I’m coming down with something, hopefully not the plague. Too much wine probably had something to do with it, along with a lack of sleep. A couple of my travel-mates have colds, including my wife. I tend to be a bit of a hypochondriac, but rarely get sick for more than a couple of hours. I hope this is the case today!
I ran along the same route as a week ago, when we first boarded the Viking Rinda cruise ship. The captain and his crew sure love formal ceremonies. In my opinion it goes just a bit over the top. It’s like they’re concerned we’re not going to tip them properly, and need to show-off their great value!
Our final tour is the Palace and Gardens at Versailles. We spanned several centuries of French history in a short time, after seeing the President’s house and his inauguration parade on our first day, and the very last French King’s Palace on our final full day.
Our Tour Director’s humorous perspective on the palace was that ” Louie the 14th built it, Louie the 15th lived in it, and Louie the 16th paid for it.” I will remember these disturbing things about French Kings: big egos, head lice, ugliness, bad teeth, silver wigs dusted with flour, poor bathing habits, multiple mistresses, and ceremonial poops. Also, “being on the throne” has multiple Royal meanings, and the words, “Poop and Circumstance,” come to mind.
The wealth here at Versailles was excessive, the women disrespected, and the servants plentiful. If that’s not enough: the formal gardens were massive, the parties never-ending, the gold trim opulent, and the bed rooms uncountable. It’s Good to be the King!
To me, the most fascinating character in the Palace was Queen Bee Marie Antoinette, who eventually lost her head. She supposedly had trouble conceiving a royal child, but a relative intervened after seven barren years and showed them how to do it. With no DNA testing back then, he may have done more than just explain!
The water fountains were in full-flow, a rare sight apparently these days. Marble, mirrors, elaborate crown molding, sculptures, and artwork abounded. Plus, we had a tour guide that I could finally understand. She never asked for a tip, but I gave her a good one.
It’s Good to be a Tourist! Especially, a retired tourist!
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