Ahhhh... Paris!

Bon Soir! (Good Evening) We have arrived!

After a good breakfast at the hotel, we checked out of our rooms and headed for the coach. Our bags were loaded (they seem to be getting heavier... I wonder why) and we set off on a beautiful scenic drive from Brussels to Paris.

Our first stop was at Compiegne. It was interesting to see how different things were before modern technology. Treaties and agreements were signed with everyone present and in a neutral location.

And now, on to the magnificent Chateau de Versailles. This part of our trip was a bit more tricky, as Mother Nature came calling. There we stood, defenseless, in the middle of the plaza / entryway to the palace when it began pouring rain. We tried to be strong, but it just kept a-coming down. We raced back to the coach and took cover there for a few minutes. Luckily, our Versailles guide was willing to come onto the bus and present her information to us as we sat in the dry bus. The rain stopped and we headed out to the gardens first. After our guide completed her history lesson, we were given time to explore the grounds and the palace in our small groups. Most of us were able to see not only the amazing gardens, but also the King's and Queen's chambers. (I never realized anyone NEEDED two bedrooms... One for sleeping and getting ready to be seen in the morning, and a second to use for a "public" wake-up.)

Dinner was at a cozy restaurant next to Versailles and we were glad to get to the hotel in the evening to change out of our still damp clothes and shoes.

My apologies for such a short blog... More to come!