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.