Time is of the essence...

Japanese Gardens at Giverny.

Our fondue in Annecy.

Beautiful lake Annecy.

Vaux-le-Vicomte.

Fontainbleau.

So I figured I should probably blog before spring break because that will be blogable on its own.

The last two weeks have been quite eventful and varied in their activities. Everything from visits to chateaux, jazz clubs, marathon (shopping and running), Monet, and a taste of the Alps. As I type this now I realize how many amazing things I've had the opportunity to be a part of in just these last 14 days.

The chateaux of Fontainbleau and Vaux-le-Vicomte were a full day just south of Paris. France takes this palace business seriously (take Versailles for instance). Fontainbleau was built to be just a simple hunting lodge for the kings within close proximity of Paris. I was impressed that the chateau still seemed lived-in with all the furniture and decorations still adorning each and every room. I'll have to say that Napoleon's rooms and the piped-in time period music really were the real clinchers for me. As for Vaux-le-Vicomte, I think I like the story behind it more than the chateau itself. It was owned privately by Nicolas Fouquet, Louis XIV's finance minister, and when Fouquet threw a house warming party Louis got so jealous he threw a fit and had Fouquet arrested. Then just to rub it in his face he went and had Versailles built. Boo ya. The gardens there are really great with many large fountains and prime picture taking opportunities that no doubt we took advantage of.

Acting on an itch to get out of Paris, Becky and I literally headed for the hills when we decided to go to Annecy for the weekend. Located just at the foothills of the Alps we were pumped for a weekend of biking and hiking and being near the lake. Unfortunately as our TGV rolled into the station the rain was coming down and didn't seem to have any intention of letting up. There went our biking plans for that day, but we took a dose of some optimism and headed out with our umbrellas to explore what we found to be an amazingly charming town complete with canals running through the old part of the city. We were enchanted by beautiful swans, a crystal clear lake, and mountains that just didn't quite want to show their peaks with all the fog and rain. Without any shame I can say I was really looking forward to the local cusine of fondue. And oh we fon-did-it! After about 5lbs of cheese, 2 potatoes (each), a huge salad, and enough bread for an army we sat in stunned silence as to what had just occured. I challenge anyone to say they wouldn't do the same. Hiking was on the adgenda for the next day and just like the day before we were faced with a challenge. The boat that was supposed to traverse the lake to the location we wanted to hike from didn't begin operation until April 24th. But of course. Armed with a local map I scanned it looking for any signs of camping or regional parks. We ended up walking and exploring for a good 3 hours, then back to the hotel for a much deserved lunch and nap. Our last night was spent discussing when we could come back next over another delicious dinner. Convieniently Annecy is a bid city for the 2018 winter olympics...keep your fingers crossed.

This past weekend started off with an IES trip to Giverny (Monet's home where he did his famous waterlily paintings) and a visit to the medival city of Rouen where Jeanne d'Arc was burned at the stake. Giverny is famous for its gardens which had only opened two days earlier so we didn't get to see them in all their glory. I couldn't help but think about my dad while I was there and how he would just love roaming around and tending to all the flowers and plants. It was unfortunate that it was such a gloomy day when we went and there were no waterlilys to be seen, but on the bright side we got lunch paid for!

Saturday was all about the shopping. The day started off in the Marais area of Paris. We hit up the vintage shops with the help of our friend Chenault after brunch at the American Diner. For our afternoon adventure Becky and I hopped on the RER A and headed east-almost to Disneyland Paris to experience a real French mall and outlet shopping. I can tell you it did not feel like we were in France there-could have been anywhere USA outlet shopping, and you know what? I liked it. My mom seems to be excited about the prospect of experiencing it as well. ;) The day ended with some Latin jazz and a late night walk home after missing the last metro. A successful day in Paris.

Sunday morning came much too quickly, but we tore ourselves out of bed to go play spectators at the marathon de Paris. 35,000 participants (only 6% women) and over 200,000 spectators. It was a unique experience to get to watch a marathon while abroad and I hope that someday I can come back and participate. I was intrigued by how different the atmosphere was from the races I've been to and participated in at home. I was expecting shouting and cheering and noisemakers, but all I got was some clapping and the occasional "allez!" I had to restrain myself from getting too out of hand. The winner completed the race in 2 hours 5 min. I sat at a cafe with an expresso and ate a banana.

Putting a whole new spin on "I love Paris in the springtime."

Talk to you after spring break!

Bisous!

Katie