Paris Day 17!!

Today Sami and I got up and made it out of the apartment by 10! We picked up a pain aus chocolat headed off to Versailles. It was about a forty-five minute metro ride and we were there! We did end up standing in three diferent lines for an hour. The first line we stood, which was line A, the line our maps told us to stand in for individuals, we stood in for about 25 minutes. When we got to the front we found out it was the wrong line, you had to already have your tickets to go through that line and enter the palace. So, we headed over to another line to get our tickets where we waited another 20 minutes. It is almost humorous, but then just annoying when the museum clerks say "you can get in for free," because they think we are under 18. When we tell them we're 18 they say "where are you from?" We answer (somewhat reluctantly) U.S. They respond, "oh too bad, you can't get in for free." In order to get into most museums for free here you must be under 18 and or from a european union country. It is very dissapointing considering we would not have had to spent a lot of money and makes us wish we were younger or not Americans. But it all ends up being well worth it! Sami and I got our tickets and then went back to stand in the line we had been in before, but now it was even longer. It didn't take more than 20 minutes until we were in. First we went through the palace which is absolutely amazing. I (Emily) have been there before and loved it even more and Sami enjoyed it as well. After we went through all the rooms the public is allowed into inside we headed out to the gardens. The gardens are 7 miles long with countless paths, ponds, and statues. We took our time meandering towards the Grand Trianon. The gardens are so beautiful and it smelt wonderful. The weather was a bit chilly and made us shiver when the wind blew so we were happy to get to Marie Antionette's private palace. We ended up going into the Petit Trianon first due to more line complications. Inisde was decorated very lavishly and Sami and I had fun picturing Marie Antoinette and her court there having dinner parties and balls. The exit lead us outside to the gardens which over looked a beautfiul white marbel gazebo. We walked through seclusive garden paths to get there and it was even more beautiful up close and we had a wonderful view of the Petit Trianon from there. From there we walked on more paths, making our way to the Grad Trianon. The sounds of the birds chirping and the beautiful scenery was almost magical. We ended up coming apon an octagolano shaped pavillon. It rested up on a small slope above a large pond. The small building was ornatley decorated in a music theme. It was most likely used for an evening concert or an afternoon tea for the queen and her close subjects. We wound our way back to the Grand Trianon and it was even more oustanding than the Petit Trianon. There were at lease one huge chandeler in every room, if not more. Sami and I enjoyed the different chair and drape fabric patterns that varied in every room. The gardens outside were outstanding! I wish their lawn and maintance team would come to my house. After that we went to Angelina's, a small and well known Parisan cafe where we had sandwhiches and hot chocolate. It was scrumptous. On our walk back we enjoyed the gardens and picked up some ice cream. We left Versailles a bit after 4 and we were exhausted! Since then we have relaxed in our room, ran to the store, and started packing. Tomorrow we are leaving for Normandy around one. We plan to drive along the coast and visit the Normandy manor that Stephane and Robert used to own. Then on Saturday we are going to Mont St. Michel! Sunday is the festival and then we will return on Monday. Hope you enjoy the pictures. We miss and love you all!

Sami and Emily :)