Understanding Joie de Vivre, Touring the French Institute Alliance Francaise

by Jennifer Ciotta
Unfortunately, I could not travel to France this spring so I decided to bring the country to me in New York City.  I discovered that the Francophone, French-speaking, community in the city seems to be quite substantial and love of French culture exists amongst New Yorkers, but prefers quiet recognition.  Thus I went to the source: French Institute Alliance Francaise (FIAF).  My thoughts veered off to Les Miserables'  Victor Hugo, ex-pat Parisian poet Gertrude Stein, and of course, Francophone writer Samuel Beckett.  Yet the vastness and contemporary interior design of FIAF l...