My big surprise - France!

For my birthday, Gerald arranged a surprise trip back to Versailles and Paris. I did not know where I was going until we reached the check-in desk at the airport and the attendant was quite amused. (It was my first guess too - we think alike.) We had stayed at a plush hotel near the chateau in Versailles some years ago and had a memorable dinner in a nearby bistro (above). So we did both again this trip, plus added a wonderful creperie to our favorite dining spots. Our room had a view of the chateau - here it is at sunrise on our last morning, and here are the bath's French doors.



I'd never been in Paris in the high season, and we went on Saturday afternoon. As it was also a city-wide day of music, it was totally packed, and hot too. We're acclimated to the cooler Nordic summer now so it was a challenge. But an excellent one, nonetheless. I was able to use my rusty French, since Claire wasn't there as interpreter, and we did find the tea shop we were looking for (Mariage Freres) after inadvertently walking almost across Paris. We were on the right street, just at the wrong end. Sunday we saw the dressage performance of the Versailles equestrian school - and they had one segment where they brought young horses into the ring and just let them frolic. They rolled in the dirt, nipped each other, and played tag - it was so unique and charming. Dining alfresco that warm evening capped off our long weekend. Gerald really outdid himself with this perfect surprise. It all began with a rainbow over the chateau (and Gerald) on our arrival. Like magic!