Versailles and Marie Antoinette

Versailles and Marie Antoinette today and I have the sore legs to prove it. I was not prepared for the size of it all. We rented the golf carts available, if someone had not told us you could rent them, we would have never known. No signs, no big arrow pointing to the carts - saying there's no way you walk this whole palace. There are tour trolleys but you cannot get off to tour anything once you are on.

We parked at the Petite Trianon, where else? It brought tears to my eyes, I touched the door handles, I touched the gate at the farm like buildings way, way, way in the back of Marie's Petite Trianon. Both are considered Petite Trianon and I'd really like to know where which building she lived in while she was there.

What a day, an incredible emotional day, touring where Marie Antoinette lived was the best part of this trip, so far. To say I walked where she walked is going to keep me happy for years to come. The birds were singing and I felt her presence, she loved her Petite Trianon and now I know why. The gardens, the sheep, the quietness was amazing. Spring was in the air and so many couples were kissing here. Awe.

Until tomorrow, Rhonda

La Tour Eiffel

I saw the Eiffel Tower from the #82 Paris bus, as we turned the corner, there she was. A French passenger across the aisle from me smiled as she saw the excitement in my face. She proceded to help us figure out when to get off the bus. It does drop you off right there at the Eiffel Tower. She was speaking to me in French and I did not understand too many words but I was so grateful that she tried to communicate with me. It was sweet and such a very nice gesture.

The views from the top are spectacular.

I smiled out of the cab window and they smiled right back.

Another beautiful day in Paris. Today is supposed to be 72 degrees.

xoxoxo Rhonda

BONJOUR Madames

(My first lunch in Paris)

Ah, Paris is exactly how I have always pictured it. Amazing and with every time you turn a corner, every time you walk down a different street, it is beautiful. I stop and take a photo and soak it all in. The smell of fresh bread is in the air. It is 63 degrees, just perfect of walking around and shopping.

(Le View last night from my room's window)

(Hotel Lobby)

(Our Continental Breakfast at the Hotel)

After a long flight and a very long day yesterday, I think I am pretty much on Paris time. I have so much to tell you already but for now I am going to share a few photos and post more later.

(For Rosemary, this dress in a window display had your name on it)

Le Lost in Paris

Wish me luck, I got lost today shopping but it was quite the experience asking for directions.

The French have been extremely helpful and nice.  I love this city.

Until tomorrow! Bonsoir - Rhonda

French Friday Giveaway and a Bon Voyage

Ooh La La this French Friday Giveaway
 is going to be a French one.....
one lucky winner will be chosen.....
leave me a comment to say you want your name in that hat......
and the winner will receive........

 A GIFT FROM PARIS

(said in Oprah's voice)

The gift could be a little treasure I find at the Paris flea market

 or a Paris boutique.

Winner to be announced Friday, April 29th

 I sure hope to post while I'm in Paris, as I'm bringing my Acer laptop (it's small). Deb and I get free wifi in our rooms.....
I hope to Skype, as I know the man of the house
will be happy to talk to me while I'm gone.

Au Revoir for now...it's a quick one day and night trip to Chicago tomorrow to meet up with family and friends and
 then up up and away Sunday night to Paris, nonstop.

French Champagne anyone?      xoxoxo Rhonda

I'm Going to Paris!

I've been talking about going to France FOREVER! Finally, the tickets are purchased, the hotel arrangements made, I'm going to France!

My whole adult life I have been dreaming of a trip to France. It's all I think about. Life has brought me many close attempts to travelling there but life also cancelled those plans. My good friend from Chicago, Deb, found a fantastic airfare one day and the next day those seats were ours! She is bringing her cameras and I am bringing an empty suitcase.

Never too late I say!!! I have every French travel book imaginable and maps galore. I'm so excited - I cannot wait until April - Oui Oui Bonjour Merci - how many suitcases can I bring?

Dreams do come true, is all I can say.

What is even better, when I told my Father of my trip, he began to remember his Father's stories of France. My Grandfather served in WWI and was given a Purple Heart Medal. He was shot in the leg and the story goes that a very small Frenchman carried my Grandfather a long way to the medics for attention. My eyes flooded with tears when my Father told me that story. Merci Beaucoup France for taking care of my Grandfather that day.

So, for now, I know two women that are very happy to have their own French stories to tell one day.

This little French inspired gal is welcoming any travel advice, tips, favorite stories, plans of your own to share. Yes, this is me at 5 or 6 years old.

French themed embroidered towels are compliments of my sweet friends Maddie and Gail. I received these for Christmas from them and they are so sweet to have put all that work into them.