Today was one of the only sunny days during our stay in Paris, and since we had free time, I decided to browse different boutiques on Rue Saint Honoré and near the Métro Sèvres-Babylone. I especially like shopping in Paris because more often than not, the stores are quaint and do not try to inundate you with the monstrosity of a mass-manufactured collection. Rather, it is as though there was a limited amount of love in each store to put into each article, like purses or jackets and when you buy something, you buy a piece of that love as opposed to some mass-produced item. Not only does this feeling reveal itself in merchandise, but also in the food. We discussed on a different day how the French pay attention to the finest details of their vegetables and meats, perhaps to a point of haughtiness. I, however, do not mind. I like it this way; having pride in one’s work, whether it is a tomato or a piece of artwork.
In the afternoon, we met Monsieur and Madame de la Rivière (the parents of Sophie de la Rivière, who was the cultural liaison for JSF for the past three years) for a guided tour of the Panthéon, a rarely frequented spot by tourists, 
but nonetheless a magnificent building that has both religious and political significance. The neighborhood included many academic institutions like the high school Henri IV and the Sorbonne. In this same vein, the people buried in the crypt of the Panthéon include great minds that have been specially selected— such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Marie Curie. 
I think it is a great idea to honor and recognize the achievements of France’s scholars, since it reflects the value of intelligence. For the general population in the United States, however, I would venture that more people know Britney Spears than Francis Crick in a country that supposedly has some of the best universities in the world. How does that reflect on American society?
but nonetheless a magnificent building that has both religious and political significance. The neighborhood included many academic institutions like the high school Henri IV and the Sorbonne. In this same vein, the people buried in the crypt of the Panthéon include great minds that have been specially selected— such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Marie Curie. I think it is a great idea to honor and recognize the achievements of France’s scholars, since it reflects the value of intelligence. For the general population in the United States, however, I would venture that more people know Britney Spears than Francis Crick in a country that supposedly has some of the best universities in the world. How does that reflect on American society?
January 14, 2006
The Panthéon on a Sunny Day
