Tunisian recipe for Harissa

Harissa

When the harissa paste is passed around, use this traditional Tunisian blend with extreme caution, the key ingredient being an abundance of chili. Harissa is made with dried chilies as their complexity of flavor is more appropriate than fresh ones. To make harissa paste, blend the following ingredients then crush in a pestle and mortar until a thick paste is formed:

3-1/3 tbsp (50 mL) dried chili flakes, soaked in the same amount of hot water
1-2/3 tbsp (25 mL) crushed garlic
1-2/3 tbsp (25 mL) sweet paprika
2 tsp (10 mL) each of caraway seed and coriander seed
1 tsp (5 mL) of cumin seeds, dry roasted then ground
1 tsp (5 mL) of salt
6 spearmint leaves finely chopped

Another Tunisian blend, tabil is made in the same way except it contains no paprika or cumin, making it relatively hotter.

Traditionally harissa is used with cooked meats such as kebabs and appears on the table as a ubiquitous sauce in a small dish often with olive oil and olives. Harissa is delicious on crusty bread but can also be used on sandwiches or meats.

Home Again

I woke up this morning to the radio alarm. I had been dreaming of Tunisia, and must have been dreaming in French because the English speaking radio voice sounded unfamiliar and foreign to me. It took me a few minutes to remember where I was. Yes, I'm home again. There is a sense of melancholy because the past several days have been so stimulating, yet there is also a sense of relief at being home, having my own shower and being in my own bed.

We left Tunisia after having had a lovely farewell dinner with our guide and driver. The Tunisian students joined our students for one last get-together, which I know was sad for them as well.

If I can say anything at all about this experience, it would be that everyone should make a trip like this at least once in their lifetime. We learned so much from our knowledgable mentors and guides about the development of the culture with its influences from Christian, Jewish, Muslim traditions -- not to mention the impact of the Italian, Spanish, French, Greek, Turkish and Arabic cultures. The stigma of what we, as Americans, think of as North African Arabic cultures is so far off the mark. When we arrived we were advised not to make eye contact, or any physical contact (for example, when speaking to someone not to touch their shoulder or hand to emphasize a point). These were all untrue. I have never met a more generous, welcoming group of people. They are so eager to let the world know about who they are and their contributions to the world. For a small country, they embody many aspects of life from the cosmopolitan and industrial in Tunis, the seaside tourism of Sousse, the richness of agricultural areas resemblant of Tuscany, and, of course, the desert towns and their people. The ancient ruins of Carthage, Sbeitla, Roman aquaducts, mosaics and art cause one to pause and reflect on the rich heritage of the people. All of these things converge into a wonderful melting pot that really must be experienced. Words cannot convey this experience adequately.

We spent one last afternoon and evening in Paris before our flight home yesterday. Despite an unfortunate incident on the train, we found ourselves at St. Michel and happened on a lovely concert of Vivaldi at St. Severnin. We paused to refresh our spirits and then enjoyed a delightful meal topped off with a wonderful chocolate fondant cake that defies description.

Home again, I look forward to sharing pictures and video clips with you, so watch for them in the next day or two. We have such a vast collection of photos it will be hard to decide which ones to share, but each one tells a story.

For a first travel study trip this has been extremely successful. I've watched the students grow in understanding, language skills, and maturity. I feel honored to have been a part of this adventure. I appreciate everyone's support and responsiveness to the program, and embrace each and everyone of you!

The Final Night Abroad

Well, this is my last night abroad and I have mixed feelings. Today, I left Tunis and I was very sad to leave. I already miss ALL of the Tunisian students, including Nabiha who organized a great program that helped me understand the Tunisian culture, both Hammadis, Fousi, who was our sweet bus driver, and everyone else who made this trip amazing for me. I am blessed to have had this opportunity and it has helped me grow a lot in such a short time. Thanks so much to Geri Hurlbut and Cathy West for making this all possible for me and keeping me safe. Also, thanks to my group who has supported me through this experience; I hope that I did the same for you as well. The trip would not have been the same without you all.

In just a few hours, it is back to reality in America. I cannot wait to see my family and friends back home. I cannot wait to share this great experience with you with great pictures and videos that were taken along the way.

See you soon and love you all,

Erin Holland

Berber Tents Camel Rides and so much more...

We are currently in the city of Sousse. Let me paint a picture of the last couple of days for you. We left Tozeur and headed for Douz which is the gateway to the Sahara. We passed many small villages and saw many shepherds with their small herds. We stopped at the monument just outside of Tozeur where the movie The English Patient was filmed. We learned songs and shared stories and our guide Hammadi gave us a colorful history of the people and different tribes that we would encounter. Most of the people would be of the Berber origin. We stopped at a museum where we learned about the customs and habitat of the Berber people. Family ties are strong and many that have houses still prefer to live in their Berber tents rather than in a more modern home. They are patriarchal so we did not see many women in the streets or in the market. Douz was the one place where we actually saw a procession of men heading towards the mosque when the call to prayer came. We visited the market and were introduced to the Taurique people. I think these must be the most handsom people I have seen thus far. Their turbans are black and wrapped differently. Each family wears a pendant of a cross specific to their group which identifies their family on sight. They also sport a small tattoo. When a woman marries she takes on the identity of the new family and wears the belt, tattoo and cross of her husbands family.

I was fortunate to be able to sit with our guide and some local people to talk about many things. A woman alone would not be able to do this.

Douz is also the sight for the International Sahara festival which is usually held the end of December. It is supposed to be quite the event and demonstrates camel racing, fine horsemanship and many other desert skills.

We also had our camel rides which was great fun. All across the country we have seen that litter has been a problem. Plastic bags and bottles are strewn across so much of the area. Fortunately the Sahara has been spared. We all got dressed in robes and turbans and headed out to meet our guides and camels. One thing that I learned is that the turban is not my best look, but it was part of the fun. Getting on the camel is not so hard, but when the camel gets up you lunge forward as it gets up on the hind legs first. We all rode out as a group with our guides. Everyone had a great time and one of the guides sat us down to watch the sunset over the dunes and began to sing. He wrapped his headscarf/turban or shieba around one of the students wrist and the wrist of her guide. He sprinkled sand on their hands and sang. He then pronounced them married. Apparently she is worth 1000 camels.

After a good night of rest we left for Sousse, a modern seaside town. We made one significant stop at the home of a Berber family in a region where they literally dig their homes out of the sandstone. It was very interesting because we had seen several along the road. They showed us how they grind grain and served us fresh tangine bread and mint tea. We then went a little further down the road to the place where Star Wars was filmed. The hotel and bar are, like the Berber home, carved out of the sandstone. If you have ever been to Cappadoccia you may have seen something similar in that region.

Sousse is a modern seaside town and when I saw that I had a view of the ocean from my room I was quite pleased. I went immediately to take a walk along the shore. It did seem odd to go from such a remote area where the sheep and goats outnumber the cars on the road to a place where traffic is crazy and modern city life includes discos and all the amenities of the twenty first century.

Today we backtracked to see the Roman amphitheater we missed yesterday. It is third in size and could accommodate 30,000 people. Now of course it is used for concerts and festivals. It is the best preserved amphitheater. We also visited the musem that housed the most remarkable mosaics I have ever seen. The detail and color was exquisite.

Back in Sousse it is dinner time. Tomorrow we return to Tunis for one last evening. Then back home through Paris. Capucine and I have a date at LaFontane for the most incredible gateau on our last evening. It is hard to believe that our time here is nearing an end. It seems we have seen and experienced so much and we are still struggling to process it all. I know that we are looking forward to sharing as much as we can on our return.

Douz and Sousse

Sorry for the delay again, I got caught up in the medinas and bazaars in Tozeur that make sure you leave with no money and very little merchandise . I don't think I did well with the whole bartering thing because I would end up with no money and no way of paying for internet service or even lunch one day. I finally got an opportunity to write to you about my camel ride. First, I must tell you about what led up to the camel riding. Before the camel riding, I was extremely happy to find a medina in Douz that had reasonable barters who would give you a good price for their merchandise. I also met a nice Twarek man with beautiful, piercing eyes that took care of us. I got some incense from him and he drew a beautiful Arabic flower on my hand and my Arabic name. After our excursion through the medina, we made our way to our camel riding! The minute I got there, Berber men were waiting to wrap me up in camel wear to protect us from the Saharan sand. First, I got a big poncho on me. Then, a sheba was wrapped around my head so tight, I was starting to get a splitting headache. I could not worry about that because before I knew it, I was on a camel holding on for dear life, hoping I would not fall off . After I was on the camel, I was fine because they go slow for us. Carolyn, Dr. West's sister, got a love sick camel that was going crazy the whole trip. It was foaming at the mouth and this bladder type thing was hanging out of its mouth that kept blowing up. It was great being in the middle of the Sahara desert in full traditional clothes on a camel!!!! After we were going along for awhile, we stopped to see the sunset over the desert. OOO I rode a horse with Melique. I did not want to even get on the horse, but before I knew it, I was on a horse with my arms wrapped around a nice Berber man really holding on for dear life. I told him I can't let go of you! He took my hands and put them out in the air and we were riding a horse with no hands. It was soooo much fun.
Between Douz and Sousse lies The great Star War!!!!! This is the place where homes are dug underground like little caves. I got to see where Luke Skywalker lived!!!! It was awesome!!! I had no idea that this movie was filmed here and I know a lot of people are going to be jealous of this experience hehehe!
I am now in Sousse having a lovely time next to the Mediterranean Sea. I am visiting more medinas, seeing Mosques, hanging by the port and going to the Roman Amphitheater that is yet again in between Douz and Sousse. We also got to see where natives lived and how they survive in the middle of the desert. They showed us how to make flour and even gave us mint tea. They are welcoming to us even though we are intruding into their home and they taught us about their culture with ease. I have enjoyed taking in these great cities and have been relaxing by smoking the hubbly bubbly, which is flavored tobacco. I have had the luxury of seeing these wonderful places and have gotten pampered in our nice hotel with a balcony overseeing the sea !!!

It is going to be hard to leave this glorious country and I will be sad when I have to go.

Tozeur Oasis

Yesterday we traveled by bus to Tozeur. Our bus driver and guide are very nice. Our guide Hammadi is very funny. Whenever he tells a joke his eyes and face light up and his laughter is contagious. As we left Tunis and drove south towards the desert, Hammadi pointed out many historical influences on the country and people of Tunis. The landscape changed many times. At first it might have been the Tuscan region of Italy with olive and cypress trees and vineyards. Then the scenery changed to look a lot like California followed by Arizona. The main differences were the camel and donkey drawn cart citings, robed people, and, of course, the fact that there were only prickley pear and no saguaro cactus. We stopped at Sbeitla which is a well preserved ruin from the Roman time. The walls of the three temples Juno, Jupiter and Minerva were quite well preserved and really gave us a sense of life there. We learned a song and saw more than can be described here. We have not been able to download photos yet.

Today we began by visiting the museum of Tozeur which really gave us a sense of every day life as it was historically. We visited the small botanical gardens which might also have been in Arizona or California. There was bouganvilla, hybiscus and banana trees. As artists we also wanted to see how bricks and pottery are traditionally made from the regional resources. Speaking of bricks we have discovered a wonderful fast food called Brik. It is a thin crepe wrapped up with vegetables and egg (or tuna and egg) folded over and deep fried. It has quickly become everyones favorite. There is also a paste made of peppers called mechouia that is somewhat hot in taste. It is great as a dip for our bread.

We also visited the oasis which is not at all like the images we have seen. When I think of an oaisis I imagine a pool of water with a few camels and palm trees. This is not acurate. This oasis is fed by a spring and has over 3000 trees. Now the oasis city of Tozeur is building into a resort city with a golf course and several nice hotels. There are several stands in every medina selling any kind of silver jewelry rugs or other items. Bartering is normal and so far we have had a good time in the process. We may have paid too much one time or too little another. Everyone is having a wonderful time. It is sunny and nice during the day which is much nicer than the cold weather we experienced in the past week in Tunis and Paris.

We have a jeep tour into the mountains tomorrow and I think a camel excursion as well. We are all prepared. They showed us how to wrap our scarves around our heads Bedouin style.

A bientot for now.

Welcome to Tozeur!!!!

We have now traveled South to the Sahara Desert to the town of Tozeur. It is much warmer here of course since we are in the desert. The road to this town has a wonderful scenery of olive trees, fig trees, and cacti that has the fruit of the king growing off it. There are camels walking the roads and we are warned of this with camel crossing signs. It is weird because you see all of these goats and camels, etc. walking around and then you see dead ones being hung up for dinner. We have visited the ancient ruins of this city which are more beautiful than Carthage. I thought that nothing could be more beautiful until I was walking through these ruins in Tozeur, which has many exotic plants around it.

The hotel we are staying at has better plumbing and hot water. I feel refreshed since I've been here and I have more space to breath and relax after a long day of going to the zoo, museum, and old Tozeur medina, where I bartered for the first time in my life! At first, this guy was trying to get me to buy this bracelet for 200 denar which is close to 150 in American dollars. I had to assert myself and say no. I ended up buying a bracelet with a ring attached to it, which is something that I have been trying to find for a long time. The man said 40 denar, I said 20, he said 25, and I said I only have 22. I could have gotten him to go lower, but you do not want to insult them. Since I have been in Tozeur, our tour guide, whose name is also Hammadi, has taken care of us. He is full of great information of the history of Tozeur that has many links to its culture. It makes me realize that we are all connected and that we always look at the differences in each culture, but in reality we are all the same. We are staying a few more days in Tozeur as well as traveling to other cities. I think I am going to like the desert even if I have bad allergies.

So far, I have loved getting my head wrapped with a turban, eating food that gets spicier the further South you go, and meeting local people who are as fascinated with us as we are with them. I also liked seeing camels, peacocks, vultures, monkies, lions, and snakes at the zoo. The zoo also had a botanical garden that was so exotic. I also look forward to taking ceramics 2 when I get back because the group and I got to see how brick was made and how a true Tunisian throws on the wheel!!!!

Before we left for Tozeur, we had a going away party in Tunis. We met Hella's family and friends and had listened to an authentic Iraqi band while belly dancing. It was hard to leave all of the new friends I had met since they really made me feel like I was part of their family. One of the Tunisian students named Aymen gave me a special gift to show how glad he was to have met me. He gave me a bracelet and a box to hold it in. I almost cried because I had never had anyone give me a gift like that after only 3 days of meeting them. Nabiha, the Tunisian professor, also gave us Tunisian pastries and Arabic music to bring home to our families. I cannot wait to share it with them all!!

I have many videos that I have filmed that will show the party in Tunis as well as clay working of Tunisian people, and the great cities of Tunisia. Unfortunately, I cannot upload these videos right now but when I can, I will. They are so fascinating and capture the true essence of this wonderful country.

I think the next time you hear from me I will have already ridden a camel! I can't wait to share that experience with you!!


Love and miss everyone,

Erin

Basleema!

Carthage and Sidi Bou Said

Today we went to see the ruins at Carthage and Sidi Bou Said. Both are now resort towns that really feel Mediterranian. White washed walls; blue shutters and ironwork; against a beautiful sea and sky. We had to imagine the sky as blue since it was a bit overcast. We learned a lot about the eras prior to Roman times and all the influences in this center of commerce: Punic; Etruscan; Egyptian; Turkish; Spanish and Greek. There were many artifacts in the museum from all of these. We took the train which seems to break down frequently but people were very kind and helpful to get us on our way again. Speaking French seems to bridge the gap. People are excited to meet Americans which is reassuring.

Last night we had a cooking lesson and feast. The food is phenomenal. Tonight we are going to a a dinner hosted by a local family and there will be a musician known for his expertise in playing traditional music on an instrument from a time before Christ. I imagine belly dancing will be involved.

Tomorrow we are off to the oasis of Tozeur.

Making Art With Hammadi

I almost forgot to tell you that I got to create art with one of the local artists in Tunisia named Hammadi. He is a tall lanky man who has a permanent grin on his face that makes his eyes squint. He is very observant of his surroundings and of the people. After I had some Tunisian pastries, I started to make a collage with materials that an artist from the states brought with him. Hammadi directed me to start folding all of the magazine clippings until I had almost the whole table filled with them. I observed his technique and mimicked it. He dipped the clippings in watered down glue and put it down on his paper. I did the same thing and I also included memorabilia that I had collected in France like artists' cards and train tickets from Tunisia. The main colors we used were red, blue, and green: Red represents the blood of war, Blue represents cleansing and peace, Green represents growth. This is what I saw in Hammadi's heart and I letting him lead me through his art process. He gave me advice on what was good about my collage and what I should improve. It was powerful working next to him and being totally immersed in his world, while sharing the experience with my group and the other artist Ray. The group is making collaborative art projects that reflect what we have gained form our experience and using the art process as a way to stay sane while traveling to foreign countries. I cannot wait for you to see our work with Hammadi's because he is such a passionate and driven artist. I will never forget my morning with the lovely Hammadi.

Tunisian Culture

In Tunisia, we are sipping great wine, eating great food, and being immersed in their culture. I got to learn about 3,000-4,000 years of Islamic history in 3 hours. It was amazing to hear all of this history in such a short amount of time. It was even better to have heard this lecture in the American Embassy in Tunisia. The woman who spoke about this history spoke passionately about it because it was her heritage and she was proud to be the one to pass her knowledge on to more people. After the lecture, another Tunisian woman came to our villa to cook for us. We all observed the preparation and cooking of authentic Tunisian cuisine, which is filled with fresh ingredients that come from the souk, an outdoor marketplace. The freshness and unique spices contribute to create flavors that we cannot get in the US. I learned how to make this aromatic roasted red pepper salad that can be eaten plain, with bread, or used in making several other dishes. She topped the pureed peppers with tuna fish and olives. Before this trip,I hated tuna and olives, but since being here I have not been able to get enough of it. The food here is just so fresh and it does not have preservatives or chemicals in them that I believe cause the ingredients to lack potency and flavor. After dinner,the Tunisian students and their professor came over to give us group gifts. They gave us CD's and DVD's that explain the Islamic and Tunisian culture. These gifts are for us to bring back to the U.S. to share with American students and to educate them about a culture that is rarely talked about and almost wholly unknown to most Americans. I would like to create an open discussion with the American students about this culture and their reaction to its history and how their perception has changed or stayed the same. The wonderful people I have met are well educated and feel passionate towards their country like we do. They have strong feelings about how they are being perceived by the media and struggle with many of the same things that we do. The students also love some of the same things that we do for example, they love to sing, dance, and listen to music. We spent last night singing songs that we all knew, like Michael Jackson as well as singing songs that are from each of our culture. The Tunisian students sang beautiful Arabic songs and we sang songs that are native to our country. I have had a lot of fun over here in Tunisia, and I have also learned a lot about the culture and through the eyes of the people and the students that I have interacted with. I cannot wait for tonight because we have been invited by one of the Tunisian students named Hella for a Tunisian dinner and dancing!

I need to go now so I can get ready for a true Tunisian party with my new friends!!!

Basleema!

Art Therapy at Hospital Sainte Anne

One of the most important aspects of my trip was visiting the Hospital Sainte Anne. I got to listen to a French doctor and several art therapists that talked about their art therapy programs in the Expressive Arts Therapy Center of this hospital. Dr. Dubois is the director of the workshops that take place there, and is in charge of picking out the right type of art for each of her in-patients and out-patients to ensure they are on the right path to recovery. She talked to us about how they separate each type of art in different studios. For example, painting has its own studio, as well as, ceramics, writing, music, collage, etc. In America, art therapists usually use intermodal interventions to increase the speed of their clients process due to limited sessions covered by insurances. French art therapists let their clients go at their own pace in their recovery because they are usually covered by their insurance for six months to a year. They also want to ensure that their clients are really connecting to the art, which helps their problems rise to the surface and helps them deal with their problems. Another difference between Paris and America is that in group therapy they do not share their feelings about their artwork with the group. The clients are taken individually into a private room with their artwork where they discuss their art. The therapists like to do this with their clients because the art is very personal with each client and they want to ensure authenticity. I also got to see the archives in this hospital, as well as, their art exhibition where they display patients work. After being in the Pompidou Center ,I felt really compelled by their work and honored to see it. Dr. Dubois also gave us an Art Brut (psychiatrists had mental patients create art because it calmed them) lesson which paved the pathway for the practice of Art Therapy. The women were very passionate when speaking of this amazing practice and were very helpful at giving me advice on my journey into the Art Therapy field. Contained in the archives of the hospital lie important artwork that has been damaged. However, Dr. Dubois and the hospital do not have the funds to cover the cost of restorations. The art is important to the history of Art Therapy, and it is really sad to hear that these paintings are left tainted without tender love and care like everyone would deserve. My group and I are brainstorming how we can have a fund raiser to raise money for this cause and to share our generosity to the hospital and the powerful women we had met. We will notify you when we have figured out the perfect way to fund this cause and how you can help as well. We just pray that we have permission to help these women who have helped us understand the diversity of French culture and how Art Therapy has improved it.

Sorry for the Delay!!!!!

I finally have access to the internet and it is at the American Embassy in Tunisia. I am waiting for the lecture to begin on Islamic culture and to observe this place that has maximum security like all embassies do. So far, Tunisia has been an interesting and exciting place to be. The medina is full of everything from D & G clothes to toilet paper. The people are friendly and want you to come and join them in their cafes and hear about where you come from. What makes the city of Tunis unique is their art, architecture, and lifestyle which mirrors the French because a lot of it was taken from Tunis.

I have met wonderful warm-hearted Tunisians that have welcomed me into their home, their art studio, and their heart. The students and I are fortunate to have met Tunisian students which was arranged by their professor, Nabiha (sorry for the misspelling of your name) who has helped open many dialogues between us about how diverse our cultures are and how they are similar. The Tunisian students, like us, have strong beliefs of religion and politics and we have crushed the negative and ignorant sterotypes that divide our countries and we hope that this will be a process that will bring hope to more Tunisians and Americans. We are all human and we are here to live our lives to the fullest without the pain and suffering of violence and division. These students have opened the doors to many discussions that I wish to bring back to the U. S. to educate our culture more about Tunisia and their passionate people.

We have also been having lots of fun with the Tunisian people by belly dancing and eating fresh exotic foods with spices that explode in my mouth. I also love being awakened by their prayer calling that is worth getting out of bed to hear instead of the annoying alarm clock that I have in my dorm room.

I will try and find more internet access to share all of my journey that has exceeded all the expectations I have had on this trip.

Now I am going to hear a lecture in the American Embassy in Tunisia. I just can't believe that I am actually experiencing this trip and all that I have learned. I am fortunate to have had this opportunity and look forward to what will happen next.

Basleema (Bye!)

Erin <3

Late Entry....So Sorry

We are late in sending information, primarily due to lack of internet connections. Our hotel had none in Paris and although we tried at the airport our entry did not go through.
I am currently typing on a French Arabic English keyboard that has more characters than I know what to do with. Please forgive any typos.

We went to an exciting surrealist expo at the Centre Pompideu that excited some and disturbed others. Despite the variety of opinions it stimulated much animated conversation. We also visited the Soulages exhibit which was quite the opposite. It was quite cerebral by comparison but I learned a great deal.

Our visit at Hospital Sainte Anne was exceptional. The director of the program prepared a wonderful morning of lectures along with a tour of the library, archives and an exposition of some of the art.

We are now in Tunis which is a wonderful blend of East meets West meets Middle East. The sights and sounds and aromas are stimulating. We went to the Medina or old town today and Hammadi ben Saad was our guide. We visited his studio and saw his artwork. Our hosts have prepared lovely meals and introduced the students to fellow students in Tunisia and they have taught each other dances and had discussions about their respective cultures. They watched a film and had a discussion about its content this evening.

It is an exciting time and there has been more to do than we can process. We hope to have some of our many photos online soon. We can not wait to share all of this with you when we return.

Ah -- Paris!

What a whirlwind of activities. We arrived to snow flurries, which was incredible. I have always wanted to experience Paris in the snow, and despite frozen toes, I have thoroughly enjoyed this experience. Even with temperatures at zero, the French come out to stroll with their families, feed the pigeons and enjoy the fresh air.

We checked into the hotel, and almost immediately took off on a nice stroll to the Louvre, through the Tuilleries (my favorite park to stroll through), and on to see the Monet water lillies. We have a great group of travelers, and our personalities mesh very well. After a great meal, we visited Notre Dame, and stopped at St. Michel for an evening treat. Everyone's French is improving, and we are all amazed at what we are experiencing. There are not words to express the sensory experience. I watch everyone's faces when they get their first taste of true brie, or rich french chocolate. The eyes roll and lips smack!

After a great night's sleep, we started off for our morning at The Louvre. There is so much to see, but Dr. West showed us the highlights. Nearly everyone wants to return to see more of the North African and Egyptian art. After lunch we went to see the Impressionists, and everyone was wowed by the Degas' and Renoir's. It's always so much more impressive in person!

Dinner at LaFontane offered a chance to experience authentic French cuisine. Shrimp brioche, duck, cassoulet, and an incredible chocolate cake and mousse for dessert. A metro ride home reminds us that there is whole other world that inhabits Paris under the surface: street musicians, partiers, and weary travelers heading home.

Words really cannot express adequately this experience, but watch for upcoming photos!

Bonjour!!!!!

I am finally here in beautiful Paris, France! The whole group is already like family and we have already seen so much. After we checked into the hotel, the group and I went straight to the l'orangerie to see the beautiful Water Lilies paintings by Monet, which are massive. I was in extreme shock of how huge and colorful they were. We then took in the culture of Paris in a sweet cafe called Cafe Angelina where I had hot chocolate and Croche Madame. The French food is rich and full of flavor. Then we went to the Notre Dame, which moved me to tears as I sat in the church. I was so jet lagged, but I pushed myself to see as much as I could in this unique city.

The next morning, I started my day with French bread and brie to give me enough energy to go to the Louvre and Musee d'orsay. I have been in these museums before, but there were so many new pieces that were breath taking. I saw modern art by Kiefer in the Louvre, as well as the famous Mona Lisa. At the Musee d'orsay, I was taken back by the pastel pieces by Degas and Loutrec. I cannot wait until I get to work at the open studio here because I have been so inspired by the city and the art.

I have only been here for two days and have already made so many glorious memories with Geri Hurlbut, Ashley, my roommate, Capucine Philson, and Dr. Kathy West and her family.

Until next time Au revoir!!!!

D-Day (That would be Departure Day!)

Now things will get exciting. Bags are packed, and yes, (for those of you still wondering) we did recieve all our travel vouchers. So, once everyone is at the airport the anxiety and anticipation will settle down. Hopefully after settling in for a bit of sleep, we'll wake up to the City of Light. Northern Europe is under a blanket of snow, so we'll get to see Paris in winter,-- something I've always wanted to do. This always looks so romantic in beautiful Expressionistic paintings, but I am prepared to have some very cold toes. Still, being cold in Paris is not like being cold anywhere else. We can slip into a cafe for 'un express', or even Angelina's for a delicious hot chocolate if we need to. Stay tuned, and don't forget to check Erin's comments, too!

Preparing for my big adventure!!!

I cannot wait to be on my journey to Paris, France and Tunisia, Africa!!! I have been trying to perfect my packing skills for the past week and all I have succeeded in is making the weight limit. I have packed, unpacked, and repacked my clothes many times to make sure that I have the right amount of supplies for this unique Art Therapy excursion. I believe that this process is the hardest thing to do before you travel, as well as waiting for the journey to begin. I am excited about everything I am going to see, eat, and experience. I am now ready to go on my once in a lifetime journey overseas. I just wish that it would hurry up and get here!!!

Just a few more hours to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Don't worry Mom and Dad, I will call when I get into Paris, France.

Love and miss you all!



Erin <3

Final pre-trip meeting

Students, faculty and friends met at Sneakers to discuss final plans for our trip. What a terrific group of people, and a great mix of personalities. This promises to be a terrific experience. In addition to those in the photo, we have four additional members of our travel party... a mix of students, artists, and those who just love to travel. Some have been to Tunisia in the past, and have expressed that this is a warm and welcoming country full of generous hospitality and great food. Can't wait! Now all we need is tickets!

New Years Day

One week and counting....
This new year will begin with a wonderful new adventure: suitcase selected, art supplies oganized, clothing decisions made. Now it's just about how to organize all of my life into one tiny carry-on size. All the same, it is exciting to think about all that we will learn and experience, and the lasting friendships that will form from this experience.