Authentic journeys
                for the connoisseur

Regina Resnick

Assistant Dean, Columbia Business School, New York City

I was thinking about having a summer adventure when a beautiful Culture Capsules brochure arrived in the mail. It intrigued me because the trip offered real variety - a breadth of activities - and also appeared to provide the chance to explore in-depth and get an "insider" perspective on various aspects of French culture. Having taken some exotic, action-packed trips over the years, I once again sought to have my mind and senses stimulated, yet within a context where I could better savor and relish the experience. I had been to France before and was captivated by the French culture, but I wanted to better understand the aesthetics and craftsmanship that makes the culture so rich. And, quite frankly, having completed a busy season at work, I wanted someone else to be concerned with the details and creature comforts of the trip.

I had gone to business school several years ago with the Culture Capsules founder, Jacqueline Gilbertson, and therefore landed on her target list. I recalled her as a knowledgeable person, spirited and with a passion for the arts. It struck me that with Jacquie as host, I was bound to have a memorable experience and with great tales to tell. To my delight, Jacquie took great care with each of her clients to make sure that the trip was meeting our expectations. For example, I was especially interested in the personalized tour of the art galleries in the Marais since I have an avid interest in contemporary art. Jacquie arranged for an art historian to give the group a tour that exposed us to quite eclectic pieces including video art, found art, photography and painting. The guide had a unique ability to make arguably "stark" art accessible by providing an historical framework. Some others on the trip were more enthusiastic about French decorative art. We had a chance to compare and contrast styles when the art historian gave us a guided tour of the Nissim de Camondo Museum and, once again, when Jacquie led us through numerous antique stalls in the outskirts of Paris at the Saint Ouen Marché aux Puces. I believe we all left with a better appreciation for one another's interests and tastes.

I should note that on this particular trip, Jacquie's clients were all successful women from different walks of life. It made for diverse perspectives and lively discussions that I quite enjoyed. It's always great to "break bread" with new friends. The incredible cooking and eating sessions ensured that truly was the case! We had fun sharing stories and laughing over some of the entertaining situations we encountered along the way.

Without recounting all that we did, I would note that the "mélange" of activities and the access we were given to extraordinarily talented folks - such as artisans in the workshops at Louis Vuitton and Le Tallec, archivists at Boucheron and Mauboussin, costumers at the Comédie Française, the "nose" at a top perfume house and painting restoration specialists housed in the historic home of Camille Claudel -combined for a remarkable adventure.

When business called me back to France a month later, I found that my sensibilities had been broadened by my Culture Capsules experience. The trip, however, has certainly refined my tastes and will undoubtedly influence various purchases going forward. Maybe I'll even invest in some French decorative arts to confound my friends who think I'll only live in a modern apartment.

Rosemary Mitchell, Pasadena,California

"The trip to Paris was fabulous and I thoroughly enjoyed all the many activities you so carefully planned for us. Thank you for all your hard work in putting together a fabulous trip filled with wonderful memories."

Joanne Sliteris, Los Angeles, California

"The trip you provided was the opportunity of a lifetime and has enriched my sensibilities.The impeccable style and your attention to every detail resonated throughout -- and it was fun! It was a totally pampering experience. And it was GRAND!"

Elizabeth Jorgensen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

"Participating in the Paris and Environs Culture Capsule was the most rewarding and enriching cultural journey I've experienced. Thank you."