Grand Chateau and gardens

10 May 2008- A first for this dynamic travelling pair. Our first trip to the grand chateau of Versailles. We were invited to a picnic with one of Chad's coworkers on the grounds. We went out early to visit the chateau and gardens pre-picnic. You can buy your ticket along with the train ticket to get you out there at the same time. I tell you, these French make it easy to travel and enjoy. A short walk from the train station gets you to the golden gates of the Sun King's palace. We met another couple from New Orleans who were intrigued by our picnic backpack. A super gift from my sis years ago (thanks lady), the ultimate french tool, a backpack filled with wine glasses, cheese board, dining implements and two side pockets for bottles of wine. I think it was made in the USA but so perfect for France.
After touring the giant building filled with gold, painted ceilings in every room, marble fixtures and soaring doors, there is no doubt why there was a revolution. When a farmer can't buy bread but the king sleeps on silk tapestries with velvet walls and gilded door knobs, I would try to over throw the government as well.
The chateau is not even the best part. All the surrounding gardens, water and sculpted trees are stunning. We left the chateau and walked for 30 minutes to get our rendevous spot for the picnic. The area screams for wandering or biking along the paths. Many families were also enjoying the area for the same reason we were. The chestnut and sycamore trees have such dense foliage that shade is always nearby. We met up with our picnic providing and his lovely family. And then we were joined with another family. They were very sweet and spoke excellent english and let me destroy french for practice. The food, of course the best part. Appetizers, fresh fruit, salad, roast pork, cheese and of dessert and coffee. I scored a few points by bringing Jeff de Bruges' chocolates. Ooh la la. We also brought some California wines and they liked them. I think they were most surprised by that.
The kids were intrigued by me and only spoke a little english to me. After they heard my beginners french, they relaxed and helped me a bit. We bonded over games of petanque, boules or bocce whatever you would like to call it. I had beginner's luck or chance de premiere and won the first match. Chad didn't do so well. He rolled his ankle while playing foot ball or soccer with the boys. A great day, injury or not. We stumbled back through the gardens and fountains. Slept a bit on the train home and found our way home. Yes our first picnic was a success. The next one will have to jump pretty high to meet those standards set.