Paris, Day 5

Today was a walking tour through Montorguell.  This district used to be a huge open, green market.  However, in 1970 they decided to move commerce closer to the airport and tore down much of the market.  They built an underground mall at the metro station.  The whole dynamic of the area changed, however, there are still some shops that kept the same style.  We started with cheese tasting, then wine testing, and finished by sampling cured meats.  We then had lunch at a restaurant at the mall.  It was so fun to walk down the streets and see the locals who called each other by name.  It felt like being back in the midwest at a farmer's market.  I'm sad that the neighborhood has become more commercialized.

At the center of this area is a Catholic church.  When we passed it, the soup kitchen was opening for the day for the homeless in the area.  

This building is currently empty, but may become an art gallery soon.

Tonight we had a 5 course dinner at the hotel.  The entertainment was excellent.  The evening started with a ballet.  After dinner opera singers sang sections from Phantom of the Opera.  The night ended with a dessert bar, complete with a chocolate fountain.

Versailles

Thrivent arranged to have a private tour at Versailles.  Usually 5,000 people visit Versailles at once.  There were only about 150 of us in the group and we went through in smaller groups with private tour guides.  Versailles is unbelievable!  They have done a great job of refurbishing it.  During the French Revolution, much of the furniture and decorations were sold, because the country needed money.  The common people also despised the monarchy and ruined much of the palace out of resentment.  

Gallery of Mirrors

We learned so much about the French Monarchy. 

After walking through the house, we stepped out into the gardens, serenaded by music.  The sun was beginning to set and it was breathtaking.  They led us down to another section of the garden to the Orangerie (where they stored all their trees in the winter).  They handed us cocktails as we waited to go into dinner.

Next was a 3 course meal inside the Orangerie.  We were serenaded by strings and opera singers.  The food was exquisite!  The presentation was also amazing.  We had to pinch ourselves many times. After dessert, they led us back out to the gardens where they ended the nigh with fireworks set to music.