The past ten days have been exciting and intense. I've had classes in Middle East politics, EU politics, French politics, Corporate Criminal Liability in Europe, and Economic Doctrine. Each of those classes lasted 2 1/2 hours, with some of the classes meeting multiple days per week. Added to that was a group presentation as well as the reading associated with each class. Did I mention I've been busy? So in that sense, the pace has been the same the last couple of weeks.
One of the welcome respites from the academic activity was a weekend trip organised by the Sciences Po-Lille student organization, Le Bureau des Internationaux. At the top of my travel wishlist for northern France was the Normandy area, including the historic beaches from World War II. Thanks to the BDI, we were able to make the five-hour bus trip to visit Normandy as a group.
Saturday: The beaches of Normandy and the World War II museum at Caen. Sobering experiences....
One of the welcome respites from the academic activity was a weekend trip organised by the Sciences Po-Lille student organization, Le Bureau des Internationaux. At the top of my travel wishlist for northern France was the Normandy area, including the historic beaches from World War II. Thanks to the BDI, we were able to make the five-hour bus trip to visit Normandy as a group.
Saturday: The beaches of Normandy and the World War II museum at Caen. Sobering experiences....
Sunday was all about Mont Saint-Michel. One of the things that I've learned about the French is the importance of history to their society. Mont Saint-Michel was built beginning in 709 A.D. and continued into the 19th century. In the 10th century, it became a refuge for a Benedictine order of monks. During the Hundred Years War in the 14th century, it withstood English siege activity to remain in French control. Over the centuries, the site has drawn thousands of Christian pilgrims who go to honor the archangel Michel, pray, and to seek peace in its unique beauty and solitude. France, not unlike America and any democracy for that matter, rallies around its symbols of liberty and continuity. However, Mont Saint-Michel differs from any other symbolic location I've ever visited. No wonder it ws designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1979.
Thanks to the arrangements of our French students, rather than being bused into the site, we crossed two rivers and mud flats to enter the Mont by foot. It was a unique experience, hiking the 8km with students from around the globe, as we progressively watched the Mont getting closer. Well worth the trip and the effort. If you ever get the opportunity to visit this amazing place, please take it!
Thanks to the arrangements of our French students, rather than being bused into the site, we crossed two rivers and mud flats to enter the Mont by foot. It was a unique experience, hiking the 8km with students from around the globe, as we progressively watched the Mont getting closer. Well worth the trip and the effort. If you ever get the opportunity to visit this amazing place, please take it!
After walking about 17 miles over the weekend, we were so exhausted when we got back to Lille Sunday night!
The rest of the week flew by in a blur... with more classes, readings, and the like. One quick reminder on another difference between France and America: the opening hours for business. Do your shopping for essential food items on Saturday, because the grocery markets are not open on Sundays. So... no milk for my coffee, or eggs for breakfast for me until the shops open on Monday :(
The rest of the week flew by in a blur... with more classes, readings, and the like. One quick reminder on another difference between France and America: the opening hours for business. Do your shopping for essential food items on Saturday, because the grocery markets are not open on Sundays. So... no milk for my coffee, or eggs for breakfast for me until the shops open on Monday :(