Today in Paris, We participated in a cooking class with Chef Lucy. We made a three course meal while learning how to chop vegetables, peel and prepare shrimp, and stuff chicken. We made a asparagus cream soup with shrimp, and crispy chicken with apricots and pistachios. For dessert we had chocolate fondant with salted butter caramel.

After our class, we proceeded to go on a tour of the local street art in Paris. We met our guide, Sandrine, or whose artist name is Ms Beja, and began the tour. Sandrine explained to us the significance of street art. How it is the fastest way to make a collage, and the potential risks associated with it.

We learned how risk is a part of street art. How you must work quickly and cleanly as possible to do the art and then leave. Normally you would need permission from the City of Paris in order to paint on the street but most people don’t bother since it takes too long.

She mentions a little loophole about how the city of Paris doesn’t clean walls up 4 meters. So if your art is higher than that it’s going to last longer on the street.

Sandrine also explains to us the difference between tagging and street art. A tag is one signature usually used as the form of marking your territory. Street art is meant to be enjoyed and viewed publicly. 

Overall it was a very fun and knowledge-filled day. We learned about two different forms of art: the art of cooking and the art of street painting.  We learned the significance of these two in French culture and how it is a form of expression for all those who partake in it.