This Friday began with our class trip to the Eiffel Tower. In daylight, I realized that the structure is actually brown in color. I had always thought that it was black; it even looks black in all the pictures that I took of it, so I found that to be interesting. It truly was windy, so I understand why they did not let us go up to the top. The structure itself is what is magnificent, so I did not mind just hanging around the base. We then went on to the Musee de l’Homme, which was not what I expected it to be. I honestly thought it would still contain some of the things that it used to, which were in the presentation we had in class. It was still an educational and interesting museum, but I found it to be sparse in exhibits, content, and people. However, I did enjoy a visual component that depicted the globalization of people and goods in conjunction with population levels. Then, I split off from the class and went to visit the Marie Curie Museum for my paradigm shift project. I find Marie Curie to be brilliant and inspirational, due to her accomplishments and role as a woman in science. The museum was small, but contained lots of information, including her documents, her equipment, and even her laboratory space and personal desk. I am glad that I was able to go see her museum. Then, I had to hurry back after stopping to grab a baguette and macaron for lunch. The class then had a tour of the Pasteur Institute. The institute contained many interesting materials and artifacts, but it was clear that the class was tired. However, that became quite evident while at the Musee des Arts et Metiers. This museum was really neat; there were so many fascinating gadgets and technology pieces inside of it. The tour guide was entertaining and friendly as well. He made me laugh with his constant discussion of the instability of the internet. I had not previously known that the French were not interested in science anymore, which is too bad, considering that in my opinion, science is the most interesting field. By the middle of the tour though, I thought my feet were going to fall off from all of the standing, so I found myself sitting, kneeling, or leaning at all points in time. In the evening, I had dinner by the hotel and then went to the Arc de Triomphe. On top of the structure, I enjoyed taking in the view and reflecting on all that had happened during the day. There is so much to see in the world and to learn; it is eye-opening to realize that you will never even scratch the surface.
