Trianons and Hamlets; Versailles further down the path

I remember heading back on the train to Paris and looking over the map of Versailles with my Mom and Dad and realizing that we missed quite a bit of the estate. We couldn't have seen it all in one day anyway but it was a treat to get the chance to see what we'd missed before this time around. The Queen's garden and estate are charming and beautiful. I'm so glad they were preserved for so long. An escape from the royal, busy court life that I would have taken gladly, and often, as Marie Antoinette did.

The Grand and Petit Trianon were lovely; smaller, less grand versions of the palace itself. What I loved most about them was all the pink marble everywhere. It felt to me a little like Barbie's 17th century dream house. 

12 days

Golden leaves for Versailles (how fitting)

 

Finally, a trip to Versailles that includes Chris! Though previous trips there were beautiful, I think the changing leaves gave it the most wonderful backdrop. I also found us walking through a section of the palace that I hadn't previously seen! 

We explored the gardens more than I'd ever done in the past, making our way to the Grand Trianon and Marie Antoinette's hamlet. I'll get to that tomorrow. For now we'll skip to the end of the evening.

Two weeks and we'll be home. Just thirteen days now! It seems so surreal. I almost don't believe it's happening. But it is. It definitely is because in a few hours we're doing the walk-through of our apartment here and (fingers crossed) getting our entire security deposit back. Soon to be used for the down payment on a new (most likely just to us) car. A car! Ahhhh to drive again! I cannot wait. I've been looking back on our time here and I am definitely grateful for all we've done and for the opportunity of it all. However. There's no place like home. And there's nothing like driving a car to the supermarket to carry home your forty-plus pounds of groceries in the trunk instead of on your back...

Rodin on a cloudy day

 

Visiting the Musee Rodin for the first time was eye opening. I had no idea that he painted. Honestly, I was a terrible Art History student. I have to truly think about the process of the sculptures to appreciate some of them though. I think that painting has captured my heart when it comes to fine art and everything else I have to take the time to think on it rather than fall in love with it at first sight.

The man himself

It would have been wonderful to see the blooms of this garden in the spring or summer but there were still a few about. I wouldn't have traded seeing Paris in the fall for anything though. I guess that just means we'll have to make a return trip at some point in our lives.

15 days

Paris High Rise

Two summers ago Chris and I visited Erin while she lived in New York City. She was nannying two adorable little boys and we drove with her to work one morning. She dropped  us off afterwards and we slowly wandered about 120 blocks back to her apartment rather than brave the subways (such scaredy-cat travelers back then, no public transport, no!). On the way we passed the High Rise and I remembered reading about it so we located the stairs and walked along it, pretending to be locals. I recently found out that Paris also has a High Rise! Come take a walk along it with us. 

We were definitely the only tourists on the path, another secret place! It was filled with Sunday strolling and joggers everywhere. I for one would have a love/hate relationship with running up here. Maybe on a week night, or during the day when no one is out, but otherwise, you'd be navigating quite the crowd if you want to go any speed above "walk" so I'd opt for a larger pathway. Paris in the fall has definitely become my favorite time to be there. It's just beautiful. But then again, I think any city in the fall might be the real statement I mean to make. I love Autumn.

15 more days until our flight home! I have tons of cleaning to do today since our landlord is coming in two days to check everything out! Eish, gotta get the elbow grease out. I always think of my cousins Sandra and Patti when I hear that phrase. I won't spill the beans on that story though. If you know them, ask them about it.