One of the perks of living in a city with a large theatre district is the ease at which you can see shows. On Saturday afternoon, we buzzed over to Leicester Square and purchased two tix (half-price) for the 7:30pm show of Legally Blonde The Musical at the Savoy Theatre…and it was fantastic!
Can’t wait to see another show in London’s West End! Won’t you join us? (You know who you are…)
Legally Blonde The Musical (image from savoy-theatre.co.uk)
“I never knew the charm of spring” until last weekend in Paris. This song played like an anthem in my head. Paris, you simply stunned us… (I just want to weep like this sculpture, with tears of joy, of course.)
Kevin and I stayed in the Marais neighborhood, and, in our humble opinion, was a great location to get just about anywhere in Paris. With its numerous cafés, brasseries and boutique shops, it’s an easy place to fall right into the scene.
We spent most of the three-day getaway walking around Paris, taking pleasure in the city’s cafe culture and wandering through its beautiful gardens and parks. Just about every flower and tree was in bloom. We also spent one day touring the Palace of Versailles, which you can read about in another post.
Place des Vosges
This perfectly symmetrical square, Place des Vosges, is one of the oldest in Paris. It was designed by Henry IV and was once a chosen site for duels. Today, the square is simply enjoyed by the locals and k&mk as well.
Relaxing in Luxembourg Gardens
Likewise with Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg). This is one of Paris’s most beloved parks. The garden/park/rec area is the property of the French Senate and comes with its own set of rules about its use (e.g. where to run, walk dogs, play music, etc). With its myriad of fountains, statues, trees and flower beds this is the perfect place to take a stroll or “catch some rays.”
We made one museum stop to the Musée de l’Orangerie to view Monet’s water lilies—eight of the approximately 250 paintings are displayed in the two oval rooms specifically built for this collection. They are breathtaking to see in-person.
Paris Marathon
Upon leaving the l’Orangerie, we watched runners from the Paris Marathon show their stride. “Go, Go, Go!”
It was an amazing three days. Oh, Paris, “What have you done to my heart?”
As part of our three-day April in Paris getaway, we spent one of the days meandering around the grand Palace and Domain of Versailles, which is about a 30-40 minute train ride southwest of Paris. We toured the Palace (or Château), the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon and walked around the grounds.
Palace of Versailles
Domain/Gardens of Versailles
The site of the Palace began as a small hunting lodge for Louis XIII but after several expansions and transformations (and three King Louis) later it became what it is today…undeniably massive. The court and government of France moved to Versailles in 1682, which only added to its splendor at the time.
Petit Trianon
The Petite Trianon, part of Marie-Antoinette’s estate, was her personal palace and her escape from royal life.
Grand Trianon (and two lovers)
Inside of Grand Trianon
Louis XIV use the Grand Trianon to escape the rigors of court life…and also for his mistress. ahem.
Queens Bedroom
The Palace of Versailles is a spectacular place. It is certainly fit for a queen… and maybe even for a king. wink-wink.
…so K and I decided to wander around Kensington Gardens to enjoy the fresh air, the vibrant colors and the extra hour of daylight.
Tiptoeing through the tulips
Once part of Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens became the private gardens to Kensington Palace in the late 1600s. Over time, the Gardens opened to the public and the 275 acres have become a popular retreat for many Londoners and visitors alike. The avenues of trees, abundant flower beds and the serene surroundings offer the same relaxing vibe as the other wonderful green spaces in this city do (see Hyde Park, Hampstead Heath and Battersea Park). It’s a great place to just be.
Some of the Gardens’s attractions include:
Physical Energy Statue
Physical Energy Statue: One of George Frederick Watt’s most famous and ambitious sculptures. Watts described it as, “a symbol of that restless physical impulse to seek the still unachieved in the domain of material things.”
Sky Mirror by Anish Kapoor
Sky Mirror: Sculpture, Anish Kapoor, has several of his stainless steel works on display throughout the park—offering a strong contrast to the natural world that surrounds them.
Prince Albert Memorial
Prince Albert Memorial: (Husband of Queen Victoria) The memorial symbolizes the Prince’s passions and interests, especially in the arts. It is known as one of London’s most ornate monuments.
Italian Gardens
The Italian Gardens: As Prince Albert’s brainchild, these elaborate water gardens were created in 1860-1.
Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace: Located on the western edge of the Gardens, the palace was home to Princess Diana and several monarchs throughout the years. The palace still functions as a royal residence but also welcomes visitors to tour its many rooms.
Kensington Gardens provided the perfect place for us to ring in the new season…finally, it’s spring.
k&mk 