By Bus to Brussels

Today was mainly a traveling day. But we started the morning off at the French Senate, which has been my favorite educational lecture thus far. I was really fascinated with the architecture and the decor, once again. But I learned that this time instead of the monarchy just proclaiming their power there was someone else specifically striving to proclaim his power. And that is Louis-Napoleon, the nephew to Napoleon Bonaparte. 

Because of the uncertainty around the political agenda and the way things were going to be run Louis-Napoleon took it upon himself to make it very clear that he was is charge and would reign over France. Multiple statues and paintings within the building continually repeated the message over and over again. I learned that Louis-Napoleon was actually the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte. Many people questioned whether or not this was the correct lineage of the monarchy. But because of the death of Napoleon II, Louis-Napoleon (Napoleon III) was the rightful successor. Napoleon III even went so far as painting a baby portrait of the Napoleon before him on the ceiling to remind those entering that he is rightfully ruling over France. I find it so interesting that this was such a proclamation of power! It makes me start redesigning my own room in my head and wondering how I can proclaim my own power. (Just kidding, but it does make you think about how one would go about it today!)

Another wonderful part of the day was seeing the seat that Victor Hugo had when he was serving in the senate. That along with a rare collection of his books put me over the edge!

We finished the tour and then headed onto the bus as we made our way to Brussels! It was a full day of travel and after we arrived and had dinner we all decided to head to bed early. Even though today wasn't as jam packed as previous days it was still great! It is always interesting to change countries and see the differences. Though I haven't seen much of Brussels I can tell that is is very modern. There doesn't seem to be as much history as Paris, but I am sure that I will still like it!

Until tomorrow. 

xoxo,
Claire Marie