Tim tells me today is probably the biggest day of our trip, so its 7.30am and Im getting the jump on this blog. Last night I was still going when everyone else was asleep. I enjoy the peace but it does take some joy out of it.
It reminds me of a motorbike trip I did with a club, who shall remain nameless , but not any rebel outfit. We rode Vespas. One member, a friend who writes for a living, did a daily journal for our website, and I certainly never fully appreciated the effort he went to; I do now. Thanks Ian.
Ive decided facts about each attraction are less important than a bit of opinion, so well see how that goes.
As a politician replied to a journalist trying to catch him out on facts about the economy, Google it , mate. It was probably the best answer I heard during the whole campaign. It put a spotlight on the agenda of some media outlets, but didnt really tone down the rhetoric.
chat, today we are going to Versailles. Ive seen vision of the buildings and gardens but am excited to see it in the flesh.
Ive visited the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, Russia, and I expect it to be on a par with that, minus the magnificent art collection put together at the instigation of Catherine the Great.
I doubt that Ill ever visit Russia again; things have changed since 2014, if you havent been noticing, and I wouldnt or safe, going now.
Ive put in a couple of links to the evolution of Versailles, so check them out. It looks like a Folly on steroids. Rick Steves says that more than half the French economy went on the construction, over quite a few years.
And in 1789, they revolted. Louis XVI left for Paris, and the revolutionaries sold off the furniture and fittings, in what was one of the great garage sales of the 18th century.
