Day 3 was completely spent at The Château de Versailles. My Uncle Rich asked me to make sure I pop in there to see a true spectacle of wasted wealth and extreme riches unlike anything that could ever be recreated in present day (Excluding the Wine Rack P and I built).
Located about a 40 minute train ride southwest of Paris, Versailles was once the home of King Louis XIV during a VERY prosperous French Regime. An Absolutist by nature, Louie decided to make an old hunting lodge, well outside of Paris at the time, his new home. Of course he thought he might spruce the joint up a bit. He also made the court of the Royal advisors and ministers live close to him so they were less likely to revolt(A little history lesson: They did anyway). He even named himself the Prime Minister after the previous one died. Nice.
As you walk about 15 minutes from the train station to the Palace, you can see the immense grandeur that is the Chateau. Other than obvious Sky Scrapers, one would be hard pressed to find buildings that big even in modern day. The fact that it was constructed in the 15th century is beyond me.
Unfortunately most of the facade is under construction/renovation. Between the scaffolding, yellow tape and the monstrous dirt parking lot directly in front, the initial view was not glorious. The inside was almost unexplainable. Not a single INCH of the walls, floors, celings, doorways was left un-decorated. Lots of gold leaf, meticulous moldings, many Asians (although I'm not sure they were part of the decor). Although there were no lines anywhere, the tour was WAY too crowded. It was hard to get around and I was constantly in the way of someones photo. By the end of the tour, I was ready to leave. I will say the hall of mirrors was pretty cool though.
I could've never imagined the joy I would experience in the so called "gardens". On the train ride to the Palace, Rick Steve's readings told me that golf carts could be rented (for a small fortune) to tour the gardens and I thought that kinda laziness was ridiculous....that is until I saw the size of this dudes backyard. Perfectly manicured lawns as far as the eye could see. Pools and fountains everywhere, marble staircases to every terrace. Hell, even the WALK to the nearest place to rent a bicycle was about 20 minutes!
I bought a panini and a huge water and set off on my journey to find a place to eat lunch. Luckily I dressed appropriately 'cause it was really hot. I rode about a mile to what I thought was toward the back of the grounds. I found an old table and bench where I iPod'd and grubbed until I fell asleep under an awesome tree. There was nobody to be seen or heard. Solitude to the max. Marie Antionette's private quarters could be seen in the distance.
I woke up and continued my bike ride. Planning to ride along the complete perimeter, I headed to what I thought was a "corner". I was wrong. It was just the corner of one side of Marie's fake peasant villages where she would live to escape the craziness of the palace life and royalty in general. The vast span of this property inspired me to ride even further (this became an issue later as my bike was kind of a "piece"). I continued down tree lined paths lasting 1000's of yards before dumping me into a different path of the same character. The only thing differing was the variety of trees to the left and right that were intentionally planted and evenly spaced so many years ago. I must have rode 15-20 miles, most with no other humans in sight.
I finally grew tired of the loneliness and hopped back onto the main ro-ads where I could see some pretty hot tourists jogging along the trail. This would be a great place to exercise, if I believed in such things. In order to add a little level of excitement to my overly quiet day, i decided to ride most of the way back toward the Chateau on the 14-20" wide strip of marble that directly bordered the huge pools. I'm quite sure that I wasn't supposed to be doing this, but I couldn't resist. It was quite intense. One wrong move and I would for sure have ended up in the drink. Upon first thought, that wouldn't have been such a bad idea due to the heat, but I for sure would've ruined my iPhone and possibly even been thrown in the "gallows" for disgracing the Royal Grounds. Luckily, I emerged victorious.
Went home exhausted. Got to sleep early. Big day tomorrow. Louvre.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Response to Comment
Dantron.....
Thanks for your comment. It had already been DAYS since I last read that particular SWPL Article. (oh how the time flies) In fact, I can say that it was that very page that led me to my adventures.
You see, as a half White, half Mexican male, I have oft been confused of my nationality. Once I finally found SWPL, I realized that I had my very own guide book to ensure my whititude. (note- I put equal thought into becoming a Mexican....but this guy said that was probably the wrong move).
When I stumbledUpon the great #19, I then knew I must make it a reality. But to take it another step, I figured I must outdo the previous White People before me. (psst, clander, could that be a possible new SWPL topic?) I've decided to MOVE to Europe!!!
Yes Yes....I will speak about said move for months and gain interesting perspectives from those who've traveled before me (all of them of course trying to show superiority over me pointing out the fact that they've ALREADY been or even go so far to say they've been abroad a number of times). These stories are mostly one in the same and I must have my addition to the like.
Now that I am gone on my way to becoming a better WP, I have decided to electronically inscribe all of my pointless details so that other WP can follow along and I can feel superior to them. (Not to mention, travelblogging is an ever-so-white-person thing to do ;)
Truth is, my previous job had subsided, I wasn't ready to go back to school and the sound of REAL work just wasn't appealing. Of course I leave all of those tidbits out when self describing to unsuspecting slammhogs.
Thanks for reading, guys. You're graciously pointing out that I have become a great white person. Keep the comments coming.
-Ryan
NOTE: to Mom and other family members....please disregard this post and all future posts that reflect such blatant non-sense and sarcasm. They are meant to derive chuckles from friends not frowns from those related to me. I apologize beforehand that this is the kind of humor my peers may seek. Try to love me all the same.
Thanks for your comment. It had already been DAYS since I last read that particular SWPL Article. (oh how the time flies) In fact, I can say that it was that very page that led me to my adventures.
You see, as a half White, half Mexican male, I have oft been confused of my nationality. Once I finally found SWPL, I realized that I had my very own guide book to ensure my whititude. (note- I put equal thought into becoming a Mexican....but this guy said that was probably the wrong move).
When I stumbledUpon the great #19, I then knew I must make it a reality. But to take it another step, I figured I must outdo the previous White People before me. (psst, clander, could that be a possible new SWPL topic?) I've decided to MOVE to Europe!!!
Yes Yes....I will speak about said move for months and gain interesting perspectives from those who've traveled before me (all of them of course trying to show superiority over me pointing out the fact that they've ALREADY been or even go so far to say they've been abroad a number of times). These stories are mostly one in the same and I must have my addition to the like.
Now that I am gone on my way to becoming a better WP, I have decided to electronically inscribe all of my pointless details so that other WP can follow along and I can feel superior to them. (Not to mention, travelblogging is an ever-so-white-person thing to do ;)
Truth is, my previous job had subsided, I wasn't ready to go back to school and the sound of REAL work just wasn't appealing. Of course I leave all of those tidbits out when self describing to unsuspecting slammhogs.
Thanks for reading, guys. You're graciously pointing out that I have become a great white person. Keep the comments coming.
-Ryan
NOTE: to Mom and other family members....please disregard this post and all future posts that reflect such blatant non-sense and sarcasm. They are meant to derive chuckles from friends not frowns from those related to me. I apologize beforehand that this is the kind of humor my peers may seek. Try to love me all the same.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Day 2: Wandering
Day 2
Woke up early and caught the Metro to the Eiffel Tower. Having seen the Eiffel tower in more pictures and video than probably any other landmark in the world, I wasn't really expecting much. I was just planning on crossing it of my proverbial list. Upon first glance, I was anything BUT un-impressed. It's footprint is sizable, it's detail unfathomable. I cant imagine the level of genius that went in to engineering this feat well over a century ago.
Apparently I didn't wake up early enough. There were loads of people already at the park. Lines to the top were hundreds of people deep and I just didn't think it was worth it considering the wait and the already rising Paris heat. I strolled around the lawns for a while and thanks to a few clouds in the sky was able to get some pretty cool photos.
Made my way to the Musee d'Orsay. Along the way found some random Cathedrals and State Buildings whose construction would've otherwise blown my mind had I not been already desensitized by Parisian architecture. Luckily I did beat the crowd to the museum. I didn't wait in any lines and just walked right in. Again, this buildings size and detail astounded me. All the directory's signage was in French so I just strolled from one side of the floor to the other and made my way up through each level.
Although every piece was amazing, not only as artistic prowess but as historical relic, I was most impressed by three things; French Realism, Impressionism and Early Photography (1840's type stuff).
The Monet's were unreal. The Orsay does not go to great lengths to keep you separated from the art. No glass cases, nothing more than a thin wire slightly set back from the wall about knee height. I could stand less than 10 inches away from almost any piece I wanted, putting me in the same position as the artist was during the pieces creation. Even found the original Monet that my mom had a print of hanging in the downstairs bathroom of my childhood home. Awe-inspiring.
Next stop was the Cathedral de' Notre Dame. Having flashbacks of Mrs. Novinger's 8th grade English class, I could recall all of the details that she drilled into my head after countless hours of blabbing. It was great to see it in person. My plan was to take the elevator to the top to get a much needed view of Paris from some elevation. That plan was halted quickly as I encountered the longest line yet. We're talking 500 yards at least.
I continued to the Isle of St. Louis where Shabes told me I could find (in one of his many opinionated lessons) the best gelato in the world. He was not kidding. I probably ate more than 10 euros worth of ice gelato......SO good. Once I had finally given myself a stomach-ache, I left and headed down to the Latin Quarter.
This neighborhood was bustling with other obvious tourists. Most of the youth hostels are located here so I knew I would see more Americans. My point was proven as in only a few blocks in I had already spotted 2 Starbucks..... why anyone would drink Starbucks when the coffee is SO good at any hole in the wall cafe is beyond me. Slammhogs....
Went back to my hotel and showered a long hot day off. Had a nice glass of wine with my hotelier and then headed back toward the river. After some delicious Stella's and believe it or not even a Heineken (MUCH less skunky than the US brew) I made my way to the bridges where I could watch the sunset. To my surprise, I was not the only one with that idea. I was not prepared to see HUNDREDS of French locals sprawled out on the pedestrian bridge with full bags of food and drinks, picnic blankets and musical instruments. I bought some wine and a crepe and squeezed in mid-bridge and watched the crazy Eiffel Tower's light show. The English language was nowhere to be heard. Finally after a good buzz had kicked in, I decided it was time to interact. I was watching these African fellas in a drum circle for a while and after I had finished my bottles of wine I jumped in the mix and started clanking the bottles together in rhythm. They immediately welcomed me with huge smiles and we "jammed" together for a couple hours at least. So long, infact, that I had unknowingly stayed out long after the Metro's stopped running. I had to pay like 15euros for a cab ride back to my hotel. Worth every bit.
Woke up early and caught the Metro to the Eiffel Tower. Having seen the Eiffel tower in more pictures and video than probably any other landmark in the world, I wasn't really expecting much. I was just planning on crossing it of my proverbial list. Upon first glance, I was anything BUT un-impressed. It's footprint is sizable, it's detail unfathomable. I cant imagine the level of genius that went in to engineering this feat well over a century ago.
Apparently I didn't wake up early enough. There were loads of people already at the park. Lines to the top were hundreds of people deep and I just didn't think it was worth it considering the wait and the already rising Paris heat. I strolled around the lawns for a while and thanks to a few clouds in the sky was able to get some pretty cool photos.
Made my way to the Musee d'Orsay. Along the way found some random Cathedrals and State Buildings whose construction would've otherwise blown my mind had I not been already desensitized by Parisian architecture. Luckily I did beat the crowd to the museum. I didn't wait in any lines and just walked right in. Again, this buildings size and detail astounded me. All the directory's signage was in French so I just strolled from one side of the floor to the other and made my way up through each level.
Although every piece was amazing, not only as artistic prowess but as historical relic, I was most impressed by three things; French Realism, Impressionism and Early Photography (1840's type stuff).
The Monet's were unreal. The Orsay does not go to great lengths to keep you separated from the art. No glass cases, nothing more than a thin wire slightly set back from the wall about knee height. I could stand less than 10 inches away from almost any piece I wanted, putting me in the same position as the artist was during the pieces creation. Even found the original Monet that my mom had a print of hanging in the downstairs bathroom of my childhood home. Awe-inspiring.
Next stop was the Cathedral de' Notre Dame. Having flashbacks of Mrs. Novinger's 8th grade English class, I could recall all of the details that she drilled into my head after countless hours of blabbing. It was great to see it in person. My plan was to take the elevator to the top to get a much needed view of Paris from some elevation. That plan was halted quickly as I encountered the longest line yet. We're talking 500 yards at least.
I continued to the Isle of St. Louis where Shabes told me I could find (in one of his many opinionated lessons) the best gelato in the world. He was not kidding. I probably ate more than 10 euros worth of ice gelato......SO good. Once I had finally given myself a stomach-ache, I left and headed down to the Latin Quarter.
This neighborhood was bustling with other obvious tourists. Most of the youth hostels are located here so I knew I would see more Americans. My point was proven as in only a few blocks in I had already spotted 2 Starbucks..... why anyone would drink Starbucks when the coffee is SO good at any hole in the wall cafe is beyond me. Slammhogs....
Went back to my hotel and showered a long hot day off. Had a nice glass of wine with my hotelier and then headed back toward the river. After some delicious Stella's and believe it or not even a Heineken (MUCH less skunky than the US brew) I made my way to the bridges where I could watch the sunset. To my surprise, I was not the only one with that idea. I was not prepared to see HUNDREDS of French locals sprawled out on the pedestrian bridge with full bags of food and drinks, picnic blankets and musical instruments. I bought some wine and a crepe and squeezed in mid-bridge and watched the crazy Eiffel Tower's light show. The English language was nowhere to be heard. Finally after a good buzz had kicked in, I decided it was time to interact. I was watching these African fellas in a drum circle for a while and after I had finished my bottles of wine I jumped in the mix and started clanking the bottles together in rhythm. They immediately welcomed me with huge smiles and we "jammed" together for a couple hours at least. So long, infact, that I had unknowingly stayed out long after the Metro's stopped running. I had to pay like 15euros for a cab ride back to my hotel. Worth every bit.
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