Day 27: Versailles and some expensive Mexican food

 

posing in front of Versaille with the Daily Pilot

Today my mom and I took the RER C out to Versaille for a day of touring the opulent palace and gardens that go on forever–and we walked most of that forever! 

The last time I visited Versailles, which was in February (2004), I have to say, I was not that impressed. Thing is, big, fancy summer homes are not my thing–unless, I guess, I get to vacation in them…

This time, though, the fountains were on in the gardens and it was a pretty spectacular sight. I’m still not that into the inside of the palace, but my mom and I spent about three hours walking around the gardens, to the far corners, seeing Marie Antoinette’s area, which was actually quite beautiful. 

We did make sure to take our picture with the Daily Pilot (our local paper), in hopes that we might get it published, as they print photos of Daily Pilot readers from around the world. 

After a long day at Versaille we had our hearts set on a Mexican food place, La Perla, that I had seen recommended and that we had walked past a few days ago. Let’s just say, $50 later, it was the most expensive Mexican food we have ever had, and definitely not the best…

I know, I know, who goes for Mexican food in Paris anyway?! I guess I had gotten cocky after having great Mexican food at Miguel’s in  Chiang Mai  and at Boojum in Belfast.

Day 21: Irish impressions

guinness group photo reflection

 

This being my 3rd visit to Belfast (and Dublin) these aren’t exactly ‘impressions’– more like ‘highlights’ — but I thought impressions sounded better for a title…

It also may seem as though all I have done during my time in Ireland is eat and drink, which is completely untrue. While eating and drinking, I’ve enjoyed having good craic with old friends Stuart and Julianne as well as newly-in-person-but-previously-on-facebook friend Sara. See, so it’s not just eating and drinking…

• Great brunch of chorizo, spinach and red pepper at The Yard in Holywood
• Yummy recipe (cooked by Stu) from Rachel Allen, Lamb tagine with lemon and pomegranate couscous
• Great day trip to Dublin complete with 
  • breakfast (delicious porridge) at Avoca
  • a tour of the National Gallery (featuring Fabritius’ The Goldfinch)
  • a pint of Guinness 
  • and finishing off the day with dinner at Wagamama 
• Sunday dinner at Stu’s parents…a delicious curry and lovely conversation with Derek and Lesley  
  

  Dinner with Derek and Lesley

• Perusing the latest on Stu and Julianne’s cookbook shelf: Rebar,  Cook with Jamie (Oliver), Rachel’s Favourite Food for Living by Rachel Allen
• lunch at Boojum–fantastic Mexican food–up to California and Mexico standards
• good coffee at Cafe Nero and ground cafe in Waterstones bookstore

Okay, so, we did do a lot of eating and drinking, but so much fun to do so while catching up with good friends!