Adventuras en España: Spring Break Begins with Versailles

Thursday March 25th, my friend, Val, and I left Bilbao to Barcelona to Paris. In Barecelona we met up with Val's friend from U of I, Sam, and Sam's friend. Our flight was delayed about an hour so we didn't get into Paris until 11pm. The train we were suppose to take into the city was not functioning for some odd reason, we were told to take a night bus. After about an hour wait, people started bailing into taxis. We decided since we had 4 people, it couldn't be that expensive and grabbed a taxi. On our way to our hostel we caught a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower and it was sparkling because it was exactly 1am, so pretty!

Friday, March 26th Val, Sam, and I headed into Versailles to tour the Chateau and to meet up with Val and Sam's friend, Caroline, who's studying in Versailles, which is about a 30 minute train ride outside Paris. When we first got there we were going to tour the gardens and wait to see the chateau later becuase it was cheaper after 3pm. Of course, it was windy, cold, and little drizzly so we ditched the gardens, ducked into a McDonald's and waited for to come get us.

The gardens all misty and cloudy

By the time we met up with Caroline the sun had come out and it was a beautiful day. Caroline toured us around her University; she's studying architecture and her university is the old stables of the Chateau, so right across the street. During the tour, she pointed out these statues in a glass room and they are from the Louvre and being restored there! So cool! Also, her apartment is right next to the Chateau, perfect location! Next, she took us to get some traditional Crepes! I got one with chocolate and glace cafe, coffee ice cream, it was huge and delicious!

Crepe with chocolate and coffee ice cream! YUMMY!

After Crepes Caroline informed us that we could get into the Chateau for free with our student visa! YES! So we headed over to the Chateau for our tour with a free audio guide. The Chateau is incredible on the inside! It always amazes me that people actually lived here and ruled a country from here! Also, it is amazing how people can keep all their stuff in great condition. One of my favorite parts of the Chateau, though, was they have an exhibit up right now called, Versailles Photography. It has pictures from the late 1800s up until now of the gardens, kings, visting US Presidents, and much more, incredible!

Versailles Chateau

The Chapel inside the Chateau

Hall of Mirrors

Queen's bed where she actually gave birth in front of the public to prove the legitimacy of her children.

After the Chateau, we walked around the gardens until the security told us they were closed. The gardens are so vast and expansive! Unfortunately it wasn't quite April yet, so none of the fountains were turned on or flowers planted. I was already impressed, so I can't imagine what they look like in their full extent! Then it was back to the city of Paris. I was so excited that it became such a lovely day, I was worried in the beginning there. Out of all the chateaus, palaces, and castles I've seen this semester, this was my favorite!