Day 4-March 13

Today we went to Verseilles, Annette discussed the events of day 2 so I'll leave those alone as my experience was the same as hers with the exception that she got to deal with an angry hotel security manager and I did not! (insert big grin here)

This was the snack we had when we returned :) totally YUMMY.

Versailles hasn't changed too much from our last visit...with the following exceptions:

1. there were a couple of rooms closed which were open to us last time
2. there were several paintings and furnishings missing (there were little cards beside their places which indicated the artifact and when it left and what it was scheduled for and when it was due back - there were lots of paintings being touched up and several of the lovely tables as well
3. the gardens lacked lustre as it is just the beginning of spring
4. we had such a short visit Samantha didn't have an opportunity to see the Queen's Hamlet - her favourite part of Versailles and I believe the highlight of our whole trip last time. When we left she kept saying when we win the lottery she wants her own hamlet (and a turtle)

We took the RER train out and back - had lunch at Versailles, but not at the palais and then returned again on the train. We had been warned again about pick-pockets on the trains, subways and attractions but seeing how we were so early I think the criminal types were still sleeping. I did have a couple of girls report some strange men eyeing bags and handbags etc. and so they kept extra-vigilant and for that I'm really glad. The students are really good kids and I'm really enjoying them. Sam has also made a few new friends and she seems to really enjoy the company of several of the kids.

Once we got back we walked along the river by some of the vendors who had opened up for the afternoon tourists. Many of the green boxes haven't been open at all the whole time we've been here and one thing I really wanted was another painting while I was here. This one I want for my kitchen when I get it all fixed up the way I want it. It is a restaurant painting. Very simple, but at the same time, very attractive. There were a couple others that caught my eye, but I spent more on this one than we did last year on all of them put together so I decided one would be enough for this trip. 

We had some quiet time to get ready for our evening venture - the plan was dinner in the Latin Quarter and then the arche de triomphe. I stayed back with the girls - but one decided she felt good enough to try going to the arch. She didn't want to  miss it and I don't blame her.

It was a spectacular site! :) 

Now we're off to room checks so i may have more to tell later....