Metro Introduction

People come and go to get to their destination. In America, we mostly use our own automobiles like our car, trucks, vans, or even motorcycles. There is public transportation like the bus, uber, or taxi. Though those are methods of travel also used in France, the primary transit that is used is the metro. Overall in Paris, France, there are 16 metro lines. They can take you anywhere you want in the city, and all you have to do is purchase a ticket or metro card to enter any of them. While going around the metro in Paris, one line struck me to explore, which was metro line 2. Within this line, I explored 10 stops. Each had its own unique name and unique environment.

 Barbes-Rochechouart

My first stop on Metro line 2 was Barbes-Rochechouart. This stop name originated when in “1903, it was the turn of the 9th, 10th and 18th arrondissements to experience real upheaval” (FigaroPlume). The result of that was it being originally named “ ‘Boulevard Barbès’ and four years later, with the arrival of line 4, our current ‘Barbès-Rochechouart’ “(FigaroPlume). When entering outside the stop I notice that there is a huge bridge that the metro goes on top of. But what was more fascinating was what was underneath the bridge. While walking towards that direction I heard a bunch of noise and a huge crowd. Out of curiosity, I walked towards it and saw that I had just entered a huge marketplace. There was a line of vendors close to the end of the bridge. They were selling various items like produce, clothes, accessories, and electronics. Most of these items were rather low or at an inexpensive price. This resulted in a large crowd coming to this area for shopping.

Walking away from the festival, I saw a line of photography on the street. It shows the usual street life in their city. While viewing this, I know it conveyed a message through this area that poverty is real. This almost like how in certain cities there would be separation of classes with no support or assistance to help better the living or finical situation.

Still walking through the city, I happened to come across a district with people from the middle east. I saw many shops with Indian clothing and restaurants with Indian food. The prices in the district were rather low, and they cater to vegetarians. I also saw families there filling the restaurants. It brought a warm feeling to my heart to see families enjoy their meals together.

 Onward through the stop, I went back in the past and stumbled upon a hospital. This hospital is significant in the area because of the architect. The man’s name was Theodore Labrouste, and he helped build many hospitals in France. The most significant part about this hospital is when he left it he made the widal test which helps “detects the presence of serum agglutinins (H and O) in patients serum with typhoid and paratyphoid fever” (Aryal).

Not too far away, I came by this large beautiful building. Within the building, many people were coming outside it. It turns out this building is called the chemins de fer du Nord, which translates to Northern Railway Company. Though I have been through many public transportation stops, I believe this one, in particular, stands out because of its design.

Joures

Once I stepped on at Joures, I was immediately brought to attention by this beautiful lake. Its beauty was captivating base on how clear the water was and how it sparkled because of the sunlight. Not only does this long lake grab hold of my attention, but also everyone in that area.

While walking, I saw many boats across this river. There seemed to be a small boat filled with people by a damn. Everyone on the bridge and the boat wanted to save the memory of a beautiful stream this lake’s dam created. I had to see this lake closer, so I found a way to get down and admire it better.

Before getting to the lake, there was a small park right before it. The park was a flat land that had a small restaurant and a water fountain. Many kids would play around while their families watched. Besides the water fountain, the best water source was just straight across. The lake was right near my feet. In the lake, there were two sides on it. I decided to walk towards the left and see what that side had towards it. 

While walking there, I came upon a small restaurant. They seem to be having a small event on the promenade. What was so special about this promenade is that they named it after a famous actor.Her name was Jeanne Moreau and when she “two films by Louis Malle: Ascenseur pour l’échafaud in 1957 and Les Amants in 1958, revealed her to the general public” (“Jeanne Moreau: Biographie, Actualité Et Podcasts à Écouter.”).Still walking straight, I heard laughter and families sitting by the lake enjoying themselves while captivated by this beautiful view. Even if some people were not sitting looking at the lake, they would go inside one of the movie theaters on either side of the lake or be in the lake doing water activities like canoeing.

After admiring the lake, I went past and saw a church. The church was large and beautiful on the outside. Sadly I was not able to admire the inside since it seemed to be close. One thing that did catch my eye was a sign on the church that said Place de Bitche. I was baffled by this name, so I did my research on why this place with a view was called that. I found out the origin of it is from the “the U.S. embassy in Paris was in a square called Place de Bitche, named after the war effort of the people of Bitche” (Ledsom). I ended this stop by sitting at a small park just across from the church and looking at the view of the bridge.

Colonel Fabien

On the third stop, I went down and got off at Colonel Fabien. I kept walking in the middle of the street to see if anything would interest me. Though this might not be so astonishing to most people, I came by a library. While here in Paris, I never got to see their selection or the variety of writings they had to offer. The library was small but had a huge selection of books and media. Each floor was different and had much to offer. The one floor that peak my interest was the -1 floor. It carried a lot of writing that I favor, like manga and comic books. Though there was a book that I found intriguing. It was a huge book that talked about the history of nude art. Though it saddens me that I could not inform myself with the information in the book since it was written in French, I was happy I got to stumble upon this find.

I left the library and kept on looking around. While walking, I noticed that there seemed to be many shops and restaurants that have Asian food. Not realizing it soon enough, I stumbled upon an Asian district in France. Many of the stores that I first came upon were selling fruit and vegetables. Some of them came from different parts of Asia, and I have never seen them sold at marts in America or regular grocery stores in France. I stepped into one grocery store that had levels of foreign Asian food. I was intrigued to see cuisine that I never knew existed. 

Couronnes

I got off the metro finally and into a stop named Couronnes. Walking right out of the exit, this city was not like most cities I have been to in France. This was due to the high littering and trash around the street compared to other towns in Paris. The trash in the way did not take away the scenery of the city. The scenery was the graffiti and street art around. Most of these artworks are not just random words but art that had meaning to it.

Walking down, I saw a huge church in the back. As I walked closer to it, I noticed how huge it was. Just to enter, you had to walk a long flight of stairs. This tends to be normal with older churches in Paris, but it is worth it to see how each different church is made and built. I went around an alleyway that lead to apartments. This neighborhood was quiet and had a plain shade of white to the apartment buildings. I saw a small garden in between the apartments. Only a small variety of flowers were there, but it fits this subtle environment.

Phillipe Auguste

I went to Phillipe August which was named after ” the first of the great Capetian kings of medieval France (reigned 1180–1223), who gradually reconquered the French territories held by the kings of England” (“Philip II.”) .This stop was quiet and there was not much except the basic grocery stores and restaurants. I came across a small church that was modern and simple. The neighborhood seem to only have people who were middle aged and older living in this area. This city felt very suburban and did not have to much commotion happening.

Alexandre Dumas

I went to yet another stop called Alexandre Dumas. While looking at the name of the stop I realized that this name sounds familiar. This is because this same man made my childhood. Alexandre Dumas is “one of the most prolific and most popular French authors of the 19th century” (“Alexandre Dumas, Père.”). Not only was he popular in France but also in the United States. HIs most notable books that are known worldwide are The Three Musketeers and The Man In The Iron Mask. While walking I came across another famous name though this person was unknown to me.  The entrance sign of this area had Jard Damia which translates to Garden Damia. It had the name of a woman named Louise-Marie Damie who “was a French singer and actress better known by the stage name Damia” (“Marie-Louise Damien.”). Then I came upon another sign on the street with the name Allee Pierre Bérégovoy. He was a former “French politician, prime minister from April 1992 to March 1993” (“Pierre Bérégovoy.”). Other than his political roles he also “joined the French Resistance” (“Pierre Bérégovoy.”).

Walking down the street I saw a university in a building. It advertised the many degrees and programs it had. but this university was from a regular building. I think this was rather convenient to be here in the city and based on their reviews advertise it must be a good learning institution.

Avron

I then went to Avron on the metro. This city was quiet and did not seem to have many people around. There were many older looking apartments around the city. While looking around the apartment buildings I found an alleyway that said Impasse Saint-Pierre. This alley way just had the patios at the back of the apartment buildings.

After walking around I found a park called Passage de la Loi, which translates in English to the Passage Of The Law. I did not feel any connection with law while entering but while I was there I did enter a passageway that lead to a small area in the back. I found a small treasure which was a bookshelf of many children’s books. This was a sweet detail that books were given or even put there free for the taking. After leaving the park I headed down toward the city.

I happened to see a cool looking building and went by it. It stood out base of the bright color it was painted and the artwork that was on the side of it. When I got closer I realized why the building was made like this. It happened to be an animation center, specifically the Centre d’animation Ken Saro-Wiwa. 

Nation

I went to another stop named Nation and was amazed with the atmosphere. I immediately saw a huge statue in the middle of the street. Though there was no sign or even description of the statue’s name, I can tell this was Roman artwork and the woman on top must symbolize some sort of power or strength in France.

Not too far from the statue I saw an older looking building. I thought it might be a government building but it was a school. It was named Ecole Arago and it is an elementary school that has “supervised studies and leisure centers included” (“Ecole Élémentaire Arago”).

In the same area there was a small market where many people were selling thrifted clothes or old antiques. After walking through the aisles of silver spoons, paintings, and miniature sculptures I found a park named Square Sarah-Bernhardt. There seemed to be an event on that day and many families were out there playing games, doing arts and crafts, or playing within the small water park. 

Anvers

I walked to the next stop which was the Anvers. While in that area I had to walk many flights of stairs to reach my destination ,which was Sacré-Cœur “a Roman Catholic church and a famous landmark in Paris with a deep and complex history as it is not only a religious monument but also a political one” (Gee, 2022). While this building was created for religious and political purposes, when I entered the building I was captivated by its beauty, especially the artwork that was on the ceiling. The mural shows the father, the son, and holy spirit with people from around the world surrounding him.

Just outside the church there was a well known gem; The bridge and fence are decorated with locks  that symbolizes a couple’s love will be locked together forever. However, recently they stop people from putting locks on there because it causes too much weight on the bridge. Sadly other than not being able to do this custom many stories of people breaking up shortly have happened when people put their lock on the bridge thinking their love will last forever. Lastly, one destination I favored while in this area was a small garden named Square Jehan-Rictus in which there was a popular wall. This wall is called the Wall of I Love You and is well known since it  has’ ‘ I love you” written in languages across the world. 

Père-Lachaise

Now the Final Destination I went to on Metro line 2 was Père-Lachaise. This stop is known for  being “both the largest park and the largest cemetery in Paris” (“Père-Lachaise Cemetery.”).The cemetery “ extends 44 hectares and contains 70,000 burial plots” (Bureau).What I found really interesting about this place is how unique some of the cemeteries are and their stories behind them. Many well known people were even buried like Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde, Simone Signoret and Jim Morrison who I got to talk about near his grave. Not only does this place have a cemetery but they have an area for people who were cremated. I found the cemetery very heartfelt and how amazing it is that people from around the world will still honor the life of those who are no longer here physically but in our hearts.

Metro Conclusion

I enjoy exploring different parts of Paris. I felt this project showed other parts that people tend to miss when visiting France. People tend to go to tourist-filled places like the Eiffel tower or the Palace of Versailles but forget to look for hidden gems in a new area. Not knowing about these places at first pushed me to be more independent and more adventurous. I hope that wherever a person is they take a risk to whatever foreign city they go to and explore the unknown like I did.

Work Cited

Aryal, Sagar, et al. “Widal Test- Introduction, Principle, Procedure, Interpretation and Limitation.” Microbiology Info.com, 1 Nov. 2018, microbiologyinfo.com/widal-test-introduction-principle-procedure-interpretation-and-limitation/#:~:text=Widal%20Test%20is%20an%20agglutination,typhoid%20fevers%20in%20endemic%20areas.

“Alexandre Dumas, Père.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/biography/Alexandre-Dumas-pere.

Bureau, Paris Convention and Visitors. “Cimetière Du Père Lachaise – Paris Tourist Office.” En.parisinfo.com, en.parisinfo.com/paris-museum-monument/71470/Cimetiere-du-Pere-Lachaise.

Ecole Élémentaire Arago, http://www.paris.fr/lieux/ecole-elementaire-arago-535.

FigaroPlume. “D’où Vient ‘Barbès-Rochechouart’ ?” LEFIGARO, 14 Dec. 2017, www.lefigaro.fr/langue-francaise/quiz-francais/2017/10/08/37004-20171008ARTFIG00001-d-o-vient-barbes-rochechouart.php.

Gee, Laura. “10 Fun Facts on the Sacre-Coeur in Paris.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 28 Apr. 2022, traveltips.usatoday.com/10-fun-sacrecoeur-paris-106883.html.

“Jeanne Moreau: Biographie, Actualité Et Podcasts à Écouter.” Radio France, www.radiofrance.fr/personnes/jeanne-moreau.

Ledsom, Alex. “French Town of Bitche Falls Foul of Facebook’s Algorithm.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 13 Apr. 2021, www.forbes.com/sites/alexledsom/2021/04/13/french-town-of-bitche-falls-foul-of-facebooks-algorithm/?sh=7e766f9d25af.

“Marie-Louise Damien.” Academic Dictionaries and Encyclopedias, en-academic.com/dic.nsf/enwiki/46198.

“Père-Lachaise Cemetery.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., http://www.britannica.com/place/Pere-Lachaise-Cemetery.

“Philip II.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., http://www.britannica.com/biography/Philip-II-king-of-France.

“Pierre Bérégovoy.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., http://www.britannica.com/biography/Pierre-Beregovoy.

Paris as Text 2022

One of the most significant parts of French History was the French Revolution. People know this time was when France stood up to King Louis XIV’s unfair ruling and fought to gain independence and rights. The French revolutionist ended up winning and getting a fair system of government for the people. Many people know these key moments but not what happened behind the scenes during this time. The Conciergerie gave a perspective of what the French revolutionist were doing so that they were able to have justice for the wrongful nature of the government. This is because the Conciergerie is “one of the main places of detention during the French Revolution with the installation of the revolutionary court” (Conciergerie).

Before this building became a prison, it was the “royal palace called Palais de la Cité (‘Palace of the City’), originally built in the 6th century by Clovis, the first King of France” (Guide). The building has been renovated through the years and now has a gothic secular style. Not only was the building made in this unique style, the location it is put in “one of two small islands in the middle of the Seine River, [which] places it at the heart of historic Paris”(Guide).

Even before the revolution, having this building located in the heart of Paris felt like a symbol to me. Its message felt like it was saying this where the revolutionists’ justices and independencies were beginning to start in France. The counter revolutionist were arrested and put into jail cells. The prisoners could walk around the courtyards or get a bigger prison cell for a fee. All prisoners were given a fair trial in court. If they were guilty of their accusations, they would be guillotined in front of a crowd. This was a huge step in France’s legal system because before, there were no courts or fair trials. Disagreeing with the king’s orders or committing a crime meant immediate death. They did this for all their prisoners, but one prisoner who stood out from all of them was Queen Marie Antoinette.

This prison is well known for “Marie-Antoinette spen[ding] her final days awaiting her fate at the guillotine” (Guide). While inside, “Marie Antoinette was confined to a more secluded area, away from the general population” (Bashor). Antoinette was held in jail for months until a court trial was open for her. At the end of the trial, she was guilty of “conspiring with the enemies of France and for plotting to ‘trouble the state with a civil war.’ ” (Bashor). While listening to her final sentence, it is said that she “She did not give any sign of fear, indignation, or weakness, ” (Bashor). However, during her last moments of life, before she got guillotined, she wrote a letter to her sister and son about her emotions and to forgive. Specifically, in her last letter, she wrote:
“I sincerely ask pardon of God for all the errors I may have committed during my life. I hope that in his kindness he will accept my last vows, as well as those I have long since made, that he may vouchsafe to receive my soul in his mercy and goodness. I ask pardon of all those with whom I am acquainted, and of you, my sister, in particular, for all the trouble which, without desiring it, I may have caused you. I forgive all my enemies the evil they have done me.” (Bashor).

Stepping and seeing not just Marie Antonine but many others prisoners’ lives in Conciergerie gave me a strange feeling. These people did do wrong toward the French citizens that cannot be undone. I will never know if they would regret their wrongdoings if the revolution did not happen, but I do know that they were people who made mistakes. They accept the consequences of their action, which has brought a huge impact on decision-making in the government throughout all of history.

Work Cited

Bashor, Will. Marie Antoinette’s Darkest Days : Prisoner No. 280 in the Conciergerie, Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2016. ProQuest Ebook Central.

Conciergerie, http://www.paris-conciergerie.fr/.

Guide, Paris Discovery. “Conciergerie: Why You Should Visit – Paris Discovery Guide.” Conciergerie: Why You Should Visit – Paris Discovery Guide, http://www.parisdiscoveryguide.com/conciergerie-paris.html.

Versailles as Text 2022

“Palace of Beauty and Betrayal” by Adia Pena of FIU Versailles

Stepping into France, I always admired the architecture of all the buildings I have seen. Their color, placement, and size were not what I usually see in America. Though these buildings were a sight to see, stepping into Versailles can not compare to any building or estate I have seen through my lifetime.

When you first get close by to look upon the palace, you are greeted by a huge statue of Louis XIV. Not only do you see him there, but even before and after you enter the palace, you are discreetly followed by Louis XIV’s influence. This is because Louis wanted to present himself as God and have a higher stand and influence than anybody in France. To achieve this, he designed the home with visible images of his face and embodiment all over through the interior design and paintings in the palace. He hired artists from outside France to display himself around the palace that he was like a god of sun and light. This interesting detail amazed me. Everywhere you went in the palace you are reminded that Louis XIV is above anybody.

Though it seems arrogant to most people to be portrayed as God, it does not even begin with how he wanted everyone in the palace to feel. Walking to the entrance, You have to climb far upon a long and steep hill to enter. Many past guests felt small based on the vast size and extreme length they had to go just to enter his home. Then finally, inside, you feel you are two inches seeing the height and big space that the palace has. In it, you see vast hallways and passages, each with drawings of Louis showing how he wants to be portrayed as powerful. Even some of the rooms, like the hall of mirrors, made the previous guest feel strange with all on eyes on them while meeting the king at the end of the long room.

Despite the home having beauty inside and a feeling of being overpowered by the previous king, what caught my eye was what was behind the palace. Behind was the most beautiful garden I have seen in my life. I was captivated by how it was designed and the different color flowers that gave a spring vibe in the summer. A remarkable feature of the garden was how each water fountain had a unique design that had a small message to it.

Other than the garden, I was amazed at how comfortable the private homes of Louis and Marie Antoinette felt. Though vast, it had soothing natural colors that felt like you were in a cottage. Not to mention oh how the small lakes and the farms with animals in them gave that mood you were in a quiet country away from the city.

Going to the palace of Versailles was a great start to my first week in Paris. I never thought I would be surrounded by a huge acre of land that is filled with detail and amazing architecture. Though people book months in advance just to see this palace, I know the original people who owned this palace only cared about themselves alone. This building beauty was home to a king who cared nothing about his people and wanted nothing more than to be looked upon highly by everyone. This thought will cross my mind whenever I think about the palace of Versailles.

Lyon as Text 2022

“Taking a step back” by Adia Pena of FIU Lyon

Entering another city in France was another memory I can have in store for my travels throughout my life. The next town in France was named Lyon, which had so much in store. When first entering the city, I was intrigued by the architectural design. The town gave an urban home feel to it. Though it gave this feel, much of how the city is designed is made upon steep hills and the bright, vibrant colors of the building. These designs came to be because of the material that was used decades ago to build it by the Romans.

Many of these buildings are in use today and are occupied by current residents in Lyon. It is primarily quiet in these areas, giving the citizens of the era a tranquil and quiet environment. But to really know this city’s architecture is to know the history behind it. One building called the Cour Des Vorcaces holds a story about workers fighting for their basic rights. Within the building laid the start of silk workers who had enough of the low amount of pay they were receiving. So in the same courtyard, I was standing was where a worker around my age wanted to have a change to benefit their lives or even their future generations. Another building that I was struck by its beauty the most was the La Tour Rose, which translates to the pink tower.

In the city, I once again went back in time but when the Romans occupied the land. I was in the Lugdunum, which was a city where an emperor named Claudius ruled. While regulating this land, he wanted equal rights, so the citizens were able to “worshipped many deities, including those brought from the east” (Lugdunum). This shocked me how a leader would allow equal rights since, throughout history in roman times, power ended up being misused many times. Now, this city became not just any old ruin but a theater that has “two levels of tiered seats for about 5,000 spectators” (The Roman theaters).To even show history was made in that location, a museum was put up with other artifacts from the site to be shown to the public.

The last location was a jail cell. Now even though jails are supposed to put criminals behind an iron bar who was first put in, there were nothing but innocent people. In world war II, innocent Jewish people who did no wrong were captured and put into this jail cells. They were small, dark, and haunting. Stepping into this jail cell was uncomfortable, and what the Jews had to endure while inside there was horrifying. Around 8 to 10 Jews were stuffed in there with barely any food and given no proper hygiene or privacy. Most of them that were in jail cells ended up being killed by Nazis. Many stories were told of the people’s lives and who they were before sadly passing or enduring this unjust punishment. One holocaust survivor named Claude Bloch told his story during this time. It happened to him at the young age of 15 years old, while there he lost loved ones through that time. It was inspiring and heartbreaking how strong he was then and now, but what was taken from him at such a young age all because of prejudiced views from wicked minds.

Going to Lyon, I did not know what to expect. This city that was new to me is now a city that I will not forget in my travels. Lyon holds history that I can guarantee that if anyone were to visit, it would impact their lives.

Work cited

“Lugdunum.” The Oxford Classical Dictionary 2012: n. pag. Print.

The Roman theaters. The Roman theaters – Lugdunum Museum and Roman theatres. (n.d.). Retrieved July 12, 2022, from https://lugdunum.grandlyon.com/en/Discover/The-Roman-theaters

Izieu as Text 2022

“A child’s life” by Adia Pena of FIU Izieu

Having a family means there are people that are with you. They support you they love, but what would happen if you were separated from them. During the holocaust, families were separated in camps, when they were kicked out of their homes and, brought in for interrogation by the soldiers, most not even seen after question. As a parent during this time, it was a difficult decision to bring your child with you or to send your child away for safety.

In Izieu, there is one of the most relaxing, nature-filled setting filled settings that I have seen. High in the mountains, you feel nothing but peace and the earth’s natural presence around you. Going into that area relaxes all worries and stress out of a person’s daily life. During the time of the Holocaust, 44 children lived in this area. Their parents sent them there for safety so no harm could come to them during this time when any Jewish life could be endangered. They attend a school, and the teachers that were there made sure they would live a normal life as young students. They taught them math, how to read, write, and draw. There are even pictures of most of the children smiling and enjoying their youth, but then their last moments of joy were taken from them by a sick mind.

This sick mind of Klaus Barbie, a Nazi general, found the school and ordered his soldiers to take all the children for integration. They wanted more information about where the parents were so they could be taken and tortured. All the children after question were sent into camps, and all of them ended up being killed at the hands of the German soldiers. After the Holocaust, most of the parents ended up surviving and never heard any information about what happened to their children.

Knowing all this information while being at the school made my heart drop. Seeing not just innocent lives being taken away but the lives of people who were so young, how could this happen. Images of these faces that were so happy and joyful without a care in the world hurt me. What hit me the most was the letters they wrote to their parents. The small letters they wrote were to thank their parents for the simple gifts they got them like socks and notebooks. They were so grateful and thankful they were able to receive them, and awaiting their time, they will finally be able to see them in person. It tore my heart into pieces that they were not able to say this to their parents in person.

Each student did not deserve what happened to them at all. How could somebody want to kill a child’s life with no remorse? This thought came upon me while looking at all the pictures in the room of each child. Even one child did not have any photos of them that were ever recovered. Each child just wanted to be with their parents and to live all life where none of this would happen.

The Masion D’Izieu honors the lives of these children. They do this by showing and informing us what happened during the time of the holocaust. Displaying the children’s artwork, images, and writings of them shows how happy there were there. Though this was a shattering moment, they want this area to be known as a place of joy because this is what memories laid in this area and will always be remembered by

Normandy As text

Each Step Liz took

Throughout history, many wars have happened. These wars happen because of unfair ruling, wanted territory, or political reasons. One war that is well known throughout history is World War II. During this time, the “German dictator Adolf Hitler had become determined to invade and occupy” (“World War II.”) parts of Europe. People came together to serve in the war and gave their life for freedom. Sadly, many people who were part of the war ended up passing away. Every person that gave their life are remembered for their service and hard work they gave during this time. One aspect that is used to remember these lives is cemeteries dedicated to each person. In particular, in France, there is the Normandy American Cemetery that honors and “contains the graves of 9,386 of our military dead, most of whom lost their lives in the D-Day landings and ensuing operations” (“Normandy American Cemetery.”). One person in particular that stood out to me during this time was a woman named Elizabeth Ann Richardson.
Elizabeth was the first-born child of Charles Richardson and Henrietta Richardson and then became a big sister when her two younger brothers John Anton and Charles Monroe Jr. came into the world. She had a loving family that was there for her with each step in her younger years. This lead her to be strong within her goals, purpose, and career. Then the time came where she stepped into adulthood.
She stepped out of her hometown in Ohio and went to Wisconsin to focus on her university studies at Milwaukee-Downer College. She had passion for the arts and made comic strips, drawings, poems, and music. Her unique drawings and amazing poems were stood out. She even made a poem called “A Life Cut Short” that centers around a girl’s life capturing small moments. Her work and focus lead to her getting the Joseph E. Davies Award and graduating with her Bachelor’s in art and English in 1940.After graduation she got a job at a company named “Schuster, an advertising agency in Milwaukee” (Suedois50). Things were going well, so what more did Elizabeth want to do? Well during World War II Elizabeth had a new perspective.

When news started to spread upon the war many Americans believed that “the United States should not get involved militarily in the Second World War” (Suedois50). Elizabeth even commented that “the U.S. will be suckers if they enter it.” (“Wearing Lipstick to War.”). Then, news of the attack on Pearl Harbor came and it struck something in her. She wanted to help to make change. She even said to one of her friends “We just had to go” (“Wearing Lipstick to War.”). She applied for the American Red Cross and was able to pass the interview and medical examinations. Stepping down from her old advertisement job now, her new step was to work in England when she boarded a ship to start her new life in the American Red Cross.

In her position she, did not work in the front lines, she did not do any training like the military, but her position was important just as any other position was during the war. She served donuts and coffee to the troops and had extreme demands in her work that included stress, hard labor, and organizations in a time where there were sometimes not enough resources or even assistance within the war. They were able to get through this even though England “had been ravaged by nearly five years of Nazi bombers, food shortages, and the horrors of total war” (“Wearing Lipstick to War.”). Most importantly she raised the spirits up of all the supporting troops. Though things were hard, not once did Elizabeth complain about this. She knew what she wanted, she wanted to support, and she wanted this new step in her life. She even wrote a letter to her parents saying “”I consider myself lucky to be in the clubmobiles, I can’t conceive of anything else it’s a rough, irregular and bizarre life but it’s wonderful. It’s as wonderful as everything is in these circumstances” (Suedois50).
On July 25, 1945, Elizabeth had to travel to the Red Cross headquarters located in Paris. Based on her hard work and dedication to support, she was promoted the captain of her unit. Ready to start her new position as captain, she went aboard a small plane with another pilot named Sergeant William R. Miller. The same day there happened to be a thick fog in the sky making it hard to navigate through. The pilot struggled to see clearly, and he crashed the plane by a city near France called Rounen. Both him and Elizabeth passed away from the crash and her life ended at just the age of 27. They found the body of Elizabeth and buried her for “more than two years in the military cemetery of Saint André-de-l’Eure” (Suedois50). Then in 1948, her body came to rest at the Normandy American Cemetery in France. She is “under one of the 9387 white crosses just a few graves from Sergeant William R. Miller who accompanied her in death this Wednesday, July 25, 1945 in the morning” (Suedois50).
Elizabeth Richardson from the start of her life always wanted to help support and make an achievement in her new life by stepping into a new direction. I too want make steps into my life to make an impact. I do not know I would move so far from home, I do not know if would ever join the red cross, I don’t even know if I would have this go getter personality like Elizabeth, but I do know I want to some impact in my life and I know this step I am doing now is just the start. I am still young and there are still more opportunities I know that will happen.
But no matter what part in my life I am in I want to say like Elizabeth “I wouldn’t trade my life for anything else, I have so much satisfaction in what I do with my life that I didn’t realize before” (Suedois50).

Work Cited
“Normandy American Cemetery.” American Battle Monuments Commission, 2022, http://www.abmc.gov/normandy.
Suedois50. “Richardson Elizabeth A – Cr Am.” RICHARDSON Elizabeth A – CR Am,Mémoire &Database, http://www.database-memoire.eu/prive/fr/normandy-tous-soldats/53-colleville-r-fr/1205-richardson-elizabeth-a-croix-rouge-americaine.
“Wearing Lipstick to War.” National Archives and Records Administration, National Archives and Records Administration,2007, http://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2007/fall/lipstick.html.
“World War II.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 2002, http://www.britannica.com/event/World-War-II.

Père Lachaise As Text

Have you ever heard of music? You probably have, whether it was nursery rhymes when you were younger, instruments playing in the background, or even your own playlist, music has been part of each of our lives. One person who impacted the music industry and people’s lives in the late 1960’s was a man named Jim Morrison.

Jim Morrison was born in Melbourne, Florida on December 8th in 1943. As a child he was “very popular, thanks to his talent as a storyteller” (Moysan). He would frequently write down his ideas and speak to the public in which “the source of two major inspirations in Jim’s behavior and in his poetry: on the one hand, a very marked attraction for the mysticism of the Amerindians and shamanism” (Moysan). So when Morrison went to college, he studied in UCLA and took his passion for storytelling the cinema route. Though at times, he would play around in his classes, he was focused on “[taking] notes on cinematographic techniques, on the history of cinema and on the philosophical reflections that this medium inspired in him” (Moysan). He graduated in 1965 with a bachelors in film, but was unemployed and homeless, living on the beach. But his situation turned into a possibility because while living there he crossed paths with a man named Ray Manzarek. They became close friends and showed each other their talents. One talent that shocked Ray was Morrison’s singing and lyric skills. Right when he heard his voice, Ray was “immediately seduced by the lyrical intensity of Jim’s lyrics, Ray Manzarek reportedly exclaimed, ‘Hey, man, let’s form a rock band and win a million dollars!’ ”(Moysan). Morrison agreed to this idea, and created the name for the band called The Doors. He got the name from a book’s quote named  The Doors of Perception specifically “by William Blake: ‘If the doors of perception were cleared, everything would appear to man as it is’” (Moysan). Later on, they added two more members to the group. They first started to play in “a bar in Los Angeles, The London Fog” (Moysan) and they played music “ranging at times from basic pop rock to blues to jazz to spoken word ensembles, [which] was nonetheless innovative” (“Jim Morrison.”).  Their band got noticed by a record label and their fame grew

They started playing at different clubs and debuted on local and International television. They even “spent a lengthy 121 weeks on the Billboard 200” (Caulfield). Even years later, the band was “inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1993” (“The Doors.”). This was all thanks to the band’s work and how through Morrison’s “lyrics of his songs, which advocate free love, the use of drugs, the consumption of Alcohol, rejection of Puritan morality, revolt against authority, militancy against war” (Moysan). But things started to take a turn with Morrison.

Jim Morrison “stage performances grew even more intense” (Moysan), which lead to him getting arrested. His biggest arrest he was known for was while “[o]n stage, he launched into a diatribe against the cop” (Tedasregadoo) and had other altercations, which lead for charges of him “inciting a riot, public obscenity (he dropped the f-bomb a couple of times) and indecency” (Tedasregadoo). He spoke about his actions and stated, “I couldn’t be taken seriously. It’s a funny thing: being a loved and hated rock star is—it’s a gift-curse, and there is only ever one way out of it” (“Jim Morrison.”). This is because of the media “constructing his sex symbol image” (Majstorović), and him feeling “it’s the reporters, it’s the press, people like that, that create this insanity … that make up this stuff and then people start believing it” ( Majstorović). So he left it, moved to France, and stated that is “why I left the business and moved to Paris. People didn’t recognize me there, or if they did, it wasn’t a big fanfare deal. I was just another guy, another artist. America was a disaster and it had turned me into a disaster” (“Jim Morrison.”). This was because towards the end, he “found it difficult to handle the change: his growing dependence on alcohol would dim his talent in the years that followed, and the superstar status made him believe he was immune to normal authority” (Morrison).

Moving to Paris was supposed to bring more to his life, but instead cause his death. Moving there he “devote[d] himself to poetry and to reduce his alcohol consumption” (Moysan). During the time he was there, “Morrison appeared happy and healthy. And in photos taken during his final days alive, he looked trim and fit” (Lamoureux). Then all of sudden, “On July 3, 1971, Morrison’s girlfriend found him dead in his bathtub” (Morrison). Though there was never an autopsy it was said, he “had died of heart failure, thought to be brought on by a heroin overdose” (Lamoureux) at just the age of 27. 

As humans, we make mistakes, we have regrets, and we have people in our lives we inspire. It was not good that Morrison went through this route of alcohol, drugs, and felonies. This is what he did not want, but the lifestyle that came to him and consumed his way of life. He wanted to get away from it all so he moved away to not have that in his life. His music and even poetry–was that a cry for help? Maybe it was a way to say a message about this industry, or another way of life we tend to overlook. Even within his poetry he gave this view about this life. One poem that shows this, “In This Dim Cave,” he writes: “In this dim cave we can go no further. Here money is key to smooth age. Horses, givers of guilt. Great bags of gold.

I want obedience!” (Douglas). Though I may not know what exactly Morrison went through personally, I know it hurt. It hurt him so much that he just couldn’t deal with life anymore. He even said it in his songs that, “So I tell you, I tell you I tell you we must send away We must try to find a New answer instead of a way” (“Jim Morrison.”). It is sad that during times because of your social status, your emotions are overlooked. Morrison was not the only person to go through this; people just like me and you can experience being unheard. But we all still remember what Morrison did in the music industry. His supporters, his outspokenness about his emotions, and how “there’s no question that his contributions to the rock world will never be forgotten” (Lamoureux).

Work Cited

Caulfield, Keith. “The Doors: A Billboard Chart History.” Billboard, 21 May 2013, www.billboard.com/pro/the-doors-a-billboard-chart-history/.

Douglas, James. “In This Dim Cave.” In This Dim Cave – James Douglas Morrison – My Poetic Side, mypoeticside.com/show-classic-poem-20240.

“Jim Morrison.” Hyperrhiz, 1 Jan. 1970, hyperrhiz.io/hyperrhiz23/rocktalog/15-sundvall-morrison.html.

Lamoureux, Aimee. “What Really Happened to Jim Morrison in Paris?” All That’s Interesting, All That’s Interesting, 25 July 2022, allthatsinteresting.com/jim-morrison-death.

Majstorović, Dunja. “A Young Lion, the Lizard King, and Erotic Politician: Tracing the Roots of Jim Morrison’s Mythical Image.” Journal of Communication Inquiry, vol. 41, no. 2, Apr. 2017, pp. 157–173, doi:10.1177/0196859917690532.

“Morrison, Jim.” UXL Encyclopedia of World Biography, edited by Laura B. Tyle, vol. 7, UXL, 2003, pp. 1336-1338. Gale eBooks, link.gale.com/apps/doc/CX3437500554/GVRL?u=miam11506&sid=bookmark-GVRL&xid=bcc2cbc5. Accessed 28 July 2022.

Moysan, Stephen. “Biographie De Jim Morrison (1943-1971).” Biographie De Jim Morrison, http://www.eternels-eclairs.fr/biographie-jim-morrison.php.

Tedasregadoo. “Jim Morrison’s Arrest History.” Ultimate Classic Rock, 4 Aug. 2015, ultimateclassicrock.com/jim-morrison-arrest-history/.

“The Doors.” The Doors, thedoors.com/the-band.

Introduction

One event throughout history that many people have heard of is the French Revolution. This event started in May 5, 1789 and then officially ended November 9, 1799. Whether it was through classes, movies, or brief discussions with peers in regards to what happen during that era everyone can agree upon how big of an impact the revolution made in French history. Many reasons why it became well known was because this was an impactful period where the people of France finally initiated this movement and those results lead them to “succeeded in obtaining great power for the lower class, creating a constitution, limiting the power of the monarchy, giving the Third Estate great control over the populace of France and gaining rights and power for the lower class of France” (“The Success of The French Revolution.”). There were people who were part of this revolution who became well known in French history. Some of these people were known for the purpose of being supporters, some were against the revolution, and even some as well were traitors during this period. One influential figure from that time was a man named Maximilien Robespierre. Though his view points were “to make France a republic of virtue with equality and liberty for all men” (Eagan 11) this was only in the beginning. Later on Robespierre’s other views of how France should be ruled lead to his downfall. It in addition to this it caused him to be “represented [as] all that was evil in the Revolution”, though for some people he was “the savior and protector of democracy and the rights of man” (Eagan 11).

Early Times of Maximilien Robespierre

Robespierre was born on “May 6, 1758, in Arras, the small capital of the province of Artois” (Jordan 24) in northern France. His father, Maximilien Barthélémy de Robespierre, was a lawyer and his mother, Jacqueline Marguerite Carrault, was known only know by her parents’ famous brewer since she passed away later in his life. His father ended up leaving him and Maximilien with “his brother and sisters, was raised by his maternal grandparents” (“Maximilien Robespierre.”). This was a tough start into Robespierre childhood but he still stayed focused for his future despite his early tragedies. Robespierre was bright in his education at a young age. One aspect that proves his brilliance is when he was 17 years old “he was chosen from the 500 pupils of his school to deliver a speech to the newly crowned King of France Louis the XVI” (“Maximillien Robespierre Biography.”). With such achievement to his first education he decides to attend a university in order to study law. He went to the college of the “Oratorians at Arras, and in 1769 he was awarded a scholarship to the famous college of Louis-le-Grand in Paris, where he distinguished himself in philosophy and law” (“Maximilien Robespierre.”). After graduating and passing the bar exam in 1781 he made a “private practice [that] provided him with a comfortable income” (“Maximilien Robespierre.”). Within the practice he had a “reputation as a forceful and enlightened lawyer, a people’s lawyer, even a poor man’s lawyer” (Jordan 44). In other viewpoints people thought his action in law were “too radical, took only cases of poor clients, and had offended the courts” (Jordan 28). Not letting any negative opinions or views from other people get in his way Robespierre still represented for giving equal justice for the lower class citizens in the French judicial system. This event “alarmed the privileged classes by his protests in his “Mémoire pour le Sieur Dupond” (‘Report for Lord Dupond’) against royal absolutism and arbitrary justice” (“Maximilien Robespierre.”).

Political Impacts of  Robespierre

To become a lawyer, own your own law firm, and be well known for advocating to the community that was never acknowledge was a huge stepping stone. But more was to come for Robespierre in the political realm. Robespierre was “a member of the Third Estate at Artois” (Eagan 32) and there he was able to find “appeals to the welfare of the country [to] assure them of the popular support no matter how thin their political programs may be” (Eagan 32).Most methods he would do would be relating to patriotism, since he believe that “was the key to all problems confronting the state” (Eagan 36).He would do speeches talking in regards to these issues which not only gave him the role at the estate but the National assembly as well. While there he “sp[oked] more than 500 times during the life of the National Assembly” (“Maximilien Robespierre.”) to advocate how France should be run. Not only did he join the assembly, but also a group called the Jacobins which was the most famous political group of the French Revolution. He even earned a title “ ‘the Incorruptible’ because of his honesty and firm sense of right and wrong” (“Robespierre, Maximilien de.”). With wanting to “govern in accordance with the general will of the people” (Eagan 42) he put that into action by writing the wants “on paper in a constitution” (Eagan 42). He also wanted to help create the declaration of rights so that “these rights before the eyes of the people [would not be tampered with] so that they would never be oppresses by tyrants” (Eagan 42). These kinds of ethics and morals shows values of great leadership in a society that sought after this to rules most regions throughout history.

It’s Revolution Time

Throughout the time of the revolution, Robespierre was known for the speeches he did to large audiences. He assisted the revolution by fighting “almost exclusively with his words” (Jordan 64). Through his speeches he influenced  “ ‘[t]he love of justice, of humanity, of liberty’ ’’that the French never received from the monarchy (Jordan 64) and “his work as an organizer of the Jacobin party” (Eagan 52) lead the group to be successful in the revolution. With Robespierre leadership the Jacobin party attacked “their enemies not as mere opponents but as criminals seeking dominant power at home or spies paid by hostile foreign powers” (Eagan 52). When they caught the enemies the “Committee arrested alleged opponents of the revolution, who were then tried by revolutionary courts” (McKelvie). Those enemies were “members of the aristocracy, priests, members of the middle class and anyone accused of counterrevolutionary activity” (McKelvie). They all had to be in trial since “the Law of Suspects [was created] in order to identify and punish any alleged enemies of the revolution” (McKelvie). In the end they were all found guilty and executed which accumulated “records of those sentenced to death numbers 16,594, but 18,000 to 23,000 more may have been killed without trial or may have died while imprisoned” (McKelvie). With all that Robespierre was doing in France while being part of the Nation assembly and the Jacobin party he got a “place on the Committee of Public Safety” (“Maximilien Robespierre.”). This committee primarily ruled France after the, King Louis XIV, was guillotined and was “unofficially controlled by Robespierre” (“Maximillien Robespierre Biography.”). The peoples’ perspective was more acknowledge for the Revolution due to Robespierre’s control. He had equal viewpoints, always supported the lower class, and joined organizations that fought for their freedoms against the unfair monarchy. The French revolution had succeeded with gaining the power they never had before. However, eventually everything went wrong with the power he had with the influential committees he controlled and authority in France that Robespierre now had.

The Downfall of Robespierre

With his view and morals, it was hard to believe that what he was doing later on led to him being and having a title in ways along the lines of what a dictator did. But that was what exactly he was doing “[in] order to bring about a mass conscription, economic dictatorship, and total war” (“Maximilien Robespierre.”). With the position, organizations, and assembling the Reign of Terror he automatically became the “de facto dictator of the country” (“Maximillien Robespierre Biography.”). How he was doing this dictatorship was “established outside the regular government and then it gradually seized power” (Eagan 149). Now with all what he was doing with France did he want to become a dictator and rule France under this direction. When question about him ruling France this way “Robespierre denied any such ambition. He merely wished a highly centralized form of government in order to rid France of its enemies” (Eagan 149). But his way to govern the people led to him “los[ing] the support of the people, whose hardships continued despite the recent French victories” (“Maximilien Robespierre.”). What made the French citizens had enough is when he carried out executions without a fair trial. This made the French citizens “question his rule and the other members of the convention conspired [in secret] to overthrow him” (“Maximillien Robespierre Biography.”). The citizens went to a hotel he was residing in and “attacked the Hôtel de Ville and easily seized Robespierre and his followers” (“Maximilien Robespierre.”). This lead to his death of being “guillotined before a cheering mob on the Place de la Révolution” (“Maximilien Robespierre.”).

My Take On Maximilien

Power is something that can be good or bad. You can use power to support a cause or you can even use power to destroy a cause. In most cases it all depends on the situation and the person in particular that has power. In the event that I lived during the time during the French revolution and I can give power to whoever I want I would choose Robespierre to obtain it. The reason why is because he has showed and did actions relating to a good nation that he wanted France to be. He had views and “belief[s] in the virtues of a society of nations, each free and equal, all co-operating for the general good” (Eagan 51). But then later on I would regret giving my power since during that time France is not the nation that Robespierre was supposed to make. No matter which way you look at it a dictatorship is an oppress ruling. There have been a large percentage of countries and regions that give better opportunities and wealth under this authoritarian regime ruling. Though, is that all really worth it for the cost of only letting one person rule with power and the citizens that live and contribute to the nation not having a say to what goes on. No one was really truly free under the time Robespierre ruled. It was not a surprise “his death, his memory was relentlessly attacked, and a great many of his papers were destroyed. History portrayed him as either a bloodthirsty creature or a timid bourgeois” (“Maximilien Robespierre.”). This can go back to how some dictatorships would happen to stabilize a problem in their region. The dictator feels since they control and have the source of power what they do is ideal to run the region. However, in the end it does not help the citizens but instead give bad representation to whoever is ruling and making the decisions.

Conclusion and Final Remarks

To sum up all that has been stated, throughout all of history we have seen destruction, beauty, interesting perspectives, and eye opening experiences that surprised people. The French revolution altogether gave us these categories. Maximilien Robespierre was not only there during the time of the revolution but help made it. All Robespierre wanted to do was have an “eternal future for revolutions and revolutionaries” (Jordan 3). This had to be cut short for Robespierre (pun not intended) since he was not doing this for the citizens of France towards the end of his life. I will never forget the oath he made the people of France in which he said “I swear to maintain with all my might the unity and indivisibility of the republic” (Jordan 72). He said this with meaning since he wanted to “recognize as my brother any just man, any true friend of humanity, whatever is color, his stature, and his land” (Jordan 72).  France now has that in the modern day society. Robespierre wish came true but he did not do it during his era. Who knows if Robespierre has regrets for what he did that made the French resent him to the end. Who knows if he still wanted France to be ruled the way he was doing. All that is known is that all he did and all that has happened in the French Revolution is in a huge part history that is not forgotten.

Work Cited

Eagan, James Michael. Maximilien Robespierre: Nationalist Dictator. Columbia University Press, 1938.

Jordan, David P. The Revolutionary Career of Maximilien Robespierre. University of Chicago Press, 1989.

“Maximilien Robespierre.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., https://www.britannica.com/biography/Maximilien-Robespierre.

“Maximillien Robespierre Biography.” YouTube, uploaded by CloudBiography, 14 June 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?v=OglrzNohp3Q.

McKelvie, C. (2021, October 20). What was the reign of terror? LiveScience. Retrieved April 24, 2022, from https://www.livescience.com/reign-of-terror.html

“Robespierre, Maximilien de.” UXL Encyclopedia of World Biography, edited by Laura B. Tyle, vol. 9, UXL, 2003, pp. 1599-1601. Gale In Context: Global Issues, link.gale.com/apps/doc/CX3437500666/GIC?u=miam11506&sid=bookmark-GIC&xid=9ce72b03. Accessed 22 Apr. 2022.

“The Success of The French Revolution.” ukessays.com. 11 2018. UKEssays. 04 2022 <https://www.ukessays.com/essays/history/the-success-of-the-french-revolution-history-essay.php?vref=1&gt;.

Adia Pena Is a junior at Florida International University. She is under the honors college majoring in Political Science. When Adia gets free time, she likes to read, clean, and cook. She especially loves to cook and eat spicy food (can eat anything spicy also). Adia has a sweet personality and an open mind to new opportunities that are in front of her.

Deering as Text 2022

“A New Home,” by Adia Pena of Fiu Deering Estate

Whenever you think of a luxury real estate many factors come into mind. In most cases it could be a huge acre a land that has mansion that is five story in the middle. There could be a huge pool in a secluded area with lots of security. But in the 1920’s living the luxury lifestyle was a different way.

When I first step into the estate I was greeted by a large Boat basin and two beautiful homes next to each other. Before it was bought from the state all the area was owned by a man named Charles Deering. Before Deering purchase the property, it was a vernacular home called the Richmond cottage. When he bought it, he made and renovated the two buildings next to each other. The one he lived and his well know home was a stone house made of concrete. It also had design inspiration from foreign architecture. Inside was a huge secret wine cellar that hid alcohol that was illegal to obtain during that time period. Looking at this area is a sight to see but had a tragic history of how it was made.

During the times Charles Deering wanted to make this home was during racial segregation. Black Workers, most from the Bahamas, would construct his house in harsh and unsafe conditions. It was so bad that an accident occur that killed four of the workers. Ambulance did not even save them since they believe their lives were not worth it to get them out of danger. Who knew such beauty from a home can have such tragedy to it.

Next to his home my class was able to hike through the huge Nature Preserve. This preserve was first own by the natives there called the Tequesta. The Tequesta land hold many valuable factors towards it. The land contains freshwater and saltwater. The fresh water was their main source for drinking and the saltwater gave them shell bits. These were important tools for them to do daily chores like descaling fish. Though the Tequesta are no longer physically here they did not leave their home. Some of the Tequesta were left in a burial mound. Under this huge oak tree contains the bodies of the natives. They are position in a circle underneath the dirt protected by the preserve so they may be in peace.

Who knew not too far from where I live in south Florida there is another piece history that is not to well known. To know that what happen in the estate was a mind-blowing experience wish that more of the locals here in Florida would be able to know about what happen in the estate to get to know happen before we all lived here in Florida.

Vizcaya as Text 2022

“Garden of history left behind” by Adia Pena of FIU Vizcaya Musuem and gardens

A huge estate known as the Visacya Museum and Gardens resides in Miami. Though it is now a historical traction use for weddings,celebrations,and get togethers it once belonged to a maned James Deering. With the incredible wealth that he had, he wanted a home like no other in Miami. It had to be decorated, design and sculpted to his taste.

He started by making his home huge by buying 100 acres of the land within 1000 feet in 1912. Now that he owned the property, he needed workers to build his dream. He got workers whose origins were Bahamian. These black workers were treated terribly based on the low pay they were getting for this hard labor and the horrible work conditions. Not only at their workplace, they were poorly treated, but in Miami, they were put into segregated areas. Many artists came to the home to make some touches to it. Some of these artists are unknown, and some were big named artists that have done multiple projects for Deering. One notable artist is a man named Paul Chalfin. In fact, he was in charge of the general design for inside and outside the home. Other people whose names they were able to find that helped build the home were Burrall Hoffman as the architect and Diego Suarez, who was in charge of the landscape.

First, entering the guest entrance of the museum is like walking on a red carpet. To go inside, you have to walk a certain distance to get in, but when you are walking, you are guided by a long waterfall from both sides that makes it feel it is taking you where you need to enter inside.

Once inside the building, I was amazed at how much detail was put into each room of this estate. Entering in the middle of the home, you feel, see, and are with the ocean. The house gives a feeling you are in Miami’s tropical Flora by the sunlight coming into the vast window up and the many plants decorated around.

After being in the middle of the home, the class explored the rest of the first floorof his home. Like any standard home, there is a kitchen, pantry, and Dinning room. Each design with statues and artistic details mainly from Europe. But Deering wanted more to be made for him that everything would be astonishing and towards his liking. To his request, more was put inside like no other home. A reception room was made inside with decor from France named Rococo style. That style contained heavy decoration of curves and designs like seashells. Then the most astonishing room inside was the living room. As the largest space in the home, there was a huge fireplace with stonework from Normandy. A huge painting and small sculptures had lions on it, showing the great beast. But the most significant and unique artistic piece was the carpet. Not like a rug carpet that gets stained all time; oh no, this huge Admiral carpet hangs on the side with Islamic designs. It has a script in Arabic that translates to say there is no god but Allah. Inside the design, there are coats of arms in which one has a has lion, two wolves, and the chivalric order of La.

After being inside this one of a kind of home, we went outside where new beauty was shown. A huge sculpture on the sea shows a huge mermaid that Deering wanted. But when it was first created, it was not to his liking. He complained about the breast size in which he got it made smaller despite having to give another large compensation. Then a large fountain was transported onto the garden that was originally in a town square. In it, there was a small maze, though not able to have a lost experience base of the bush being cut short, it was interesting to be in one.

Another new visit to add to my list here in south Florida. Through art, there is a story and meaning. While here, I was able to know the true meaning behind that phrase. Even though it seemed at first Deering Just wanted to spend his riches on this because he was able to, he wanted artwork that he could show that had meaning, purpose, and beauty to it.

Downtown Miami as Text 2022

“Deep in the Depth of Dowtown Miami” by Adia Pena Downtown Miami

Miami about anybody from Florida or outside has heard of this city. The reason is because of the reputation it brings. Its diversity, urban culture, and fast past city life. But to actually know if it does bring those options, you have to be in the heart of it, which is downtown Miami.

In the downtown of Miami, the first stop I went to was the Government center. This hits you with the city life base on how many people are hustling to go to their destinations. They either travel by car, Miami busses, or the Miami metro, which is right next to the government center.

Though fast past city life can be nonstop, one thing will stop to catch your eye. The amazing art that is display throughout the city.One artwork that stands out is by two artist named Claes Oldenburg and Coosje Van Bruggen. In front of the government, building is a sculpture that has huge pieces of Orange peels, Orange slices, and broken bowls displayed made of iron. This represents the Florida symbol, which is the orange, and the explosion that the city of Miami holds.

Another few blocks away is a home. Not like an apartment building or a luxury home. But an older home that holds history. The original homeowner was named William Wagner. What stood out with him and his house is who lived there. During his time, segregation took place. Not only were people of color limited on where they could go they were also limited on who they could love. This still did not stop Eveline Aimar, an immigrant from Haiti, and Wagner, a German Immigrant, from being together and having a child. They made their family there and friendly relationships with the Seminoles. This estate is known as one of the oldest Miami homes.

After being in that historical monument, the class went right into the middle of downtown Miami. Like most downtown cities, there was the courtroom of that district. What is unique about Miami’s courthouse is its architecture. It took a Neo-classical style to meet what was needed in Miami’s county for 50 years.

By the courthouse lays a disturbing history. One of them being a statue of Henry Flagler. Even though Flager helped make Miami, he also negatively impacted it. Some negative factors he did are creating a segregated city named color town, destroying a burial mound of the Tequesta, and throwing waste into the river. Many people have made petitions and gone to the government to get rid of his name being honored in the city by changing the street named after him.

A while later, we walk passed the residential areas of Miami. A vast river was by that used to have freshwater by the Everglades which got destroyed based on discharge by the Royal palm hotel. Then there was the Flager’s workers house that was used for construction works to live in when they first started building the Royal Palm Hotel. Before we started our journey, we went to the center of Miami. Not afraid of the crazy traffic or anybody stopping us, the class stepped in to take a group photo showing proof that we were officially in the middle of Miami.

Our last historical stop was the Freedom Tower. This beautiful building help Cuban immigrants start their new life here in Miami. Cubans would stay here for refugee and made this establishment their symbol of liberty. Not only does it hold memories, but the building itself is amazing. Based on how it is 17 stories and has architecture inspiration from Spain.

Who knew going through a downtown city holds so much. Miami is more this just party life and luxury styles. It shows that a community from the past, present, and future can hold more opportunities. Not only do we have these opportunities nothing and nobody can stop us from keeping our creative spirit, growing minds, and rightful views.

Sobe as Text 2022

“Miami Beach Madness” by Adia Pena South Beach

I have been through places in Miami that I did not even know existed through this time. The next destination that I went to, South Beach, is a well-known huge tourist attraction. Many people come here for the summer, spring break, or visit to see what the hype is all about there. Little do tourists or people that live in that area know what made South Beach like no other city in South Florida.

There is no way while at South Beach that you do not stop by the sandy beaches and clear blue waters. Imagine sea salt, cool breeze, and a scenery that hits a person with astonishment. Now scratch that thought and think about mangroves with long roots all over. That is what south beach originally looked like until Carol Fisher came into the picture. With greed in his eyes, Fisher wanted to take this environment and make it into a holiday home for his own profit. While building this without a thought in mind, he took away what was already on the land. He took away the homes of the Africans, Seminoles, and native animals. The only thing he left was destruction to the environment.

Walking away from the beach, knowing what is behind all those buildings, you are hit with the Miami everyone knows. Streets filled with heavy traffic, people partying, and the Florida heat in your face. Now what surrounds you all over is the building that are there. These are not just regular buildings any architecture made; they each have their own style, all inspired by Art Deco.

Art Deco is not like any other building design or style. Art Deco came to be unique because of the fascination with technology. Some examples can be toasters, refrigerators, or even spaceships. To add on how this style is supposed to be, there are characteristics that make it stand out, like having pastel colors, curved edges, and porthole windows.

Though most buildings take from Art Deco, they are each unique in their own way. One building that many tourists come to is the Versace Mansion. Gianni Versace fell in love with Miami and made a residents here. Within South Beach, he saw the fashion and beauty that Miami had, so he incorporated it into his fashion line. People loved what he did, but some people had another viewpoint about him. One person’s viewpoint led to Versace being shot and killed on the front steps of his home. Now his home holds a story that brings people all over to see his home while enjoying a bottle of wine that cost an arm and a leg and 72.00 prime rib dinner while inside.

If that is not in your price budget, going further down the streets, you can find reasonable price quick eats like coffee, BBQ, and even seafood. But one specialty that no one can beat is Pizza. But what makes a specific pizzeria well known is not what is inside but what is in-between. There is the Betsy Orb which is an egg shape sculpture that is in between an alleyway. This unique sculpture can be posted on social media and can land a person a free sweet treat with a pizza purchase. This quick bite is well deserved on an exploration of South Beach.

I always have a feeling that certain tourist spots can be just scams. But while I was in South Beach, the beauty and history captivated me. So many people come here, whether for vacation or to have their own investment, know that South Beach is the spot. But, I know what made South Beach the spot that brought its attraction for what it is today.