True to Papa Livre’s word, we were up early and out the door for our day’s visit to the Palace of Versailles–an hour train ride outside the city. What an amazing place! You study this history at school, but experiencing makes it real. Built by Louis the XIV, Versailles was the residence of French kings, or Le Roi’s (yes, Le Roi means king and you see the word Le Roi everywhere in the Palace), and Louis the XIV spent half a year of France’s income to build it. The Kings and Queens had separate bedrooms, but were connected by an alcove, and to see these bedrooms decorated with such massive furniture, draperies, and paintings (floor to ceiling) was “out-of-this-world”. The ballrooms, parlors, staterooms, and libraries throughout will get you “lost” for sure. The 8 miles of estate was truly amazing, and one wonders how something so extravagant could have been built in the 1700s. Because it is January, we did not get the full effect of the fountains and gardens, but because it was raining today, that was fine by Nathan and I. Papa Livre read in his book that you could rent Golf Carts to explore the Gardens, but they could not be rented in January/February.
We took the train back to Paris at the end of the day, and made our final stop at the Latin Quarter to enjoy dinner outside under heated lamps. We so enjoyed the Latin Quarter yesterday, that Nathan and I wanted to go back for one last visit before our return. By then, the sun had come out, and although it was in the high 30s, the dinner was warm and cozy. We love these open-air cafes! For dessert, we once again stopped to enjoy crepes a la mode (also, in that outside ambiance I keep talking about). I think Cincinnati should market this Winter ambiance, but Bob doesn’t think it would sell. Our garcon (waiter) was very charming, and enjoyed waiting on us Americans!
We are now back to the room, and we are all exhausted. Bob attends his meetings tomorrow and Friday, and will be spending the night at Sogeti’s University outside of the city. Nathan and I will stay here at the Hotel, visit the Catacombs, and the Arc de Triomphe. We also plan to to take a tour of our Hotels “secret” rooms–our Hotel was the German Headquarters during their control over France.
Because Bob will have his laptop with him, we will not write in the blog again until Friday evening–and, we leave Saturday already! This week has gone so fast. Mom–do not worry, and just call my cell if you need me.
