Dusseldorf was wonderful, Ghent was charming, but to try to come up with one word to describe the fascinating elegance and sophistication of Paris would largely be an exercise in futility.
 
Those among the #EuroDons traveling party who have had the fortune to visit the city on many occasions or for those seeing it for the first time all can echo Thomas Jefferson when he said, "A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty and the point of life."
 
Head coach Kyle Smith might throw in a word or two about the importance of getting back on defense, but you get the point.
 
Not too long after checking into their team hotel located near the Palais Garnier on Wednesday, the Dons had an opportunity to contemplate the wonders of this city during an hour and a half evening cruise along the majestic Seine River. A quiet hush of reverence and awe came over the group as the boat gracefully maneuvered past some of Paris' famous landmarks such as the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral and eventually the Eiffel Tower.
 
The mood turned light when the Dons crossed paths with a group of Asian tourists, who were fascinated by the height of the players, especially 7-0 freshman Jimbo Lull, who good naturedly posed for pictures with anybody who asked. The group was also witness to the driving talents of team bus driver, Luc, as he boldly and skillfully maneuvered through the dangerous Arc de Triomphe roundabout to the gasps of everyone on board.
 
With Luc back behind the wheel, the team enjoyed a bus tour of the city Thursday morning and listened to the feisty and incomparable Anne Marie Pinto's brilliant narrative of the historical significance of buildings and sites such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, the Palace of Justice, Place de la Concorde, Opéra National de Paris and Palais du Luxembourg, to name a few. The team stretched their legs at beautiful and calming Luxembourg Gardens, created beginning in 1612 and now home to the French Senate. The immaculate lawns, sculpted flower beds and tree and bench line paths provide a peaceful reprieve from the bustling Latin Quarter and St, Germain-des-Prés districts located nearby. The tour also took the team past the University of Paris, known as Sorbonne, a school some thought might be a nice fit on the Dons' non-conference schedule in future years – two road games for one home game, of course.
 
Coach Smith cancelled a practice scheduled for Thursday afternoon so the team could enjoy more splendors of the city. The group reassembled for a team dinner, where freshman Sasha French (go figure) again exhibited a palate sophisticated beyond his years by confidently ordering steak tartar for his entrée while others got their first taste of escargot. 
 
Without a pre-game shootaround, usually reserved for the late morning of game days, the team made the 40 minute hike up to beautiful Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, commonly referred to as Sacré Couer, located in the bohemian Montmarte district, an area which was home to many of Paris' most notable artists and poets. The construction of Sacré Couer began in 1875 and was finished in 1914, making it a virtual newbie in compared to other churches and cathedrals the Dons have visited on this trip. Following the confident John Andrzejek, USF's director of basketball operations, the team maneuvered through the tight streets to the highest point of the city. Think of scaling California Street from Van Ness on streets wide enough for one car.
 
After posting their fourth win in as many tries on Friday night, the team visited the massive Louvre on Saturday morning. Where else in Paris can you find paintings of de Vinci, Picasso, Monet, Delacroix and others along with the sculptures of Rodin all within two miles of each other?
 
The #EuroDons traveling group will assemble for one last dinner tonight before returning to San Francisco on Sunday. Moules Mariniéres anyone?

Previous #EuroDons Blogs

#EuroDons Blog: Dusseldorf and Lederhosen

#EuroDonsBlog: Wins and Waffels