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Post Tour
“I am not the same, having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.” —Mary Anne Radmacher
Day 21—July 23rd, Chateau de Versailles
Chateau de Versailles (Palace of Versailles) is our goal today. With a little preplanning and the lesson by Andy on Paris public transportation I head out to the local metro stop. After a little confusion transferring from the metro to the train, I got myself straighten out and I was on my way. I purchased a timed entry ticket in advanced. Highly recommend doing this as it will reduce the time standing in line.
“Live life with no excuses,
travel with no regret.”
—Oscar Wilde
“Life is either a daring adventure
or nothing at all.”
–Helen Keller
For a second, I stand in the Grand Commun in wonder.
Trying to decide what to do first. I decide to just pick a direction and get started. With wide eyes I start my exploration of the opulence of the State Rooms, King’s and Queen’s Apartments, and the
Royal Chapel. I eventually make it to the famed Hall of Mirrors. Even with the growing crowd you can see the magnificence of the hall. I would love to see the hall in the light it was
intended, candle light. After exploring the hall for a time I find my way to the gardens and park.
The gardens and park are extensive. My ultimate goal is The Queen’s Hamlet. As you explore the
pathways and walks you find a new lovely site around each corner. There are fountains and sculptures throughout, with visits to the Orangery, the Latona, and Apollo fountains, and view of the Grand Canal. I make my way over to the intimate (in comparison to the Palace) Petite Trianon and its beautiful gardens, including The Love Monument and The Belvedere.
“I haven’t been everywhere,
but it’s on my list.”
—Susan Sontag
I finally make it to The Queens Hamlet. This has been one of my bucket
list sites and it did not disappoint.
I have met up with one of my RS
travel companions. We explore
the hamlet together and she took
one of my favorite photos of my
trip. (Thank you, Leslee)
When I purchased my ‘Versailles Passport I did the combo with a round trip ride on the “Little Train.” We used the ride to get back up to the main gardens and the palace. It was greatly appreciated after walking so far on the lovely grounds.
With weary feet and memories of a beautiful day, I head back to Paris. I leave for home tomorrow.
seat mates were a little confused on why the flight attendants were coming by and thanking me.
On our flight home the crew took an interest in a certain fuzzy stuffed monkey and invited him to take a picture in the cockpit at the end of our flight.
"Here’s to freedom, cheers to art. Here’s to having an excellent adventure and may the stopping never start.”
—Jason Mraz
Day 22 —July 24th, Heading Home
It is time to head home. I am both sad and happy. Sad that this adventure has come to an end, and happy to be going home. I splurge to have a car pick me up VERY early for my early flight. I have been worried about my short connection time in London. However, there was nothing to worry about. The flight from Heathrow home was delayed more than five hours. Heathrow was packed. I was able to get a true full English Breakfast. It was a interesting mix of items, but still good.
“No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.”
—Lin Yutang
For both of my long haul flights I brought a gift of candy for the flight crews. My
1/10
Day 21 Versailles was our adventure today. With skills we learned from our trip, mom figured out how to get us to Versailles taking the underground and a train. Wow! This place is humongous. We toured the rooms and this giant hall that had all these mirrors. We then went out into the gardens; you could’ve been lost there forever. Mom’s favorite part was the Queen's Hamlet. This was our last adventure for our trip and it was well worth it. I am one tuckered out fuzzy stuffed monkey.
1/4
Day 22 Finally made it home. After a 5 1/2 hour delay at the airport, I thought for a minute that I would have to fly us home. Well, it’s been one big adventure for a fuzzy stuffed monkey. Mom and I are off to bed.
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