This weekend I went to Versailles with 3 friends. It was really pretty, but a bit different from what I expected. When you approach the chateau from the RER (Réseau Express Régional- it works like the metro but it goes farther distances and looks like a train) you pass a Starbucks, a McDonalds, a several other signs of commericalization.
**Little side note on McDonalds: the McDonalds in Paris (they call it McDo) is super classy compared to the McDonalds in the US (at least the ones I've been to). In the front they have a little cafe that sells coffee (of course) and little pastries. It basically looks like a mini-Starbucks. They have super nice seating areas through out that are just really classy and not at all what I think of when I think of McDonalds. The outside is also much more understated. It has a dark green awning with just a small McDonalds' "M." It's a welcome change from the garish, obnoxious branding of the chain in the US. I was going to take a picture of a Parisian McDonalds but I already felt super American/touristy for being in there in the first place so I just couldn't bring myself to do it.
Ok back to Versailles...I'm not sure where I got the idea, but I thought that Versailles was out in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by peaceful countryside. On the contrary, it was crammed between several buildings less than a five minute walk from an American fast food restaurant...how unglamourous. Anyway, regardless of its surroundings the chateau itself is beautiful. The first thing you encounter are some large golden gates guarding yet another set of gates inside.
After figuring out our ticket situation (students are free when you show your student visa) and going through security we made it inside the main building. It resembled a museum a bit more than a place in my opinion. We started in a room with a family tree of the French monarchy around Louis XIV's time and a panel of history displays. Then, we were directed from room to room bye signs indicating the theme of the particular room we were in. This portion was basically just a portrait gallery that happened to be in Versailles, but nevertheless it was pretty interesting.
After a bunch of rooms with only paintings in them, we entered rooms that had furniture. This is what I was expected. Last semester in LA there was an exhibition at the Getty of French furniture that I attended for a class. It was awesome, and I fell in love with the paneled rooms, the intricate chairs, and the luxurious beds. This was even better!
The way the napkins were folded was unbelievable!
I'm in love with this chair!
Unbelievable!
Of course then came the famous Hall of Mirrors. It was absolutely beautiful! There were tons of people there, but I tried to get a few decent pictures.
It was pretty cold outside, so we didn't walk through the gardens, but I did take a couple pictures out the window.
We're planning to go back when it gets a bit warmer to see the gardens.
Today was a holiday (not sure exactly what it's called actually, but it's something Catholic about the Virgin Mary maybe...I probably should have figured that out) in France. Basically you're supposed to eat crepes, so that's what I did. I grabbed a cheese crepe from a truck (that reminded me a little bit of Taco Truck...but tasted better) before I went to a French-English conversation group this afternoon. I never turn down an excuse to have a crepe!
My classes are in full swing now, so I"m trying to get out of vacation mode into school mode a bit more. I'll also be starting an internship as an English assistant at a middle school next week and interviewing for a babysitting job tomorrow. Hopefully everything will go well! I'm excited to get to interact with some kids here (although I'm sure they speak much better French than me).
P.S. Sorry for the excessive number of pictures in this post!
Wow... Your posts are making me increasingly more jealous! I am so happy for you and someday you will have to come with me France and be my tour guide!
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