Versailles, and Sociological Discussions.

If I were an uber trillionaire, I would buy Versailles.
Of all of the things I've ever seen (which really isn't that many at this point) this is by far my favourite. It was unbelievable. It was also nice to do it alone (unlike other things where having a partner would be nice)

I hopped on the train to Versailles and followed the crazy mob to the palace. It was such a relaxing change from yesterday - to be away from sounds of traffic. I got an audio guide and wandered from room to room. I think the audio guide made the visit. The British accents re-enacted conversations and witty quips so it was like watching any Hollywood movie. (...still no idea why they didn't get someone with a French accent to do it). Two parts of the palace were closed: The Opera, and the rooms for the ladies at court...both of which would have been great to see.

I think I managed to become so focussed on the lack of traffic, and there's enough space in the palace to be fully away from people that I became almost convinced that someone did actually live there. Generally when you look at things it's hard to imagine the actuality of someone living in that era, not questionning it.

They had a 'modern' artist exhibit some art in the rooms. I think I know several people who would have hated their visit being spoilt by his work. I didn't really care. THe giant red blow up lobster suspended in the kings bed chamber was hilarious. Jeff Koons was his name. I personally thought his art was ugly...but that's fine. Most of it mimicked balloon animals...unfortunately the design in palace entrance looked like an anus and five vaginas.... it was supposed to be a flower. No further comment needed

ANYWAY
THEN I went outside to the gardens. Oh my heavens! They're enormous!! I spent the entire afternoon walking around, in the individual gardens and along the canal. I made it the Grand Trianon and the Petit Trianon. It was really exciting to see the Petit because I've seen it in art books for so long. Unfortunately I didn't splurge and go in to see the Queen's chambers. I'm saving that for next time *whenever that might be*

The place was just magic.

Back in town, I went into the Louvre and strolled quickly along 2 floors. I think I was museumed out. I snapped a few shots - making use of the self timer to take pictures of myself making light of exhibits....my maturity level was quite high.

IN my hostel room (and this a swank hostel) I met 2 really cool people. A fashion deisgner in training named Candace who works in London (and is Canadian) and a Brazilian Rafael who is learning French here 'For the express purpose of watching French films without subtitles. We've had some really good chats.

Last night this American girl was staying in our room and this morning got up making as much noise as she possibly could. (I only said she was american because I gave all the other nationalities; I'm by no means commenting on her nationality making her annoying.)

Today has been alright. I walked to the Galleries LaFayette which was stupid becuase it's haute couture which is ALMOST affordabe. I found the most beautiful pair of Laboutins...or Louboutines.... alas I didn't buy them - OR the magenta fall coat. I consoled myself with an afternoon nap.

After I woke up, I took a stroll into the Latin district and found some more highly manicured, packed parks. I listened to some mediocre jazz. Then this guy started talking to me and we had a pretty decent conversation in French. I shot him down for a date. I took a walk to the giant pond with mini sail boats floating in it. I sat down and began to read.

This older guy came up to me and started talking about Sociology and how I should appreciate it. He also said i was 'Normal' becuase, for my age group, I was in a steady relationship and living with my 'fiancee'. (I may have lied about the status of my partner..clearly I'm not engaged). He also said it was 'normal that I as a female said my goal in life was NOT to find prince charming'.

I told him that the book he was referring to (because yes, he had a book in hand to prove it) was outdated, being written by an outmoded sociologist. (I took liberties in the archaic cover of his book, I don't know anything about sociology) I also stated that if he read Ayn Rand, sex and love was nothing more than a momentary animal instinct and that were I not getting married in three months, my goal would be to further my career and to earn as much money as possible so that I could read books in peace by my own pond.
All in French of Course.

Then I went for a walk.

I think today I could have used a travel buddy.
I am ever so excited to go home tomorrow!