It’s been a busy few weeks of traveling for me and some fellow USC friends who are also studying abroad. I started by visiting my friend Kaya, who is participating in the USC Paris program. She later joined me in Edinburgh to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The following weekend, I traveled to see my friend Cat, who is studying in Vienna through the Marshall School of Business. USC provides a wide range of study abroad opportunities, allowing students to explore various European destinations and enjoy familiar company along the way.
While Paris was its usual beautiful self, the city was drenched in rain during my visit. Nevertheless, even in the rain, Paris has a lot to offer. By opting for a more low-key and local experience, you can save money and discover hidden gems off the beaten tourist path. For instance, consider visiting Grouvie, a cocktail bar situated on the top floor of a brasserie on a charming cobblestone street filled with bustling restaurants and bars. Grouvie boasts a disco theme, with crushed pink and red velvet adorning the walls and floors, tassels dangling from the seats, and a collection of disco balls hanging from the ceiling.
The drinks at Grouvie, priced around €14-18, are creative and inspired by bands or songs. Take, for example, the Night Fever cocktail, a tribute to the Bee Gees. This concoction offers a unique flavor experience, blending fruity and creamy liqueurs with hints of bitterness from anise and a savory finish of smoked salt on the rim. While it may not be to everyone’s taste initially, once you acquire it, the sophisticated flavor profile becomes a true delight.
Another evening hotspot worth exploring is Supersonic, a bar-club hybrid in the vibrant Bastille area featuring live bands. Despite the possibility of a short wait in line, the experience is well worth it. The industrial warehouse ambiance with metal railings, colorful large windows, and exposed brick walls exudes an underground charm.
Most patrons at Supersonic are locals, providing an authentic French nightlife experience. Surprisingly, cover bands take the stage at 1 a.m., belting out English-language hits like AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell” and a-ha’s “Take on Me.” Prepare for a lively night of packed dance floors and energetic, albeit sweaty, dancing.
On Sundays, consider strolling through the numerous flea and farmer’s markets in Paris. These markets offer a delightful mix of Lebanese, Spanish, and French food stalls alongside vintage jewelry, trinkets, and books. A perfect way to conclude a Sunday in Paris is by enjoying the stunning sunset at Sacré-Cœur. Sit on the steps in front of this magnificent church, savoring a bottle of supermarket wine, which averages just €6 in France.
Conversely, my visit to Vienna to see Cat marked my first venture into Eastern Europe, providing a stark contrast to the Parisian experience. Even if you arrive late on a Friday night, Vienna’s clubs remain open until 6 a.m., ensuring ample time for revelry until dawn.
A hidden gem in Vienna is the record store featured in Richard Linklater’s film “Before Sunrise” (1995), known as The Teuchtler Schallplattenhandlung und Antiquarität. This cozy store is brimming with records and CDs spanning all genres, adorned with posters and pictures on every wall. Visitors can even sample records before making a purchase, and buying a tote bag often comes with complimentary records.
No visit to Vienna is complete without a stop at one of its renowned clubs, Volksgarten. With three rooms playing diverse music genres from electronic beats to chart-toppers and rap, this sprawling venue is always bustling. The DJs spin a mix of tracks from Frank Ocean to Daft Punk, occasionally throwing in techno remixes of Spice Girls, while the lights dance and flicker around the room. Periodically, the roof opens to reveal the night sky, offering a refreshing breeze amid the pulsating energy of the dance floor.
Dancing with Cat and her friends at Volksgarten created a memorable, cinematic moment that will stay with me forever. It epitomized the essence of studying abroad: forging connections with both new and familiar faces in a foreign land, yet feeling a sense of belonging in the vast world out there.
Hannah Contreras, a junior, shares her European study abroad experiences in her column “Notes from Abroad,” published every other Friday.