NoJennyNo: Family Reunion in Paris

After Germany, I headed over to Paris where my family came to visit. My parents, sister, and grandfather all gathered in Europe, which was a rare occasion since they live in the US and Korea.

No sisters, in all sorts of colors.

I took them to Versailles with pre-purchased tickets. Which in the peak of tourist season is NOT a good idea. I patted myself in the shoulders for being a genius for purchasing the online tickets - but surprise, the other 2000 tourists who had the same exact thought which means a 3 hour wait. We never got to go inside the castle.

I had already been inside and was able to at least tell them it's massive, detailed, and most of all gaudy - the sole reason for the castle's existence is a king's greedy desire to show off. So much money went into completing the castle (all the while, peasants starved for a piece of bread) that even Napoleon was shocked by the expenses and ordered them to stop.

Line at 9:30am

We did, however, rent little golf carts to go around the rest of the castle grounds which consists of a man-made lake and gardens upon gardens dating back to the 1800's. These gardens used to house separate mansions for the queen or concubine as well as lavish fountains and various exotic animals such as elephants and lions. It is so massive that even with the golf cart it took us one solid hour to go around!

One of the gardens near the main castle

Golf carts are highly recommended as it can easily take hours to view the gardens and it can get very hot in the summer. It's 32 euros minimum for one hour plus 8 euros per additional 15 minutes and the cart has a tour guide system installed. You can take it around and enjoy the tree-mazes, sculptures, and golden gates that is typical of Versailles.

Flowers and smiles all around!

Back in the center of Paris, I took my sister out for a much needed sibling bonding time. First stop was Patrick Roger, the Paris version of Willie Wonka, a chocolatier notorious for his insanity over chocolates. He not only perfected the art of chocolates, he began creating sculptures out of them. This Madeline location is famous for being one of the most beautiful chocolate shops in Paris...but the Saint Germain location has better Yelp reviews that are borderline obsessive. Anyway, it's a perfect shop to browse for gifts with their perfect Tiffany-blue packaging.

Soon followed a visit to Champs Elysees, where tourists and pickpocket alike thrive. Louis Vuitton's flagship store is here and is worth a visit, if only to look. It's a mix of VIP club and a museum complete with red carpet and rope, everyone lining up enter and gloat over luxury items. Most of the items are usually sold out during tourist season, but the glamorous display is so inviting.

But we got tired of the crowd on the main avenue, fast. We needed somewhere quiet to relax and chat, but most of the cafe and restaurants are fully packed. I opted to pay extra for a nice atmosphere and a quick seating at the Four Seasons Georges V just off of the main road of Champs Elysees. The drinks are often 30€ per cocktail, but you pay for the overall experience.

Oftentimes the outdoor seating area is closed, but we were lucky to be seated there. It's got one of the most decadent decorations and best service in all of Paris and the clientele to match - even the babies here wear head to toe Dior and Prada.

Lobby with all marble, gold, and fresh flowers

Outdoor seating area for a quick bite or a drink

It's one of those rare havens away from the Paris bustle outside. For just one drink, you can sit and experience how the .001% of the world live - chances are, you will be seated between some Arab prince and a famous supermodel. If that doesn't sway you, the soft music and fragrant just-picked-orchids will definitely do it.