Early last year, I was selected via the Olympic raffle and granted early access to buy 12 tickets to the 2024 Olympic games in Paris. As an avid sports fan and former Division I basketball player, attending the Olympics has been on my bucket list since I was a kid. Coupled with the fact I’ve never been to Paris, this was a can’t-miss opportunity. My wife, four close friends and I jumped at the chance to make a longtime dream come true.
The games
The preliminary rounds for the men’s 5-on-5 matches were held at Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille, a city about 140 miles north of Paris. Japan and Brazil are pictured here warming up about 20 minutes before tip-off.
This year’s track events introduced a repechage round for some races for the first time in the history of the event. Essentially, those who didn’t advance to the semi-finals in their respective qualifying races were afforded a second chance in the repechage round. The energy in the stadium was electrifying from start to finish. Here we have a close heat in the 400m hurdles.
The food
Our first stop in Paris was Mon Cafe, a traditional bistro in Bastille, a vibrant area of the city. Solid croissants and espresso offered a small taste of what France has become known for.
We also ate at Kodawari Ramen. This is a must for anybody who enjoys ramen, here made with high-quality ingredients such as a secret black sesame sauce and Iberian pork.
Kodawari deservedly has a Michelin star and is well worth the wait. They’re well-organized which helps alleviate the angst you might get while waiting for your turn.
The niboshi paitan ramen did not disappoint.
The Senegalese restaurant Waly-Fay was one of the highlights of our time in Paris. France is known to have a concentrated African population, and Waly-Fay is a brilliant representation of Senegal’s cuisine.
Baba Zulu Soul Food & Southern Kitchen oozes Hip-Hop culture. Classic old-school rap records came through the speakers while I enjoyed a classic chicken-and-waffle meal.
Homer Lobster is home of the self-proclaimed “world’s best lobster roll” and has a few locations around the city. The lobster roll was top-notch, but their tuna melt was the item you call home about.
The sights
The Arc de Triomphe is one of the most iconic monuments in Paris.
The Eiffel Tower lit at night with the addition of the Olympic rings–arguably the most sought-after attraction in all of Europe.
A handful of onlookers watching a street performer sing in front of a stunning monument in central Paris. The architecture in Paris is incredibly detailed and makes for the perfect backdrops to catch a vibe.
A group of police officers and their vehicles parked in downtown Paris as security was high in the city during the games.
I didn’t see any police officers by themselves during our time in Paris. They traveled in groups, as seen here, where three officers ride horses as their means of transportation.
The shopping
The Officine Universelle Buly is a perfume brand with several beautiful boutiques in central Paris, including one on Rue Bonaparte. They customize and emboss different high-quality products like lip balm, body oil, lotion, and more.
The nightlife
Le Rouge nightclub is a hotspot for both tourists and locals. Located on one of the liveliest streets in the city, in the Pigalle district, you can catch a long line of hopefuls eager to get into the club. They mostly played hip-hop, and also glimpses of R&B, afro beats, and pop.
Jazz remains a Paris staple. Parisians celebrate jazz in a way that Black Americans no longer do. 38Riv Jazz Club is a popular jazz venue on Rue de Rivoli. The intimate space is often sold out, so your best bet is to get a ticket in advance.
The bottom line:
The Olympics highlight the beauty of diversity as people from all over the world come together and celebrate unity through sports and (mostly) healthy competition. The 2028 Summer Olympics will be held in Los Angeles. If you are thinking about going, let this be your nudge to commit to the once-in-a-lifetime experience. The opportunity to partake in the Olympic experience on American soil is all but guaranteed to make the 2028 Olympics a special one.
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