ashruzi-blog

[ashruzi-blog]

Making History

The French Revolution is a time in world history that is taught everywhere to students young and old. It brought about many changes that affected France and the rest of the world today. The revolution, from 1789-1799, succeeded in abolishing the French monarchy and began the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. Right before the French Revolution took hold, there were financial, cultural, social, political, and economic causes that created the prime atmosphere to start a revolution. The people who were fed up with the conditions in which they were living in took that opportunity to launch their campaign and would end up succeeding. 

Louis XIV’s grand chateau, Versailles

The beginning of the French Revolution took place with the people’s dislike of not being represented in the Estates-General, which was made up of France’s clergy, nobility, and middle class, and complied lists of their grievances to be discussed when they all met at Versailles. The Third Estate, which represented 98 percentage of France’s population, was no longer satisfied with the voting procedures of the Estates-General and how they could easily be overturned by the nobility veto despite the numbers they represented. This caused talk and controversy so that by the May 5, 1789 meeting of the Estates-General, people would know what they wanted, equal representation and the abolishment of the nobility veto. Hostility had been created between the three parties and the Third Estate created their own assembly called the National Assembly. They all met in a tennis court near Versailles and took the Tennis Court Oath which owed that they would disassemble until constitutional reform had been achieved. By June 26th, most of the clerical deputies had joined them along with some liberal nobility which ended up having Louis XVI dissolve the three orders into the National Assembly.

The Bastille metro stop in Paris

On July 14, 1789, which the French claim to be the real start of the French Revolution, the storming of the Bastille took. Rioters stormed the Bastille in order to secure weapons and gunpowder. While resistance was put up, it eventually crumbled and allowed the people to storm the fortress and overtake it. In this process, the Bastille was eventually destroyed and demolished.  

Hotel de Ville

In 1792, the guillotine entered the scene at the Hotel de Ville. On April 25, was the first time the guillotine was used in the square outside of the Hotel de Ville. The guillotine became a sign of the Reign of Terror which consisted of the beheading of many influential figures in France at the time. The square became a spectacle for the citizens to gather and watch their fellow peers get beheaded for committing acts of treason. 

Tuileries Gardens outside the Louvre

The Tuileries Gardens used to house another extension of the Royal Palace. In August of 1792, the revolutionaries stormed the Tuileries Palace and burned it to the ground. In the process, the royal family was captured and thrown into prison. After this, the revolutionaries saw success because they had successfully overthrown the French monarchy. The Revolutionary Tribunal is then created to make judgements on who should be executed. 

Place de la Concorde

Once known as Place de la Revolution, Place de la Concorde hosted numerous of executions including those of Louis XVI and Marie Antionette. It was in the beginning of 1793 that Louis XVI was executed here. The commander of the execution issued a drum roll to drown out his final words. In total, 1,119 people lost their lives here. 

Conciergerie

The Conciergerie has hosted many people in its lifetime as a prison, but its most notable occupant was Marie Antoinette. She was moved to this prison on August 2, 1973 and was to remain there until her execution, September 22. She wasn't finally executed until October 16 at the Place de la Revolution.

Musee du Louvre

The Louvre Museum was officially created after the royal monarchy had been abolished back in 1972. The Royal Palace had been abandoned but still housed many important works. A year and a day after the fall of the monarchy the palace became the “museum central des arts”. It has now become one of the leading museums in the world and holds an outstanding collection of art.

Luxembourg Gardens

In March of 1794, the Palais du Luxembourg became a prison and housed other notable figures important to the French Revolution. It was only a prison for a brief period of time. It then became the seat of the French Directory. In 1799 it came the first residence of Napoleon. 

Liberty Leading the People 

The French Revolution concluded in 1799 with Napoleon Bonaparte taking control of the Councils after coming back from Egypt. The painting “Liberty Leading the People” was painted in 1830 commemorating the fall of Charles X. While it has nothing to do with the French Revolution, it shows the importance of the revolution. After the 10 year battle for citizens to get what they want, they won it and I am sure it felt great. So when another opportunity arose to take control and get what they want again, they took it. The woman holding the French flag is “Marianne” and she has become a symbol of France. Without the French Revolution, other important revolution may have never happened and we would not have the popular symbol of Marianne to lead the way.

[ashruzi-blog]

Art Nouveau

One of our last assignments that we were tasked with while here was checking out some Art Nouveau buildings to view the architecture and see the differences from other styles we have viewed from the beginning. Art Nouveau is much decorated than previous styles we have discussed. In the other styles, the details where rather small or more hidden in the overall design unlike Art Nouveau. We were told to visit 29 Rapp and then pick one other building out of other options available to check out.

The door really intrigued me with the multiple animals represented in it from the peasants to the salamanders. This door is much ornate from previous styles of architecture discussed like gothic and baroque. 

The other building I checked out was 14 Rue d’Abbeville. It was another building built in the Art Nouveau style. In terms of decoration, there wasn’t as much symbolism represented outside as the first building. The door was ornate but the building did have interesting vine decoration along with what appears to winged dragons (?) on top. 

[ashruzi-blog]

Quaint to Grand

Shopping for groceries in Paris can be an experience based purely on how you want to experience it. You can shop store to store based on meats, cheeses, and breads. Or you can go to one stop shops for all your needs at the same time.

The Marche d’Aligre is an open air market thats has different food stalls to do your shopping based off of your needs just like going from store to store but these are all conveniently located to make it easier. I wasn’t super impressed by this place but maybe I just didn't go at a good time. It was rainy out and not all the stalls were open. 

Another type of shopping in Paris is your typical grocery stores like the Franprix and the Monoprix. Monoprix’s are equivalent to Target’s in the US. Depending on the Monoprix you go to, you can find food, clothes, and other household supplies. These were the kind of stores we frequented often when we wanted to grab some groceries or snacks.

Le Bon Marche was a whole different experience when defining grocery shopping. It’s like Target on steroids. There were so many food options and brands and it was very overwhelming. There were 4 different floors dedicated to different items. They had display shelves full of just bottled water. It felt more like a work of art than shopping.

I was intrigued by the USA section of the small which had half a display shelf dedicated to Reese’s products and one whole display shelf of popcorn. I see what the Parisians really think of us. The store also sold furniture, lighting fixtures, clothing, and books. It was incredible. There is definitely not an equivalent to this in the US or not that I am aware of.

[ashruzi-blog]

Vaux-le-Vicomte

Vaux-le-Vicomte is a gorgeous chateau created for the Foucalt family outside of Paris. The grounds on which the chateau lie on are incredible and astounding for the fact they remain in shape throughout the centuries. The architect, Louis Le Vau, was one of the first to incorporate corridors to enter rooms instead of walking in from room to room. 

Inside was beautiful and was fascinating to glimpse the world in which the family lived in during their time. Going from room to room and seeing all the ornate furniture and paintings were eye-opening. The period music playing in the background helped pull it all together.

The gardens are probably the most impressive part of the entire property. The landscaper, Andre Le Notre, played on the terraces already on the property along with the water canals already there. From looking at the chateau out to the gold statue of Hercules, the garden looks flat and easily walkable but as you start to walk the gardens the “circular” fountains actually elongate and stairs appear. There is a long canal not seen from the chateau along with a grotto complete with fountains and waterfalls. The walk from the chateau to Hercules is actually about an hour and forty-five minutes round trip. 

Looking back at the chateau from Hercules really shows you how far you’ve actually walked which doesn't seem as far when you start. 

[ashruzi-blog]

Saint-Denis Basilica

Today we checked out the Basilica of Saint-Denis. Despite it being on the complete opposite side of Paris, it was worth it. Saint-Denis has been known to encase the tombs and graves of the French monarchy, only unfortunately to this the day the bodies are no longer at the cathedral. They were removed during the French Revolution as signs of protest but all of the tombs that housed them remain within the cathedral and are still impressive to this day.

One of the bodies that were buried here was Charles Martel. Martel was the de facto ruler of Francia until 718. He followed in his father’s, Pepin of Herstal. footsteps and claimed power to the throne. He led the army into the Battle of Tours which ended the last of the Great Arab invasions of France. He is considered to be a founding father of the European Medieval Ages and helped develop the system of feudalism. He divided France between his two sons and was the grandfather of Charlemagne.

[ashruzi-blog]

The Beginning

Our first full day was full of walking but we saw a lot of great things that day. We started off by exploring a very modern part of Paris that was reminiscent of New York City. I am a of a fan of the city so I was not bothered by the modern part and actually thought it was pretty cool but I know some people were not as impressed. Then we headed over to St. Michel and the Notre Dame while getting some fantastic sandwiches and an eclair au chocolat. What I have noticed is that their chocolate is lot richer and I could not finish my eclair. We headed over to the main courtyards of the Louvre and got to see the pyramids and see the grandeur of the “palace’ that showcases all the artwork. After that was finished some of the us went and checked out the Eiffel Tower which is just a very historic landmark for Paris that you can not not see while there. We finished out that day by heading to a nearby cafe for dinner. I ended up splitting a pizza with one of my classmates which was really good but I am fascinated that when you order pizza, you get an entire pizza. I am not sure how you can be expected to eat the entire thing sometimes. 

The next full day a group of us started out by heading over the the Jardins Du Luxembourg. It was beyond gorgeous and I could've stayed there all day and just people watched. Unfortunately we were there for a short period of time because we were heading to the Louvre to check out the big three. At the Louvre we saw the Victory Angel, the Mona Lisa, and the Venus de Milo. I am not really a fan of art but there is something mystical about seeing these famous pieces that you’ve seen in photos in real life. Actually hearing just how old the Victory Angel is and standing so close to the Venus de Milo really makes you think and appreciate a little more than thought out. After our brief visit there, we were desperately hungry and seemed out a cafe for food. We went to a nice cafe called Cafe Joli and I had a fantastic Croque Monsieur. I was in heaven after eating that. We then decided to walk around and we passed by the Grand Palais which is much bigger than I thought. The rain was hindering so we didn't stay out to long and had to navigate the RER and Metro to get back which was a story all in its own but thanks to the easy navigating of the Paris transportation system we were quick to figure it out. I just wish all public transportation was this easy. 

Yesterday, we took the train to a medieval city called Provins. It was incredible to see the history and hear some of the history that took place here. We hear of Joan of Arc but it was crazy to think that she once was here too, a couple hundred years ago. Going down into the underground was fascinating and seeing people’s names carved into the wall from the 1800′s was crazy. Then also to see a room believed to used by the Free Masons which are a super secret society was hard to imagine. There is so much history down there that it’s hard to believe sometimes. Provins is famous for their rose-flavored food items and we couldn’t leave without sampling something. A couple of us got rose and chocolate ice cream and it was delicious. The combination really works. There was a lot of walking involved in Provins mainly going up and down stair it seems. After returning back to Paris, we stopped and checked out French McDonald’s which was an experience and I think I prefer their version to ours. 

There has been so many experiences in these first few days and it’s hard to believe we haven't been here that long yet and we still have so many more to go. It feels like I have been here a week based on all the history and culture I have already taken in and classes haven't even kinda officially started yet. Also the bonding between these group of random strangers who decided to embark on a journey together has been something I won't forget. We flew out of JFK strangers and now we do everything together. Exploring a new city and making new friends has been amazing so far. I can't wait to see what this city has yet to offer. It’s going to be great!

[ashruzi-blog]

Day 3 - 13:00 - Louvre We hit the three main touristy things today at the Louvre and it was insane with the amount of people there.

[ashruzi-blog]

Day 3 - 11:00 - Louvre Checked out the Jardins du Luxembourg this morning. It was refreshing and beautiful to see!

[ashruzi-blog]

Day 2 - 19:00 - Orientation Completed the day with heading over to Tour Eiffel and going out to dinner in the area

[ashruzi-blog]

Day 2 - 16:00 - Orientation Went to a cafe and people watched with these gorgeous ladies while snacking and enjoying our drinks.

[ashruzi-blog]

Day 2 - 14:00 - Orientation Went to the courtyards of the Louvre which are incredible and while also doing the touristy thing of pointing your finger on top of the pyramid, it was funny to watch bunches of other people do it too.

[ashruzi-blog]

Day 2 - 13:30 - Orientation Did some more walking and crossed the Seine and walked past Notre-Dame.

[ashruzi-blog]

Day 2 - 12:30 - Orientation

We went to Saint-Michel and saw this gorgeous fountain while also getting sandwiches for lunch. There I discovered bread with olives in it and thought it was magical.

(If you look closely enough, you will see someone put a chair in the fountain somehow)

[ashruzi-blog]

Day 1 - 19:30 - Arrival Day Any crêpe is a good crêpe and these were no exception. Paired with a Breton cider, the food was delicious. Think you would be stuffed after one? As soon as you taste that chocolate dessert crêpe suddenly there is plenty of room still left.

[ashruzi-blog]

Day 1 - 11:30 - Arrival Day The view from my room is great and I love having the French windows to get the summer breeze.

[ashruzi-blog]

Day 1 - 11:00 - Arrival Day We made it the Fondation Biermans Lapotre where we will be staying for a month! So gorgeous!

[ashruzi-blog]

Day 1 - 08:00 - Arrival Day

Landing at the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris