The theme for this semester is Contemporary France. With that in mind, our class took our first study trip to Brussels, Belgium. Within the past few years, Brussels has really become an international hub (although it's no where close to Geneva). Both the European Parliament and NATO are headquartered in Brussels. Our class took a tour of the European Parliament building and it was very impressive. I don't really think I should say much more because I don't have a high opinion of the European Union. Brussels also has a lot of beautiful architecture and a very nice town square. Of course, the b
eer in Belgium is amazing, as are the waffles! Our class only spent one day and night in Brussels and then returned to a city in France (Lille). In Lille, we visited the future satellite site of the Louvre. For those that don't know, there will be "satellite museums" of the Louvre in both northern France and in Dubai, which is in the United Arab Emirates. In theory, I think this is a great idea because it will give those which might have a hard time getting to the Louvre in Paris, a chance to experience great artwork. At the same time, it is a disservice to the Louvre in Paris because the real Louvre contains so much more than just artwork, it is an integral part of French history. Nonetheless, it will give me a good excuse to go to Dubai!
The theme for this semester is Contemporary France. With that in mind, our class took our first study trip to Brussels, Belgium. Within the past few years, Brussels has really become an international hub (although it's no where close to Geneva). Both the European Parliament and NATO are headquartered in Brussels. Our class took a tour of the European Parliament building and it was very impressive. I don't really think I should say much more because I don't have a high opinion of the European Union. Brussels also has a lot of beautiful architecture and a very nice town square. Of course, the b
eer in Belgium is amazing, as are the waffles! Our class only spent one day and night in Brussels and then returned to a city in France (Lille). In Lille, we visited the future satellite site of the Louvre. For those that don't know, there will be "satellite museums" of the Louvre in both northern France and in Dubai, which is in the United Arab Emirates. In theory, I think this is a great idea because it will give those which might have a hard time getting to the Louvre in Paris, a chance to experience great artwork. At the same time, it is a disservice to the Louvre in Paris because the real Louvre contains so much more than just artwork, it is an integral part of French history. Nonetheless, it will give me a good excuse to go to Dubai!