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Today we were off to Versailles to explore the Castle and Gardens you hear so much about when visiting France. We met our guide and driver at our apartment and set off for Versailles. Unfortunately there was a Triathalon going on in Paris and the starting point was at the Champ de Mars which is at the base of the Eiffel Tower and right in our back yard, so it was difficult getting to the highway with all the roads blocked. We finally made our way through the city and once on the highway it only took us about 1/2 hour. We first took a stroll through the beautiful gardens which on this day had classical music playing in the background. They called it the musical fountains. It was overcast so the walk was very comfortable. Once inside the castle we explored the many rooms used by King Louis XIV and his wife. The bedrooms were spectacular as was the hall of mirrors and the ornately painted and gilded ceilings. I have to say however, having seen a few castles in my day, that the castles of Ludwig of Germary were much more spectacular and interesting than Versailles. The kids liked Versailles and couldn't believe all the gold that was everywhere (of course they kept asking if it was real or not).
The guide dropped us off at a street market because we of course forgot that most meat and cheese markets are closed on Sunday and Monday so we needed to stock up on provisions. After shopping and having lunch at a street cafe in which they served burgers without the bun (we had to opt for pieces of burger on baguette so the kids would eat), we headed home for some much needee relaxation. Around six we contemplated dinner and decided we would have a picnic. We packed up some roasted chicken (purchased at the street market earlier), olives, cheese, bread, wine and water...heaven in a basket (or a fabric grocery bag in our case) and headed to Luxemborg Gardens which is the largest park in Paris. We ate our dinner then the kids and Andrew played for a while. After strolling around the gardens for another half hour we realized it was 8:30 and we should be heading home. Did you know that in the summer it does not get very dark in Paris until about 10:15...and this has been confusing when it comes to realizing how really late it is. Tomorrow we are debating on whether to take the sewer/catacomb tour or not. We have had several people tell us (including the tour guide) that it may not be that much fun for children our kids age. We will have to investigate. Au revoir!
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