You know those moments where you're so incredibly happy that it feels like your chest is radiating some sort of light that nothing in the world could destroy? That's how the business scholars trip made me feel or at least that's how I felt periodically throughout our trip. Looking back on pictures reminds me of those little moments that I've forgotten about where, for a second, nothing mattered in the world. Where my problems felt microscopic. Where I felt unnaturally grateful to be living in such a remarkable world. I love these moments because they make all the hard times in life worth the pain.
For the past year I have been involved in a program at the University of Utah called Business Scholars. I can honestly say that applying for this program has been one of the best decisions I've ever made. It has brought nothing, but good things this past year. Yes, the actual course was hard and overwhelming at some points, but I loved every moment. It brought new people into my life that I am forever grateful for. I got to live in the Honors Dorms and I learned so much through our business visits and lectures that it's hard to imagine how anyone could pass this course up. I could go on and on about how much I love Business Scholars, but I will spare you all.
One of the best perks of the program is that we get to go on an end of the year trip to visit international businesses. In the past they have gone to China and Paris, but this year we had the opportunity to go to London AND Paris.
What people don't realize is that we had A LOT of time to do stuff on our own. We landed in London and had the entire day to venture the city. For various reasons it took us three hours to get to our hotel that day, but it was probably the funniest three hours ever. London is so different from Utah that we made a comment about every strange thing that we saw. It doesn't help that most of us were jet lag and slap happy and hot, but it was the best way to start our trip.
We spent three days in London consisting of:
a trip to the study abroad school location, a business visit to Rio Tinto,
a showing of Wicked,
a Blue Badge tour of the Financial District and plenty more.
Our last day in London we went to the London Bridge and the London Tower and then wanted to visit Chelsea. Chelsea is a higher end area where we ventured into a book store and tried to blend in with the locals.
I'm sorry for all the pictures, it was just too much fun.
That Wednesday morning, we took a two hour ride to Paris. Paris was scary at first because 50 of us had to navigate the subway with all our luggage during rush hour in a place where we couldn't read a single sign. Then again, it was also fun.
Our first night in Paris was planned by our director so we had dinner all together and then went on a boat tour on the Siene River. I remember staring at the sunset that night on the boat feeling so satisfied with my life. My favorite thing was floating down the river with the Eiffel Tower sparkling on our right as someone on the riverside played the accordion and parisian sirens echoed in the distance. I could not imagine being in a more wonderful place with better people. Not to mention the views on our boat tour were breathtaking.
The second day we visited Versailles, site saw, had dinner in a big group and met at night to sit by the edge of the Siene River.
Day three in Paris we ventured to the Rue Cler street market, took pictures at the Arc Du Triomphe and met our crew at the Eiffel Tower so we could climb to the top.
We ventured to Belgium on our last day for a rainy adventure looking for chocolate and Belgium waffles.
I enjoyed the trip so much because every single one of us got so close. We all loved hanging out with each other so by the end we were like family. I can wholeheartedly say that I fell in love with Paris during our trip. The entire city has a romantic aura about itself. There are little cobblestone streets winding everywhere and cafes on every corner. There is a constant aroma of cigarette smoke and at night time the city is simply magical.
I am so grateful that I got to go on this trip with such wonderful human beings. It was the trip of a lifetime that I will never forget. I wish every day that I could go back to relive those laughter filled days. Until next time, here's to tasting the stars around the world.
Amour, Annika
Photo cred: Kate Moss
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