Au revoir

I'm currently sitting in my room on my final night in Paris.

 

I have a little bit to cover in this blog update: The photography museum, Eiffel Tower, and our visit to the Palace of Versailles.

 

Yesterday (July 4th) the group did our last activity for the tour: a trip to the contemporary photography museum.

I liked a lot of the work. Particularly all the portraiture that was featured.

There was an amazing collection of work from a familiar photographer, Philip Halsman.

 One of my favourites.

 An awesome collection of Salivdor Dali Portraits.

 

 Getting excited over Halsman's famous portrait of Dali.

 

 

Other work, who I didn't take note of the artist, wasn't as inspiring for me (the photojournalism work, as I felt it was very mundane/lacking depth).
Afterwards, we explored the Jewish quarter a little.

 

Because we planned to see the Eiffel tower at night, we figured it would be nice to get some day shots too (in case we ran a little late in the evening and missed the light).

Also stopped by the arch de triumph (which wasn't too exciting for me personally).

 

 

 

 

The evening the whole group gathered together for a 'clean out the fridge get together' because some of us were leaving early today (our last day, a free day).

There was a lot of food, and the Eiffel tower group of us were able to bond a little before setting off.

 

Arriving at the Eiffel tower the time we did was perfect. Right during golden hour, with some nice clouds for a textural sky. Bob Marley music played in the background as we looked in awe and excitement.

 

 

 Kelvin with the Eiffel behind.

 Kelvin and I

 Michelle dancing to Bob Marley

 

We got a few group shots (not on my camera though), and then set off to climb.

It was 10.30pm by the time we arrive up the top (well second level, we didn't take the lift to the actual top). It was quite a kick climb. We powered up it (with a result of being quite sweaty, but satisfied to work off the crepes we would have afterwards).

 

 

It became dark, and we looked at the views a little longer, before walking back down.

We had crepes (in a long queue, and people kept cutting in front of us!). I had a simple Lemon and Sugar, not wanting anything too sweet and overwhelming at the time of night.

 

Here are some (average) shots of the view:

 

 

 

 

Looking out over the city.

 

After, we hurried to the metro to ensure the way home.

Less than halfway on the metro, our friend Louise felt quite sick and jumped off, looking very ill.

Considering we were now off the last train, the metro officials came over to see the commotion and helped us call doctors. Louise went to hospital with Brie's dad (with medical background) for a general checkup.

Luckily, we had a large group (with men), to figure out the way home.

It was an adventure.

 

No available bus that we could find, and millions of already occupied taxis prevented a quick departure. Luckily, Ethan had done the walk (from one side of the river, near the Orsay Museum to our hotel in Montmartre) several times, and knew the exact route home. We stuck in a tight-knit group, and headed in the direction of home, keeping our eyes peeled for a taxi.

There was no trouble at all, and eventually we found one (in Saint Lazar or some such place).

 

Arriving home weary, and slightly irritated at the two-hour journey home, we all hurried to bed.

 

Today, 5th July, a group of 5 of us went to the Palace of Versailles.

It was an early start, and we were weary. Luckily we had pre-booked our tickets to avoid the extra queue.

 

The palace was quite spectacular. It was pretty amazing to walk the corridors of the royals from the past.

I would have liked it to be less commercialised. In an ideal world, I believe the palace would be much more interesting to visit if it was more preserved (or re-created) to its original state. I sometimes think all the multi-media videos, and the glass cases, and re-decorated interiors spoil the history a little. I guess it would be a little difficult to preserve the history at such a popular tourist destination.

 

 

 

 A view from the windows overlooking the gardens.

 

 A terrible quality photo of the group in the mirror.

 

 Me, in the Hall of Mirrors.

 

Outside the Palace.

 

The gardens were also beautiful and relaxing. It would have been amazing to live there. (They were probably unnecessarily big, but so amazing!).

 

 

 

Now, we are back and resting tired feet, legs and bodies. Accordion music drifting through out open window on a sunny Paris day, and last packing of bags has been completed.

(I managed to pack easily, even with new purchases).

 

Tomorrow, Stephanie and I will spend the day together, relaxing until checkout at 12pm, and exploring Montmartre and having lunch until we leave at 6pm for the airport, and 10pm flight departure).

 

I am very excited to arrive back in Melbourne.

I have missed everyone, and the comfort at home.

 

In reflection of the trip, I am so so incredibly grateful that I have this opportunity.

All three countries I have been to have given me unique and memorable experiences. The good mixed with the negative have helped me grow and become more independent (I hope), and really show me new parts of the world.

 

I'm happy to have met some beautiful new friends (those in fleeting moments and those to stay forever) and learn so much in my first overseas adventure.
I'm so lucky I have had this opportunity and grasped it, and will forever be grateful for the support of my friends with me in Europe, Alex and his beautiful family, and those precious people at home.
What an experience to remember :)