Today we took a trip to Fontainebleau, which was the summer/weekend home of the throne for basically ages. It's now, of course, a source of tourism and for good reason. It's a gorgeous property, lavishly decorated and just gushing with history. Wanna be within 10 feet of French royalty? Go to Fontainebleau. And let me tell you, it was opulent. The French are VERY good at luxury, Mikkel described this as "the reason they needed a revolution". We took a self guided audio tour, and it was fun and I took lots of pictures, which are up on facebook right now. I'm bummed I didn't have time to visit the gardens, but I have an extra train ticket and I am going back this weekend by myself :) I am so excited!
But do you want to know what was BETTER than the royal palace itself? Better than standing next to the bed queens slept in, walking through their bathroom, or standing in the room a king was born? The hike we took afterwards. Mikkel offered to take us on a hike, and about 5 of us accepted that offer. We sent the others off on the train and we disappeared up a narrow trail in the bushes and trees next to the train station.
We hiked (ok, walked...the trail was mild. Narrow in places, steep in places, but we still looked good at the end so...you be the judge) for what felt like ages. It was gorgeous; trees of every variety and color all over, but with lots of space between them, creating a sort of cool level beneath their branches, with soft light filtering in through the leaves. I picked up a few for my journal :) I could have been anywhere in the world, it was so secluded. It was such a lovely change of pace from the cramped city, and the air was clear and felt so good to breathe and walk through. It sprinkled most of the time, and honestly, I loved that too. I love rain, and French rain is even better ;)
They have these adorable old "fountains" in the ground, a miniature well, basically, to collect water from the minimal rain for the animals, because the ground is quite sandy there. There are lots of VERY large boulders with holes in them large enough for my face. I don't remember geology that well, but I'm pretty sure they were igneous. After walking THROUGH one of the rocks, and under a few low trees, we came upon this wonderful stone tower. Looking a lot like a Mayan temple, with large stone steps up one side, we all joked it was where he brought us for the blood sacrifice. In actuality, it was built to be a vantage point, and it was perfect. The views were amazing, and worth every single step, and my favorite thing in France so far.
I didn't take many pictures on this hike, and they definitely don't do the view justice, but now you'll just have to come see it for yourself!
PS, if I had my way, I would live in Fontainebleau and commute to school in Paris :) Maybe someday!
Hmm, that's a little too far away for your Mom.
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