Paris, France

My second week on the ground here began on a high note. I went to visit the RATP bibliotheque and archive, and was able to track down a series of 3-d models done on CATIA showing the metro lines <>. With this data I will be able to graphically show the complex workings of the many paths of the Paris Metro. Inspired by this article, this information will help guide one of the essays, which thus far deals with spatial orientation and relationships underground. Ideally I would like to convert these computer drawings so I can make 3-D models of them, to use as part of my presentation. Now all I need to do is write the essay.

I got the bones of another essay in place (pun regretfully intended) over the weekend, which deals with Paris' cemetaries and ossuaries, and the issues the city has had in the past dealing with death in the city. I've got the outline worked out and tomorrow am descending into the catacombs in order to cover the last part of the death scene in Paris. Unfortunately I'm realizing that alot of these essays are going to require historical background information and other scholarly research which I do not have the resources for in Paris, so before any of these essays can really take off, I'm going to have to be back in Virginia with access to the proper materials. The trick will be forecasting enough ahead of time so that I gather the correct information while I am here in Paris so that it still has relevancy after I'm back and have begun to write.