I took 120 pictures, so I'll try to narrow it down some :-).
We were not the only people with this idea.
Louis XIV. This was his place, so there are lots of images of him.
Hey, I like vases.
...
HALL OF MIRRORS!!
I kind of had to take a mirror picture in the Hall of Mirrors, n'est-ce pas?
Seriously, Japanese cartoon art in the Hall of Mirrors? Wah. This art was in almost every room as part of a Japanese art exhibit. It drove me nuts.
Napoleon! He's my fave :-)
I'm taller than a tree!!
Marie Antoinette had her own little place out in the middle of the gardens.
Basic summary of the day: It takes about 40 min and costs about 4 euro to go from slightly south of the middle of Paris to Versailles, so not a bad deal at all! Ashley and I showed up around 12:45 or 1. After touring the castle, we bought sandwiches at their horrifically overpriced cafe, and then went to the gardens. Even though they're generally free, we had to pay to get into them because they were doing a musical exhibition and we could not find the free way in. I even tried to sneak in and then got bounced back. The conversation, in French, was kind of hilarious. Hilarious because I didn't get in trouble, that is. Her, in this case, is a mean security guard/ticket vendor lady.
Her: Can I see your ticket?
Me: I don't have one.
Her: Then what are you doing?
Me: I was trying to take a photograph!
Her: Ummm
Me: I thought these gardens were free!!
Her: Yeah, with a good lawyer.
Me: I'm gonna go leave now and buy a ticket.
Her: Yeah, you are.
I was a little nervous she would kick me off the property altogether, but happily she wanted my money more so I got to go back in six euro poorer. We spent this later part of the afternoon walking around, listening to classical music as we strolled through the gardens. If I hadn't been dressed for weather ten degrees warmer than it was, it would have been perfect! We rode bikes for about a half an hour and went by a bunch of sheep in a pasture (Awww Shepard, I miss you). I got home around 7:45 PM, and then got ready to celebrate my 21st!
I mean, when in France...
We ended up going to the Bastille area to catch the end of the Techno Parade partiers. There were a bunch of people still here!
Sunday: Birthday!!!
My birthday surprise (after sleeping in super late) was a trip to Angelina's! Angelina's is a touristy cafe in the Louvre area famous for its pastries and hot chocolate. Don't worry-- we had both.
Mmmm croque monsieur
You really need to see the thickness of this hot chocolate to believe it.
We all happily drank it. Then were on massive sugar highs for a solid 30 minutes while we waited for the check. It was awesome :-).
After Angelina's, we decided to walk it off! I bought some scarves and we wandered for a while before finding an open mall (on a Sunday)!
Aww I loved this book!!
This picture makes me think of the Apple noise
Oh yeah, of course there's an 800 year old wall in our mall... oh Paris.
...basically our mall is a museum. Or our museum is a mall. Or who knows.
I ended the day with some Korean barbequeue and watching my brother eat cake in my honor via skype.
MONDAY: Potluck!
Monday night after an uneventful day of classes we all went over to our friends' house (yes house, not apartment) as their host family was gone. We had a fantastic potluck with a bunch of more American-y foods. Hot dogs, pizza, and some salad with a reasonable amount of dressing were highlights, along with Daisy's homemade guac (so good!)
TUESDAY: So the French people I know are nice...
In the morning, I met with the director of OxFam to set my schedule. She was really friendly and I'm excited to work with her. I start tomorrow afternoon. After more class, I met a couple of friends and we searched for our course at the Sorbonne. It was a nightmare. We first went to the wrong part of town (different Paris IV). We then found the correct building but couldn't find the room. Then we found the room, but there was no one in it! We'll have to figure it out tomorrow, but our unsuccessful 2 hour search was kind of a bummer.
My french family was all set to cheer me up, though! We had a little party in the family room, complete with cake and a new, French copy of Persepolis! It was so sweet (in so many senses!)
My french family was all set to cheer me up, though! We had a little party in the family room, complete with cake and a new, French copy of Persepolis! It was so sweet (in so many senses!)
I was so surprised and so happy!
Katherine, I thought about you most of the day on Sunday and Uncle James and I talked about 5:00 on Saturday being your birthday in Paris because of the time difference. We were eating at Cracker Barrel at the time of your Paris birthday. I love you through all the time differences and for all your ages, 21 and all others.
ReplyDeleteWow! Lots of stuff this time!! All very cool. Louis XIV is Louisana's Louis, if memory serves. Nice crib, Louis! You're right, Japanese art is WAY out of place there. So nice of the family to throw you a little party! Favorite pic this time: You looking very happy with your glass of wine.
ReplyDeleteWasn't Versailles amazing??? I was entirely blown away by that place. I am so impressed with Louis XIV now, haha.
ReplyDeleteThis comment is way late, but I've finally had a chance to check out your blog and catch up. It's been great!! I love hearing what you've been up to (clearly a lot), and I can't wait to see how the internship goes for you (hopefully it will be a good experience, despite the Friday schedule). Your French family looks lovely, and I must say that reading "Persepolis" in it's original French (and with all 4 parts together) is the best way to read it. I remember spending my 21st in Paris too, and those will be great memories for you to have!
ReplyDeleteAmuse-toi bien, et continue de bien profiter de cette super experience qui restera avec toi pour toujours!! (And be sure to get to l'Organgerie... you won't regret getting to see the Monet water lilies displayed on the curved walls, the way Monet himself had envisioned them! Also, for the history buff in you, go visit Le Musée Carnavalet; there's a little bit of everything from the history of Paris (including "The Rights of Man") & it should be free.