Day 3 Versailles

Today we did get up super early because we knew we were going to be doing about an hour travelling to Versailles. We had to take the RER to Versailles with a connection it was well worth the travel time!

The Palace of Versailles: OMG…It was more grandiose than I ever imagined. Walking up the streets to see the palace just made me think of all the stories I tell my students during our unit on the French revolution! It was originally a hunting lodge, built in 1624, by Louis XIV, the "Sun King," …then later would become the main residence of the royal families. Walking through the palace was amazing, with all of the gold adorned bedrooms, and family paintings, the furniture was so couture and it felt surreal how people really live like we see in fairy tales. I really could understand why King Louis VXI and Marie Antoinette were beheaded. It was so cool to stand in the Hall of Mirrors where so many peace treaties have been signed.
The Gardens: The Sun King drained swamps and moved whole forests to create 250 acres of formal gardens, tree-lined paths, flowerbeds, lakes, and fountains. And this filled only a small portion of the grounds -- the entire estate covered 2,000 acres. It is truly an amazing site to see! I was mesmerized by the vision of the Grand Canal as it stretches in the center of the gardens. We ate an amazing lunch overlooking the canal.

Petit Trianon and Grand Trianon: After lunch we walked to visit the other little palaces and Marie Antoinette’s playhouse.

Tips: Rent headphones, or take a tour. Rent a golf cart to travel to through the gardens. Don’t plan anything else the day you visit…you will be soo tired! The Petit Trianon and Grand Trianon were cool but how much French luxury can you take for the day. Spend more time in the gardens relaxing.
















After we came back from Versailles we rested a bit then decided to take a river cruise down the Seine! It was so beautiful seeing all of the buildings lit up at night. My favorite was the sparkly Eiffel Tower. It was very cold but my honey kept me warm. Next time I will bring some wine!









After searching for the perfect french resturant we ended up at delicious place on Champs Elysee. I loved the wine and french onion soup while the sausage I tried to sample was kinda gross. It's good to experiment though so I was glad I ordered it!

Grateful!

It has been months of uncertainty…I have been teaching for six years now and it is what I love to do! I could not wrap my head around being laid off but after getting called in to the Principals office and filling out the Seniority survey I was sure I would get a pink slip. This definitely brought me closer to God..I have been praying more and usual. This week I was expecting my RIF notice and on Monday I did not get one. I could not hold back tears as Cheryl told Lisa Busch and I that I had avoided the cuts. I am so grateful because now I feel we can plan as we had been doing. I am sad for my friends that did receive a pink slip, especially for Cora who was not even warned and has been teaching for so long. I feel a bit of survivors guilt but there is nothing I can do. We will see what the future will bring, hopefully it’s all of my friends return next year.

I am so excited as I am off today to Europe. Our Paris/Rome vacation was planned last minute as a Master’s present to one another! We will no longer have to pay USC Marshall school and will have a little extra money. Last year we were in Japan for Dennis’s Globe trip. So we are off to explore a new adventure! We will be in Paris and Rome for 4 days a piece and will even meet up with my best friend from high school Luz and her husband Mike on St. Patty’s day. It was a mere coincidence and will only overlap one day. It was a very hectic week at school with lay-off notices and getting my sub plans ready.
I am excited to blog about my trip and will do my best to keep good notes and take cool pictures!

Arriva Derci and Au revoir!