Paris, day 2.

I woke up early (7am Paris time) with much more energy than yesterday. Thank goodness I'm feeling so much better!
After breakfast, the group hopped on a train to Versailles. Such a great way to start the day! Needless to say I was fascinated with my first-ever train ride. ;) I have visited Versailles before, so rather than going into the palace itself, a few group members and I decided to roam the gardens. Best. Decision. EVER.
Last time I was here, it had rained and we did not get much of a chance to see the gardens in bloom. This time the sun was shining, the weather was perfect, and we made it in time for the musical gardens. Even though we paid extra, it really added to the mood.

We trekked a large portion of the gardens and saw soooo many beautiful sculptures, fountains, and flowers. My favorite was le Jardin du Roi (the garden of the king).

Left: a tree from a temporary Italian art installation featuring trees and rocks in odd places
Right top and bottom: Le Jardin du Roi, overview and details.

Top left: Cyparisse sculpture
Top right 2: Various fountains
Bottom: Versailles overview

 

I can't upload a video of the fountains right now, but hopefully I can soon!
After Versailles we  grabbed lunch to go, and hopped on the train to the Musee D'Orsay! It was previously a train station built for the World's Fair, but is now a museum hosting some of the most famous pieces in the entire world. I saw Monet, Degas, Manet, Renoir, Picasso, and Lautrec. I think I just about passed out. I spent nearly 3 hours roaming the museum and couldn't take a single picture (to protect the artwork). I did, however, get to take a picture behind the large clock!

 We were free to go after that. Originally, my friend and I planned to go to Monmarte...but ended up lost on the metro...for two hours! We couldn't find the entrance, then we got on the wrong metro. We finally found the right one, but got on going the right way! At long last, we ended up back near our hotel. At least we know how to work the system now ;). To rest our feet, we grabbed a snack at a nearby cafe (caramel ice cream and espresso for me!). Then, we returned to the hotel for another group meeting and a welcome dinner.

Dinner was FABULOUS. We began with red pepper flan topped with shrimp (crawfish?), served on a pretty design of balsamic vinaigrette, lemon sauce, and garnished with grapefruit and lemons. Our main course was a delicious beef stewed in a wine sauce with carrots, beans, and zucchini. We finished with a lava brownie partnered with rose ice cream, whipped cream, lemon and raspberry sauce, and a mint garnish. Mmmm. To complete the ordeal, our API director gave us a lesson in french manners.

A small group of students (including myself) finished the night with a drink at a nearby bar in a college area. Capi Chapo. A cute little place with large windows and a slight obsession with Abba. I didn't snap a picture, but I had a lovely glass of Chardonnay.

I am EXHAUSTED. Time to get to bed. I've got a busy day tomorrow. <3