, I’ve come to find that one of the things I love most about Paris is the metro. My study abroad program includes a free metro pass. At first I felt a little intimidated, but with my Navigo pass in my hand and my Paris pocket map in my purse, I am now confident and happy to have this option to quickly move about the city. 

The first line of the Paris metro was built in 1900 and today there are fourteen lines connecting the 20 different arrondissements (districts) of the city and five RER train lines that connect Paris to its suburbs. With 384 metro stops throughout Paris, every point in the city is conveniently located near a metro station. There’s no reason to ever feel worried about getting lost in Paris because no matter where you are, you are close to a metro stop. One of my goals is to know the system like the back of my hand, navigating my route with ease, with little dependence on my map.

Paris is a city with SO much to see; there is a story waiting around practically every corner. I see the metro as my key to the city. Having a public transportation system that is so accessible is an incredible motivation to get out and explore. I am on a mission to see all that I can during my short time here in Paris, and the metro is essential to accomplishing my goal. All I need to do now is hold on tight and enjoy the ride.