Disco night took the best of most of us. We saw it in our faces, in our clumsy walking, and in our lack of dialogue. Yet, we took on another day of “la vie parisienne” as we all gathered for a quick breakfast in our hotel because, despite the pressing fatigue, we have been loving this life so far, short as it may be!
Even during the free afternoon, after the tour of le Musée Jaquemart-André, we looked forward to roaming around the city, whether shopping or looking for some more pastries. But at the end, probably due to a combination of fatigue, food coma, and the thought of a long day of La Défense and Le Louvre tomorrow, we all decided to give in to sweet sleep.
The museum proved to be the best one we’ve visited so far, from my point of view. Inside the beautiful mansion designed in the style of 18th century architecture, we saw variants on the same style in each room. With our guide’s help we discovered how relatively modern and how well designed the mansion was for its time. Of course, this was due to the owners’ love of all that is beautiful (money helped too), which gave way to their amazing collection of the art. The museum included exquisite friezes and murals from elsewhere in Europe, tapestries and vases from the Orient, statues and amulets 
from the Africa northern lands, and many more pieces, including the mansion itself. It was notable, however, that there were no pieces from the Americas, a subtle reminder of that which we lack back home – or perhaps of the limited perspective of Europeans.
from the Africa northern lands, and many more pieces, including the mansion itself. It was notable, however, that there were no pieces from the Americas, a subtle reminder of that which we lack back home – or perhaps of the limited perspective of Europeans. Sadly, Professor Turk, who came down with a stomach flu, could not join us to enjoy the play “Oh les Beaux Jours” (Happy Days) by Samuel Beckett tonight. A very philosophical and intelligent piece, it consisted of an aged woman and her husband stuck in quicksand in the middle of a desert. However, the piece was acted out with such an impressive monologue by the woman that, although there was almost no movement during the play, I was intrigued throughout and managed to fight off fatigue. It was truly spectacular to have experienced such a great play. The dinner afterward capped off the night as fatigue 
finally defeated us. (Unlike the main character of “Oh Les Beaux Jours,” who remains full of vitality despite her plight!)
finally defeated us. (Unlike the main character of “Oh Les Beaux Jours,” who remains full of vitality despite her plight!)
January 10, 2006
Fighting off Fatigue
