Versailles, Paris, here and there.

Versailles, about a 30minute train ride from Paris, while on the way there a small group was singing and playing music (with the very cliché of the accordion) and going around the people for ‘donations.’  Thirty minutes went by and we were at our destination. Had lunch of duck foie gras in baguette (c’est bon!). A 10 minute walk from the ticket/info centre we arrived at Versailles. Rémy got to go in for free while poor me I had to pay LOL. Can’t tourist get in free, considering we paid so much for an airfare to France? Kidding. 

Twenty or so minute waiting in the line, we finally got in Versailles. Magnificent outside as well as inside. I don’t know how many rooms there are, it was wonderful to get inside the palace and see how the French monarchy use to live. It was so lavish and I am amazed as to how they created this enormous palace without all the materials we have. The amount of marble used for the stairs, walls etc..it is very extravagant! My favourite of course being the Glass/Chandelier room. Despite the repetitiveness of the rooms. I couldn’t wait to head out into the gardens. 

Just like the palace, the garden was huge as well. Rémy attempted to give me some history lesson about the ‘sun king’ and other trivial things. The garden was wonderful. I was picturing myself in 17th century clothes and how challenging it would have been for the ladies in 3 foot wigs, corset and ballooning dresses..I am sure heatstrokes where a problem back then, while strolling in the hot sun along the gardens. 

We strolled along the man-made lake and decided to go for a bike ride along the gardens. We reached the place where Marie-Antoinette use to stay and then headed at the opposite direction of the big lake before returning the bikes. Afterwards we decided to take a boat ride on the lake. It was such a beautiful way to spend the afternoon... on a boat at the Versailles. Took turns rowing the boat (more or less Rémy). Row Row, row ya boat....

Ended the day with partying it up with Rémy’s friend, in which we ended up at a night club, that looked like a warehouse till 6am, the following morning. Whoa. What a night!

With only two hour sleep and one with a hangover, we checked out of our hotel and headed to the Eiffel Tower were we met up with Neil & Alicia before departing our own way. It was a beautiful way to end a weekend in Paris. A huge congratulations to their engagement & a final farewell.

This is just a start to my adventures. 

Paris adventures 1.

Touching down on Charles De Gaulle Airport in Paris, a sudden rush of excitement and joy came over me. First and foremost I am challenging myself to speak French and experiencing the french culture all over again. Another is that I got to travel when it is NOT WINTER! Experiencing my first (well kinda second time) of a European summer! Even-though most people are on holidays during this time of month, it is wonderful to be here because you can just go galavanting around any place outside and the best part is, is that it doesn’t get dark till 10pm at night! One of the things I seem to miss a lot when I go over to Europe during the winter months! 

Ahh Pariiii. The city of lights! People love or dislike this city, however I think every time I land in Paris, I start to love the city more. Prior to coming to Paris, I have been watching a lot of movies that features Paris and whenever I see it, it gives me goosebumps as I count down the days when I finally reach this city! Bam! Here I am. 

Catching the train to the city and then reached the hotel, got ready and then headed out to St. Germain area a.k.a the latin quarter and caught up with Neil & Alicia. It was really good to catch up for dinner with them and the great news of their engagement! Congratulations to my wonderful friends! A pity I have missed out on my ‘frog legs!’ I had the chance to try, but when it came to order food we forgot to order it. ‘Quelle dommage!’ Well I have all the time to try it. Nevertheless, from what I have heard, they taste like ‘chicken and fish’ - “fishken or chickish?”

We departed after dinner and went back to our respective hotels - time for a snooze before our next adventure. 

Staying away from the usual tourist attractions, we headed down the Palais et Jardin du Luxembourg. We were hoping the weather would be holding up as there was 'possible showers' (as per my weather on iPhone!) but I am glad most of the day was find. Firstly sitting down in the garden watching a few people playing tennis in the sports area of the garden. It was nice just to watch them play and see the passers-by. 

Afterwards walked near the palace and saw a big water feature, where children were playing with toy boats and people having lunch around the garden. There was also a replica of the Statue of Liberty, a gift from the French to the Americans all those years ago. 

Passed by more gardens and statues before having Italian for lunch. Afterwards, we took the metro to Invalides, where we went to the Hôtel des Invalides and got to view Napoléon Bonaparte's resting place in the church close by. It was a mother-trucker of a huge coffin (If I can call it a coffin!) and into the museum of World War I & II. 

Despite me feeling tired, it was a great day. Had dinner close by our hotel before heading to our room to sleep.

Until then..

See ya later

V x

Slight Turbulence while sitting on the toilet seat..no fun.

Although the trip from Brisbane to Incheon, South Korea had a few 'turbulences' along the way..I have managed to safely arrive to Incheon Inernational Airport... I have on occasions during my flights from A to B (Europe) felt the plane go from side-to-side, up-and-down, as if it was an 'earthquake in mid-air' and then the cabin crew will announce "please return to your seat and fasten your seatbelts, as we are experiencing unexpected turbulence." My gosh! I have just realise I've taken over their job!..memorising that over and over again has been embedded into my mind.
Never the less don't we all get a tad paniky when that announcement comes up while you are in there....?

"Oh shit(!)..what to do now?" - technically speaking *LOL*

My flight to Incheon wasn't as smooth as it would have been, mother nature has indeed her moments. But at least it got me over from the Southern Hemisphere to the Northern Hemisphere. Other than that it was pleasant flight. I got to watch 'the Lorax,' 'Intouchable' (again with the English subtitles) and 'W/E' - which was directed by Madonna. Inbetween I dozed off while listening to Mozart and then awaken by the smell of food.

I arrived in Incheon just a little after 6:30pm. Customs took a while as they are scanning every one with their biometric passports. Downstairs through to the 'declare.' Where I had to show my measly peanuts, which I didn't end up eating..he let me through (of course I ticked it in the custom section).

I am here on a layover as my flight to Paris is at 1:00pm the following day.

I guess it is time for me to stop and snooze..definitely a big day ahead!

À bientôt

V x