Wednesday, May 15, 2013

A Splendid View of the Eiffel Tower



Dinner with Friends

Dinner with friends and an entrepreneur talking about her business concept and how it has evolved over time (all based on content management).



America Abroad

Visited with the Commercial service of the American Embassy in Paris with an overview of the commercial service, trade relationships and career opportunities in he foreign service. Of course high security access ink using controls, scan and more.

Starbucks finally

Ok, we had to have a Starbucks in Paris - some of us had a sense of withdraw and enjoyed our usuals. Nice way to also notice the differences in products and marketing practices.



Day 3 start: Versailles at the center of culture and etiquette

Visited with the group the Chateau de Versailles including the amazing collection of personal effects but also wall size paintings of wars by the various kings and emperors who called Versailles home but also the grounds and the layout of the building including how Etiquette was founded: various levels of access and ways to engage the powers at the tine.

Simply amazing how the kings lived but yet worked to celebrate culture (music, performances, sculptures, architecture, and painting) and beauty (grounds are simply amazing). What was also interesting is how the castle survived the revolution (was not destroyed) and has been maintained by the cultural minister for the many generations to come.







Tuesday, May 14, 2013

How to become a Parisian in one hour

Well a true treat - this is a funny show. Group was treated to a unique one man show making fun of Parisians and also their own cultures. We had the opportunity to meet the comedian too.

Champs Élysées

The Parisian address where every brand and company at represented and where companies find ways to showcase their product in a timeless way. A 4 story display of old and new card by local car maker Citroen and of course a visit of Louis Vitton.



Arc de Triumph

A symbol of power and celebration of victorious armies under Napoleon - a beautiful panoramic view of Paris but if you ever wonder - 284 steps up and 284 down.

Cafe experience

Group is enjoying in front or Sacre Coeur a Parisian treat - the cafe experience and people watching - wit the attitude of the waiter who has a strange sense of customer service.

Montmartre

Visit to one of the amazing place in the city - home of the Sacre Coeur where much about the business of culture comes with the bad. I was ashamed to see mostly Asian tourists being taken advantage by bohemians and others.



Monday, May 13, 2013

Day 2: Cooking, Montmartre, Champs Élysées ...

Today is filled with a great deal of activities including visited the Sacre Coeur and some cooking lesson (every will learn to make his/ her own mean and see why French are so passionate about their cooking). Other activities will include visiting the iconic Louis Vitton flag ship store. More to come.

Wine Tasting Dinner

Enjoying a wine tasting dinner with some mushroom soup with poached egg with champagne, beef bourginion with some Syrah, and a cheese plate with a white vin de Loire.





Museum of the Armies and Napoleon

Visit of Napoleon's resting place and the museum of the armies and various wars.



Eiffel Tower: memorable views and an amazing lunch

With a full view of Paris Trocadero and all the Jill of Paris we enjoyed a three course meal with Casear salad, chicken on potatoes gratin, and profiteroles.



Paris and its institutions

Got a full overview of the monuments and the institutions of what makes Paris a center of international culture, art, and more.



Class takes on Paris

Off to a full day of visits, exposure to business in action and how culture is part of the city.

Sunday, May 12, 2013

A good day starts with

A good breakfast - yes fresh baked goods and plenty of grain and fresh juices are set to give us all the nutrients to stay alert. Many had problems sleeping on the first night (difficulties of international travels).



Dessert always at the end of a good meal

You have to enjoy the local food - Creme Brûlée

Cheers to our first meal

Three course meal including tuna tartar, steak frites, and Verne brûlée. Vive la nouriture (long live good food).

Visiting local stores

We are in the middle of China Town with some amazing stores and more importantly great fresh products - a full case of strawberries is $8 for the equivalence of 8 quarts.




Arrived in Paris

Some welcoming signs - the group is eager to expire all that the city and people have to offer.

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Boarding

After months of planning and preparation the group is finally all here in Atlanta and on the way to Paris - All Aboard

Departure Time

We are packing and getting ready for a full week of learning and discovery in Paris and the exploration of the business of culture.