Je suis, tu es, il est, nous sommes...

The Economist magazine has a blog written by a writer using the pen name, "Charlemagne". I read it when I can, but not often enough. Charlemagne recently wrote this article about the decline of foreign language abilities in the UK. I especially like the comment in the article that "Learning a foreign language teaches you humility, empathy and respect for others. In Europe, it teaches you the ancient links that unite our squabbling continent."
Well said. I've studied languages my whole life. I've been fortunate to visit Europe many times for work as well as pleasure, but to my deep dismay, I've never had the opportunity to live there for an extended period of time. I've strongly encouraged my daughters that in addition to whatever else they take up in their life, a firm grasp of second language would be to their advantage and betterment. I generally an open minded person, but I cannot understand why some people have no interest in learning more about life in other countries. This isn't just about language studies - it's about really trying to be more aware of the cultural influences that affect the way others see us, and we see them. Studies of language (if left unfettered) will naturally lead to study of history, literature, art and ultimately a better understanding of what makes us tick.

I've always enjoyed reading Michael Kimmelman's articles in the NYT, but I think he's missing something here. He questions why so few people visiting museums seem to take the time to really 'look' at the art within and are content with brief glances, a few photos, and then it's on to the next gallery.
Whatever it is - fortune, fate, circumstances, planning - he has been given him the opportunity to live abroad, something I've always wanted, but might never obtain. He can (I suspect) visit the Louvre, the Rijksmuseum, the Pergamon, far more readily than those of us not already in Europe. Someone living there can make repeat visits and maybe afford the time to linger and really 'see' the works of art at a studied pace without having to rush through everything.
Most visitors to the world's great museums are not residents of those cities and have no choice but to hurry along and squeeze in as much as possible in the time allowed. Americans especially are pressed by time and financial constraints more than your average European resident. Few of us can afford to spend even a week in Europe and those that can manage that quickly realize they have an overwhelming task at hand. A week in Paris for a first-time visitor is not enough time to arrive, check into the hotel, orient oneself, figure out the Metro, check the maps, learn where things are, and then try to visit the Louvre, d'Orsay, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, walk along the Seine, visit the Musee Picasso, Arc de Triomphe, stroll the Champs-Élysées, Luxemburg Gardens, shop, eat, rest, etc. Want to to cram in a side trip to Versailles too? How about Normandy? Forget it.
I've been lucky to visit Europe numerous times, but when I'm travelling for pleasure, I have had no choice but to rise early, plan days with military precision, and try not to rush through these wonderful museums (but truth be told, rush we must). On my last visit to Berlin, I had less than a single day to visit both the Pergamon and the Bode Museum. But that's ok - I'll be back. Many visitors will never get the chance to return.