Versailles

Saturday, April 9 was my first day of spring break from the University of Westminster. I had every intention of sleeping in, but luckily my plan was ruined for something much better. I went on the Fat Tire Bicycling Tour of Versailles with Max and his mom, Francette. I selected a blue bike for the day known as “Inspector Clouseau.” Our first stop in the town was the market to pick up supplies for our picnic later in the day. Before hitting the road peddling, I had the chance to sip on freshly squeezed orange juice and nibble a butter and brown sugar crepe. We initially peddled around Versailles’ gardens (not all 60 acres of them however). It was so gorgeous and expansive.

We stopped at a village Marie Antoinette built a few acres away from the chateau to replicate peasant life. I found it ironic that she lived in such opulence and money ran through her fingers like water, yet she wanted to escape to “a simpler way of life.” We had our picnic at the far of the lake, where we could see the chateau in the distance. The water lapped quietly at our feet, while I soaked up the sun that became a severe burn by the end of the day. We bicycled around the entire circumference of the lake, through downtown Versailles and then up to the chateau/palace of France’s many king Louis.

Inside of the chateau is truly magnificent. From the front gate, you are surrounded by gold painted fences, stone walkways, gorgeous architecture, and lucky for us, blue skies. My favorite room inside was the Hall of Mirrors. At the time it was built, owning a hand mirror was a precious family heirloom. Consequently, to show off his wealth Louis built a room with mirrors from head to toe. For many it was the first time they had seen themselves in a full-length mirror!

The Hall of Mirrors

Back outside, the rear gardens are spectacular with perfectly manicures hedges growing in intricate designs and seasonal flowers growing between the rows. The fountains are numerous – I could not even count them if I made a genuine attempt. Statues line the walkways and water spouts from stone frogs, fish, dragons, women, cherubs and turtles. By now it was about five in the afternoon and time to head back to Paris.

The is a back view of the Chateau & garden

I walked into the apartment to find Jeremy asleep. I started laughing almost compulsively as some strange reaction to seeing him. He woke-up and greeted me with a hug, which prompted my emotions to swiftly change as now I wanted to cry. He said it felt foreign to see me and hold me, so long story short we both had odd reactions once back in each other’s presence. However, within a few hours it was as if no time had passed without the other.