No Creative Title: France

Didn't I say that it would take me AGES to post the entire France trip? I wasn't kidding!!

Day Four took us to Versailles and Chartres....

Versailles was the home of Louis 14th. This was the first time I've been there so early in the day. I've never been able to get a clear picture of the building with all the people in the way. It really was a treat to be one of the first groups in the place. Tho I was able to get a "people-less" shot, without a much wider lens, you cant get the whole thing in a picture. It's just huge.

I dont think I can express how completely over the top it is. Every inch is decorated -- and so elaborate. The ceilings are particularly impressive.....

In one of the first rooms, there's a painting on the ceiling with all the Greco-Roman gods in it.... Then each of the next rooms is dedicated to one of the gods in particular, with the decor and paintings relating to that god.

Then there's the Hall of Mirrors.... The last few times I've been here, this room has been under rennovation. I think this is the first time I've seen it in its entirety. Wow.

Anyone who knows me knows that I dont like random people in my photos... But I couldnt resist this shot down the hallway. Again, I've never been in the building so early, and usually this hallway is PACKED. So even tho there are people, there are far fewer than usual! (on the left with the backpack is our tour guide, Evelyn).

Oh, and they use Swiffer Dusters to dust the statues. We all thought that was pretty funny.

Here's the canopy over the Marie Antoinette's bed. I'm pretty sure that would go great in my bedroom...

The gardens in the back go on as far as you can see. Unfortunately the one time I was there with enough time to really explore, it was freezing and raining, so I didnt venture far.

After Versailles, we drove to the town of Chartres.

A little side note... One of the first times I was in France, I took a train by myself out to see Chartres. I got in a little trouble on the train because I didnt know that I was supposed to have gotten my ticket validated. But my very basic French (that only got worse as I was getting yelled at) and completely clueless expression made the guy realize I wasnt trying to scam my way onto the train...it was an honest mistake and he didnt throw me off. Anyway, I had a wonderful day strolling through this quaint little town and I have to say it might be one of my favorite places. The church is beautiful. It's old and looks it. It's as peaceful as it is eerie. It's dark and cold...and yet comforting at the same time. Definitely the highlight of every trip, I think.

I didn't take many pictures of the outside... There was scaffolding on the front of the church too, and I have a zillion pictures from previous trips. I did take some of the windows from the inside. Chartres is famous for the blue in the stained glass -- sort of makes the whole church glow...