After a vicious winter over here in Europe, Spring has FINALLY arrived! I am SO happy.
It started last week, as I actually walked around town WITHOUT A COAT. Next thing I knew a tree in the church garden nearby starting sprouting these violet blossoms. What was going on??? Was the apocalypse nigh?? What was this bright warm ball I saw up in the sky?
Turns out it was the sun.
Awesome.
Anyway, Its actually light past 5pm now. It has done quite a bit of good for my spirit.
I decided to visit Paris this past weekend. It was a good decision. Got in late Friday night, went to stay with Mia on the houseboat, and after a light snack went to sleeeep.
Saturday we woke up and decided, hey, why not head out to Versailles? Its a 1.75 euro ticket, and the gardens don't cost a thing. We bought some carrots, tabouleh, dried figs, and nuts (to go along with our apple and clementine) for a picnic and headed to Versailles. We stopped at the perkiest staffed Starbucks I have ever been to in France for a nice soy Chai (ICED) and walked to the chateau. We skipped the actual palace (we had both been there before) and instead walked down the gardens and rented bikes. Holy cow was it a perfect day. We biked for 3 hours or so along the immense grounds picnicked by the sparkling water, and I got a sunburn.
We didn't feel quite like going home yet so we sat at a breezy, sunny bar and had a happy hour cocktail. We then made small talk and had dinner with Mia's family and their friend (and dad with his two daughters) and went out after to see a movie.
Sunday we checked out the Rodin museum and finally visited Saint Chapelle. We walked around the flower market on Ile de la Cite and then parted ways as I went to catch the train for Rouen.
What a lovely way to spend a weekend!
Here are some pictures:
PS the coffee cups are labeled "natalie" and "friend of natalie". funny baristos.
