Masquerade

Right; I’m off to Switzerland tomorrow, and won’t have the internet for at least a week, so here is a quick summary of what’s happened so far, including the Paris trip that I didn’t have time to write about before!

-Palais Garnier (Paris Opera) was probably the highlight of all France for me. It was such a thrill to actually be there, and our tour guide was fantastic! I learnt so much, little things, like that the architect, Charles Garnier, wasn’t invited to the gala opening of the theatre, he had to pay for his ticket! And that there is a statue of a salamander by the old gas pipes to ward off fire. We saw the infamous Box 5 inside the theatre (some superstitious people still won’t take tickets in the Phantom’s box), and, having just finished reading Gaston Leroux’s novel Phantom of the Opera, seeing the auditorium for myself was just incredible! I’ve promised myself that one day I will come back and see a ballet or an opera there.

-From the Palais, I rushed to my hotel in Montparnasse, checked in quickly, then took a train to Versailles. WOW. I tried to imagine the approach to the Chateau as if I was in a horse and carriage, along the cobblestones with the giant building looming in front. The place is seriously impressive, and even though I only had 3 hours there, I’m really glad I had the chance to see it. I rushed through the state apartments, seeing the Hall of Mirrors, the King and Queen’s bedchambers, and the grand gallery with 32 paintings of French battles (it’s HUGE). I had a wander through the gardens closest to the Chateau, as it was getting dark and the ground was still icy. I wish I’d had more time to absorb it all, but what I did see was just spectacular. There was a modern art installatyion series throughout the Chateau, which didn’t really fit in (Japanese pop culture statues), but which would have been good for the kids visiting to admire. Another place I’ll have to return to one day.

-On Monday I slept in (it was so nice!) and then went up to Monmatre to see the Basilica Sacre Coeur. I spent a while sitting in the majestic basilica, and then listened to the soundtrack from Amelie on the walk back down.

-I had a lazy lunch of onion soup and beef bourginon, then went in search of the Ladurée teahouse Thea recommended for a cake and tea. I had Marie Antoinette tea and a raspberry, nougat and almond cake (yum!). After that I caught the train back to Lyon.

-Yesterday, Amandine took me up to the Cathedral on the hill, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, who is credited with saving the city from both invasion and the plague. This is the most beautiful church I’ve been in so far! The colours were just amazing, and the mosaics and sculptures were really impressive! There was also an amazing view over the city, and the sky put on a show with dark clouds contrasting with patches of bright sunshine. So, so beautiful!

-The main highlight since coming back to Lyon had been the Fete des Lumieres, or festival of lights, which opened last night. We had a really warm day, but it rained in the evening on and off. I went with Amandine’s friends, and we saw some really cool displays. Basically the whole city has installations of light-related art throughout it, from parks with illuminated loops, to Northern Lights-style projections on fountains and buildings. The most spectacular was on a church, where the projected lights moved to show a forest growing and expanding, then receding across te building. It was amazing!

Right, I should finish packing. There won’t be an update for a while, but wish me luck braving the icy temperatures across the Alps! I’m travelling with Jasmin, who is on a study break this week, which will make it all the more fun! Tomorrow is Geneva (and the UN, sooooooo excited about seeing the Palais de Nations), then Zurich, Salzburg and Vienna on the 16th. Much love to you all! xox