Springtime in Paris-An iStory by Irene, Jesscia and Nathalie

iStory by Laurie Troutman

Paris Video Part II

Tuesday in Paris by Laurie

Hey everyone,
Our trip so far is going great. Today we started off to the catacombs. It was scary seeing all the bones of all these lost people. Their faces were so sad. We then walk to Jim Morrison grave. It was a small grave set back in the cemetry. Then we had to take a quick break at McDonalds for lunch. The food is just ok so we had to get some "American" food. After we got our energy back we traveled back to the center pompodue. Here we walked around for some souverners and took in the atmosphere of Paris. There is so much to do here, you need more time. See everyone soon, and I will be in touch.

1 More Full Day To Go In Paris

Hello again everyone. We have just finished our fifth full day in the most romantic city in the world. Today I visited the Musée d'Orsay, home of the world famous Impressionist artists. The Museum is located within full view of the Louvre. The pieces from Monet, Manet, and Van Gogh are breathtaking in person. Having taken an art class at Kean back home, I had a few paintings that I was looking foward to seeing, such as Renoir's Bal au moulin de la Galette Montmartre. It was worth the 45 minute wait to get inside. Ashley and I took the Metro to Madeline and saw a McDonalds. Seeing the golden arches practically brought tears to my eyes...almost. I had a Royal Deluxe which is kind of like a quarter pounder with some kind of sauce. We then took the Metro to the Père Lachaise Cemetery and visited the grave sites of Jim Morrison, Frederic Chopin, and Georges Seurat. Since we are pretty big Doors fans, we said a few words to Jim and I told him to" rock on". I am very tired and missing my favorite places to eat back home like Friday's. I'm really happy we had great weather all week and that i was lucky to have seen all the places that Paris has to offer. I am not looking foward to to the flight home but will be happy to see the States again. Au revoir ami!

Paris Video Update

Second Day in Paris

Hello everyone, or should I say bonjour! I am blogging tonight from Peanuts, a cafe/bar across the street from our Bercy Hotel. This morning we started out meeting in the lobby at 8:50. I basically missed breakfast and quickly grabbed an orange juice. Everyone boarded the coach tour bus and our sight-seeing began. We passed the Louvre Museum, which we will be seeing tomorrow morning at around 9:00. Hopefully I'll see some artwork from Van Gogh and Monet. We also passed the Eiffel Tower and got off the bus to take some pictures for about 15 minutes. We plan to go back tomorrow so that we can actually go up to the top. Nathalie said it will only cost about 10 euro. We had to be on-time for our Versailles visit appointment. The Palace of Versailles was beautiful. We saw the chambers of King Louis and Marie Antoinette and the Hall of Mirrors where some famous treaties were signed. After the palace we saw Notre Dame. It was dark and gothic inside. The scultures and structure are amazing. After that we walked around and ate dinner in the Latin Quarter. We took the metro back to the hotel. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day so I have to get some sleep. But first I think I'll have a few drinks with my girlfriend and friends. Au Revoir! - Jimmy Samay

From Laurie from Paris on March 10 (The previous blog was from Laurie)

Second Day of Paris

Hey everyone,
We are having an amazing time here in Paris. We started off traveling through the streets of Paris in our tour bus. We passed the Lourve, and continued to the Eiffel Tower. There we got out where we all took pictures of this amazing site. Then we moved on to our next visit, at Versailles. We took many pictures and gathered many sourvines. After that a group of us went out to a very nice french cafe. We had a three course meal for 15 euros. It was great! Now we are here at the peanut cafe were I am sharing everything we you. Hope you enjoyed, and chech back with me soon for news on the rest of our trip.

Pre-trip thoughts from Jimmy

When I heard about the media and film department of Kean University’s trip to Paris, France, I immediately became determined to go. I logged on to KeanWISE and registered for the Travel Learn: French Cinema class. I experienced some trouble at first paying for the trip online which got my nerves in a knot, but I called up EF Tours and they helped me make sure my payments were received and taken care of. Now we are a little less than two weeks away from our flight out of JFK International Airport to France. This will be the second time I’ve ever been on a plane and the first time I’ve ever traveled to another country so the whole trip is a very big deal for me.
I do not know a whole lot about French Cinema although I have heard of the French New Wave, and that it was a revolution of new editing styles and visuals. I have also grown to admire a few French actors here in the United States such as Jean Reno, Gerard Depardieu, and Sophie Marceau. My father has been to Paris on business and has shared some stories and information with me about his experiences. He said that the metro system is very easy to use and understand, which can only benefit my trip. He also said that the Notre Dame Cathedral is breathtaking and absolutely cannot be missed.
I am extremely excited to visit Versailles, the palace of Louis XIV. I have read about its riches and elaborate design. The Hall of Mirrors and the gardens will probably be incredible. I plan on taking plenty of pictures and possibly getting some footage with a 8MM camcorder. Art means a lot to me just like music and film so visiting the Louvre is another essential event in my travels. I plan on visiting a few very nice restaurants and cafes to experience some real French dining and styles of cooking. Seeing what the French nightlife is like should also be interesting so I am going to try and go to a few clubs during my free time. I am going on this trip with an open mind. I want to remember this week for the rest of my life. You never know when an opportunity will come up in your life like this again, which is why I want to make this the best experience possible.

From Faliere

Born and spent most of my teenage years in Haiti, I can say that I have lived the Parisian’s life in many ways. The start up of my education was in French and everything facing before coming to United States of America was indeed what was set to be in the colony, the French colony. The sense of inferiority and superiority, the illusion that a little Haitian has to be and act like a little Parisian to be a human or acceptable person to the civilized world were done in my oppressor’s tongue and its culture by diffusing or denigrating the origin of self including mother’s tongue and roots as the lowest form of being. Thus confused, I always know that one day the difference in between will be clarified and can only be done through knowledge and understanding.
In that say, going to the home of Napoleon, the ex-Great Empire, demolished by Tousen Louveti and executed by Jan Jak Desalin in the land of Kiskeya (Be careful in saying these great leaders’ names, I wrote them in Kreyol; say them as written; phonetically such as Spanish….and you’re be all right; okay…) and proclaimed their independence in 1804; Haiti the First to say no more to slavery, was never a dream but a privilege in accordance with my standing, time and devotion. That is why it is called a search which will be based on finding among this confused puzzle, self identity in foreign land, once lived my forefathers and I. As a film maker to be; visitation to the best studio, museums and take time to talk to local people and touring local libraries are the main focus. Also, visiting Sommet de Joux, where Tousen Louveti was jailed and starved to death will help in a historical point of view.
To say anymore will lead to exaggeration in accordance with time. What is been offered is a no money can buy opportunity. All I can do, just to be grateful of being around these great visionaries and looking forward to make the best of it.
See you there…Paris.

A great new French film "Tell No One"

Just saw this film at Lincoln Center...I enjoyed it a lot and I recommend it to everyone...It will be playing on March 11 at the IFC Center.

http://www.ifccenter.com/film?filmid=58058

TELL NO ONE
Ne le dis a personne
Sun Mar 11 at 2:45, 9:30pm
Filmmaker in person!
Popular American mystery writer Harlan Coben finally makes it to the silver screen in this powerful French adaptation of his novel Tell No One. Eight years after his wife's murder, Dr. Alex Beck (Francois Cluzet) has done what he could to rebuild his world. On the anniversary of her death, evidence suddenly appears that may link Alex directly to the murder, while Alex receives an e-mail with a subject heading that only his dead wife could know... Actor Guillaume Canet (Merry Christmas), whose directorial debut Mon Idole was presented in Rendez-Vous 2003, expertly orchestrates the various themes and subplots of this complex thriller. An extraordinary cast includes Nathalie Baye, Andre Dussollier, Kristin Scott Thomas, Jean Rochefort, Francois Berleand, and Marina Hands.
Additional shows are at the Walter Reade Theater. Go to filmlinc.com for more information or to purchase tickets.

NR, France, 2006, 126 minutes. In French with English subtitles

A film by Guillaume Canet

Paris Tourism Board website

http://en.parisinfo.com/

Paris Museum Pass-A great deal for museum lovers

2-Day pass: 30 Euros
4-Day pass: 45 Euros

For more information, visit the following website...

http://www.parismuseumpass.fr/flash/hp_fr.html

From Irene

Pre-Trip Thoughts

Last semester I remember walking by a poster explaining TravelLearn, and how students can fly to Paris for a class. I thought to myself how great and exciting that would be. After finding out all the information that I needed I decided to go. In about three weeks I’ll be boarding a plane and flying to Paris, France. I am very excited about it. I’ve bought discs to learn French. I’ve bought French music to listen to and have joined blockbuster Total Access to be able to rent French film. I have watched Cyrano De Bergerac and tonight I will be able to enjoy The Piano Teacher. Let’s just say I am very excited to see how the French enjoy life.

I would like to experience Paris as not just a tourist. Yes I do want to see all the tourist attractions, such as museums and the Eiffel Tower but I also want to go to the local Café to enjoy a good cup of coffee. I think seeing the replica of the flame from The Statue of Liberty would be interesting. I’ve done some research as to what other places I would like to visit. I was born in Ukraine and visited last year, and heard that there are many Ukrainians in Paris. I actually found a café, a church and a Ukrainian park in Paris. This is something I personally would like to visit.

Seeing a soccer game in France would be so much fun. I love soccer and know how crazy the fans and games can be. I’m not sure how to find a place to buy tickets from here but will be doing more research into that. I’d like to experience what students do for fun. Seeing as much as I can in the eight days is my goal. From the world known spots to the little café that the locals visit, got to be there. I love art, fashion, Europe and its beautiful architecture and I don’t think I will be disappointed with this trip.

Meeting on Monday, Feb. 26th

Please note the next all group meeting will be Monday, Feb. 26th at 3:30 in CAS 106. The original date and place have changed. Everyone going on the trip, no matter which class they're enrolled in, should attend this meeting!

French film festival at Lincoln Center

Rendez-Vous with French Cinema 2007
February 28 - March 11, 2007

Each March, New Yorkers have the chance to savor the newest flavors and try out the latest fashions featured on Parisian screens with Rendez-Vous with French Cinema. Now in its 12th year, Rendez-Vous opens on Feb. 28 with an American premiere—direct from the Berlin Film Festival: Olivier Dahan’s fascinating portrait of Edith Piaf, La Vie en Rose. Graced with a mesmerizing performance by Marion Cotillard, La Vie en Rose is a worthy tribute and a compassionate look at one of France’s greatest cultural icons.

Returning to Rendez-Vous this year is Benoît Jacquot, teaming up once again with Isild Le Besco for The Untouchable. Guillaume Canet, whose My Idol was so well received at Rendez-Vous in 2003, will be here with Tell No One, an adaptation of American mystery writer Harlan Coben. Catherine Corsini (The New Eve, Rendez-Vous 2000) returns with a new slant on French literary wars in Ambitious. And Bruno Dumont (Twentynine Palms, Rendez-Vous 2004) is again present with his haunting depiction of war, Flanders, sure to be one of this year’s most heatedly debated films.

Several exciting newcomers are making their Rendez-Vous debuts. Christophe Honoré’s Inside Paris teams two of France’s finest young actors, Louis Garrel and Romain Duris. Julie Gavras makes her directorial debut with Blame It on Fidel. Screenwriting/directing team Pascal Arnold and Jean-Marc Barr are featured with their fourth collaboration, One to Another. Xavier Giannoli, whose first feature Eager Bodies was screened in New Directors/New Films in Walter Reade Theater 2004, will be on hand to present The Singer, featuring what many consider to be the finest performance by Gérard Depardieu in years. So join us for the 12th edition of Rendez-Vous with French Cinema, and discover––or be reminded of––the myriad pleasures and challenges the cinema still has to offer.

For more information, please visit http://www.filmlinc.com/wrt/onsale/rendezvous07.html

Paris travel guides

Here are the two travel guides that I mentioned in class....

Lonely Planet
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/europe/france/paris

Time Out Paris
http://www.timeout.com/paris/

I have the hard copies if you would like to take a look...

La Cinematheque Francaise

We'll try to visit this place....It is very close to our hotel...

A beautiful maze bathed with light like a dark room reminds us of the Cinémathèque's history and fits perfectly its activities.
The Cinémathèque is setting up in the building which was initially conceived by the architect Frank O. Gehry known as the famous Bilbao Guggenheim museum architect. The Cinémathèque building was wittily named “the dancer raising her tutu” by its creator. It faces a park on one side and features a reception hall which makes use of space and light in a very nice way, contrasting with the elevation made of white stone on the side facing Bercy Street. The inside spaces, reconverted by the architect Dominique Brard, make use of an abundance of inclined planes which enable communication between the different volumes and the great number of overlaped levels.

For more information, visit the following website.

http://www.cinematheque.fr/fr/51-rue-de-bercy/english.html

FILM 4800 Travel Learn: French Cinema syllabus

Spring 2007
Professor Larry Ling-hsuan Tung
Dept. of Media & Film
CAS 421, Telephone: (908) 737-0457
E-mail: ltung@kean.edu

The class will present an overview of French Cinema, which will prepare students for sampling and appreciating French films. Students will read about the history of French cinema and sample notable French films. Class is expected to meet three times before travel and twice after, subject to need/desire for additional contact.

Meeting dates as follows:

Kean University
Thursday, January 25, 2007 first meeting, 12:30 CAS 408
Wednesday, January 31, 3:30pm, meet with entire travel group, CAS 456
Monday, February 26, 3:30pm, meet with entire group group, CAS 456
Three film diaries due

PARIS: March 8-15, 2007 Travel Learn Tour

Kean University
April 5, 2007 Progress Report on assignments, CAS 408
April 19, 2007 All work due, 3:30pm, CAS 408
All tour and post-trip assignments due
April 23, 2007 Student Showcase, room TBA

Assignments:

I. Pre-Trip Preparation:
• Finish the reading packet.
• Write a one-page essay on your anticipated trip to Paris. It should include what you know about Paris and French cinema. What are you expecting to do on the trip, visit museums, tourist attractions, history, cultural activities, shop, eat, etc.?
• Film: Choose three out of the 10 films to watch and write a 3-page paper on each film. Include a summary in your own words and reaction. You will need to subscribe to Netflix or Blockbuster.

Betty Blue (1986)
The Big Blue (1988)
Camille Claudel (1989)
Cyrano de Bergerac (1990)
La Femme Nikita (1991)
Indochina (1992)
Delicatessen (1992)
Blue (1993)
Amelie (2001)
The Piano Teacher (2002)


II. On-Tour Assignment:
• Visit the Cinema Museum of Paris
• Go to a movie in a theater in Paris

III. Post Trip Assignment:
• Two more film diaries from the list above.
• Design a poster board on one of the selected films
• Create a scrapbook about your experience in Paris.

EVALUATION: Course grade is based on the successful participation in the Travel Learn experience. Students are required to participate in ALL included activities as part of the normal itinerary. In addition, students are expected to be on time and their general behavior is expected to reflect favorably on the program, the university and the United States abroad. This Travel Learn trip is an educational experience, not a vacation.