Versailles

Sunday July 29

Another early rise and off on my, trek to Versailles.

I took a bus to Les Invalides and caught a train from there.

It was about a 45 minute ride.

When I arrived, the walking and line ups began.

My feet were horribly sore from the walking the day before, so I struggled Immensely today.  I found a ticket outlet on the street and lined up there for tickets.

I hobbled my way the 15 minutes to the  Palace and then the line up began. It turned out to be about an hour and 15 minutes. Another line up in thealace for audio guides and then I began. I have to admit, I didn't really enjoy it.  Yes it was astoundingly opulent and historical, but the rude tourists pushing their way into and out of each room was distracting.

I made my way through the suggested areas and then headed to the gardens.  They, were beautiful and there was very appropriate classical music piped through.

I found a lovely spot in the gardens to scatter more ashes, then slowly and painfully, made my way back to the train station.  So nice to be sitting.

I arrived home, had a bit of a rest, then headed out to dinner.  A lovely restaurant on a side street just outside of my hotel beckoned me. I enjoyed a tasteful wine from the south of France, and a wonderful salad with chicken, herbs and zucchini.  I followed it all up with a chocolate mousse and cafe au lait.

As I dined, I had the opportunity to watch those around me. Although I am dining alone and at times, craving company, I notice those with companions are either, not conversing, staring past one another or more often than not, are both texting on their cell phones.  Slightly absurd in my opinion 

All of a sudden, it began to pour rain, just out of no where.  It didn't last LNG, but I was happy to be tucked away under a canopy.  When the rain stopped, I wandered over to Shakespeare and Company, bought a book about Coco Chanel and hobbled tiredly back to my room where I had a hot soak in lavender in an attempt to soothe away the challenges of the day.