Paris (+Versailles) Part Deaux
April 3rd, 2005(Pictures: Paris, Versailles.)
Today, I felt like a noble in the court as I entered the opulent Versailles. Like a noble I was pushed around the court (by tourist mobs snapping photos) so I spent most of my time outside where the action is. Versailles is roughly 2000 acres of gardens a few palaces scattered here and there. Today they played Baroque music as we walked the gardens and they turned the fountains on. It was spectacular. So much better than when I was there during the winter….
On the way back I was mistakenly riding with my feet on the seat opposite me. Some french man was seriously offended by this and when he, his wife, and son sat down across the aisle from us stood up and started yelling at me. I don’t mean asking me to “take my feet down” in a loud voice. I mean screaming out words faster than you can take them in. Ridiculous.
Tonight we went to a concert at Sainte Chapelle. A string sextet and harpsicordist played Vivaldi’s four seasons, Hayden’s first symphony, and Pacabelle’s Cannon. I have never heard a violinist like the one they had there. It was simply amazing.
Yesterday the highlight was picnicing on the Champs du Mars in front of the Eiffel eating cheeses, baguettes, and drinking wine. We chatted it up with a Canadian school group for a while there as well. Then we climbed up the Eiffel (via an elevator of course) and looked at the sights at night. Beau.
All in all its been a good time so far. We’re a bit tired, but having fun.