Palin and Napoleon I

In trying not to think about the tragedy that is Sarah Palin and the shootings that occurred yesterday in the states (everyone here is talking about it), I am in instead thinking about fritas (fries). Fritas here are classified as a serving of vegetables — every American’s dream; it makes for a good excuse in eating plenty of them!

I just finished visiting the Louvre (entryway pictured above), where the Mona Lisa and many other famous artworks are held. Most of the art (including a 3,000-year-old Egyptian piece that once stood in front of the Sphinx that now stands outside the Louvre) became a part of France during the reign of Napoleon I. Most countries will tell you that Napoleon stole most of the art that sits in the Louvre during his days of conquering the world; he “liked” many things. The French maintain this isn’t the case and refuse to give any art back to the respective countries. Egypt, by no surprise knowing how protective their archaeologists are, are the only ones who seem to give a damn and send a letter to the French government every year asking for the return of quite a few items. One item in particular the Egyptians wish to have back is the 3,000-year-old monument that tells the story of Ramses in hieroglyphics. It sits next to the only female statue of the city masquerading as a piece of French history. It’s quite laughable really.

This attitude of reminds me of the American government attitude. In fact, it was after hearing this story that I realized why the American-French relationship is so up-and-down. I have a cousin who is like a sister to me, and we often fight like sisters. My mother always said it was only because we’re so much alike that we fight in the manner that we do. The Americans are like the younger sister to the French — the basic mentality is so similar that we butt heads. We have our versions of the truth that is superior to everyone else — no matter how far it is from reality.

The French government claims the 3,000-year-old monument was given to Napoleon by the Egyptians and find it deplorable that they’re asking for it back. So here are two versions of the story on how this art arrived, but of course the French version is the most illogical. Somehow, though, the French win every year and keep this out-of-place statue that sits in alignment to the Arc du Triumphe and their national assemble; it is truly an odd site to see this hieroglyph sitting between all this French-ness.