#AbhiAthreya

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Abhi in Paris Week 8: Grinding & Going 13,000 feet high!

Hi folks, I'm back again with a life update. This week was filled everything from grinding for labs & exams to going to the top of the French Alps :) Europe has SO much to offer, Iove it!

Monday: Diving into ENSEA's Lab (March 4th)

Monday marked the beginning of a typical week at ENSEA, but with a twist—a dive into the world of communication systems labs. At ENSEA, our labs are equipped with cutting-edge circuits, sparing us the hassle of fumbling with breadboards. Armed with a signal generator and spectrum analyzer, I delved into the intricacies of signal processing, the hum of machinery adding to the excitement of my first lab experience at ENSEA.

Tuesday: Bonjour to Progress (March 5th)

Tuesday brought with it a sense of progress as I delved deeper into my French studies. The evening was dedicated to conjugating verbs and mastering the art of giving directions, a testament to the strides I've made since arriving in France. Honestly, I'm proud of myself. I've gone from being completely lost to only being slightly lost :) Anyway, after class, I went back home to make gnocchi with a cream & tomato sauce and sip on some French wine.

Wednesday: Lost and Found in Geneva (March 6th)

Wednesday dawned with the promise of adventure as I embarked on a journey to Geneva aboard the TGV Lyria. A small hiccup at the train station—mistakenly heading to Gare de l'Est instead of Gare de Lyon—only added to the thrill of the adventure as I narrowly caught my train.

Arriving in Geneva, I was greeted by the breathtaking beauty of Lake Geneva and the iconic Jet d'Eau. The city's old town beckoned with its labyrinthine streets and centuries-old architecture, while the allure of luxury watch boutiques and designer stores added a touch of glamour to my explorations. A leisurely dinner at a charming Italian eatery in the heart of the old town offered a taste of Geneva's culinary delights, though the city's prices served as a reminder of its upscale reputation. Geneva is something else - there's no poverty, the streets are sparkling. I couldn't find a single grocery store, but saw a million boutiques and designer store. And to top it all of, the price of anything is absolutely insane. You'd have to be a millionaire to live there.

Thursday: Scaling Heights in Chamonix (March 7th)

Thursday was a day of adrenaline-fueled adventure as I journeyed to Chamonix, a spot for outdoor enthusiasts nestled amidst the towering peaks of the French Alps. Opting for a hike up Aiguille du Midi, the height of the French Alps, I found myself navigating treacherous icy paths and sheer cliffs—a thrilling yet nerve-wracking experience for someone not accustomed to such terrain.

Reaching the summit via the Telepherique de L'Aiguille du Midi (a cable car that scales up 10,000 feet), I was rewarded with sweeping vistas of the majestic Mont Blanc massif and the surrounding alpine landscape. Standing atop the glass box jutting out from the base station, I felt a rush of exhilaration mingled with awe—a moment suspended between earth and sky, a testament to the raw power and beauty of nature.

Friday: Back to ENSEA's Grind (March 8th)

Friday saw me returning to the routine of classes at ENSEA, where I immersed myself in the world of power engineering lectures and labs. For the first time, I had the opportunity to work with high-powered lab equipment. It's the equipment used for power transmission in the real world, not the normal miniature circuits we use in lab.

Saturday: Versailles: A Window to France's Glorious Past (March 9th)

Saturday was dedicated to exploring the opulent splendor of the Palace of Versailles—a testament to France's rich history and grandeur. From the glittering Hall of Mirrors to the meticulously manicured gardens, every corner of Versailles had a deep history of the French monarchy. It was one of the most beautiful palaces I've ever seen!

Sunday: Rest and Reflection (March 10th)

Sunday offered a much-needed respite from the whirlwind of travel and adventure. With a visit to the gym and a tough cycling class, I took the time to recharge. I spent the evening catching up on work and grinding for an exam the next day!

My goal is to never stay still. I've only got so much time here! So, next week, I'm off to Edinburgh, Scotland, and then Cork, Ireland for Saint Patrick's Day!

À plus tard! Abhi Athreya

University of Michigan, Aerospace Engineering 2025 ENSEA in Cergy, France