These last two days of visits have shown us diverse and complex aspects of French history and culture. In the Louvre we witnessed the grandeur and splendor of the French court and saw examples of how art was used as propaganda. Later in the day, we ventured into Montmartre, a working class neighborhood known for rebelling against France as the Commune de Paris. As a neighborhood of great diversity, we could hear numerous languages and cultures as we walked through the Place du Tertre and made our way down the narrow steep streets.
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| Nos guides extraordinaire! |
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| Made it to the top! |
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| Getting ready for Victor Hugo's house |
The Marais and Beaubourg further expanded our idea of what it means to be French. As we meandered through these historic streets we contemplated royal life in the Place des Vosges and Victor Hugo's plight to defend human rights through literature and politics. We also tasted the best falafel in town (l'As du Falafel) and saw the multitude of kosher bakeries, delicatessens and butchers along the
rue des Rosiers. Theaters, rainbow flags and high-end boutiques also lined these streets.
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| @the fashion show |
After a long lunch near the Centre Pompidou, the group divided into two circuits--one going to the long-awaited fashion show at the stunning Galleries Lafayette and the other discovering the Père Lachaise cemetery. Everyone returned to Victor Duruy knowing that we have merely touched the surface of this great City of Lights.
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| On the rooftop deck of the Galleries Lafayette after the fashion show |
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| In front of the Garnier Opera |
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| @Père Lachaise Cemetery |
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| Final pose for our guides with some of the Poly group. |
4 comments:
We will be missing Paris, as well as Teddy and Grant soon-- but looking forward to seeing our families next Thursday! Beautiful photos, Ann!
The culture, the fashion, the food (falafel), and friendships (with alums Teddy and Grant)- what a closing weekend in the City of Lights. I'll miss seeing your sites explored, summaries of your experiences, and hearing about lessons learned in Paris. To quote a proposed new stanza for La Marseillaise, "Aw, to be French, what luck."
More wonderful photos and narratives! Thank you so much for putting us right in the middle of this fabulous experience!
Anthony and Ira
What a great experience for the students. A trip they will never forget. Looked forward to blogs and photos each day. I am sure the students will always remember each adventure. Thank you for keeping them safe. Safe travels.
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