July 15th - A Tale of Two Cities

Today was truly the "best of times" and the "worst of times". We went to Versailles today, but we had trouble getting on the right train and wound up heading in the wrong direction. We had to take a train back in the other direction to the right station to make a switch, but almost got right back on another wrong train. Alas, we made it to Versailles but the line to get in the palace was incredibly long so we decided to just go out to the gardens (how many ornate mansions can you see anyway?).

The gardens were pretty amazing. Huge manicured lawns and fountains. There were also tons of wooded trails with pave (cobble stones). We were able to rent bikes and ride along them. We came across a baby goat and April got off to feed him. Later, a small puppy launched an attack, but luckily we were just a little to quick for him. It was really hot out, but the breeze on the bike was great. This was by far the most fun we had so far in Paris. (Best of Times) However, by the time we made it to Marie Antoinette's house, we realized April lost her phone somewhere along the way. (Worst of times). Tom retraced the route while April headed back to the start but predictably we came up empty. We initially thought Monsieur Le Goat had taken the phone as he was no longer around and was eating up everything in sight earlier, but we didn't have any proof. Needless to say the ride home was pretty sad.

When we got home, Tom cancelled the service on my phone and activated the service on his phone, we watched a little live Tour de France coverage then took a nap. At around seven we decided to go out for the evening. As we were getting ready to head out the door Tom's cell rang and it was a french number. I answered and it was an American on the other line asking if I knew someone who had lost a cell phone. I was ecstatic. It turns out someone was riding the same bike path saw the phone in the grass and decided instead of turning it in to just try to contact the owner. I got their location and we went out to pick up the phone with thank you pastries and a bottle of wine.

We decided to walk because they were staying in the Latin Quarter not far from us. We met them at their hotel - a really nice lady named Franny from Massachusetts and her daughter. We talked for a while and even took pictures. They were really friendly and sweet.

After that we headed out to dinner at a nice cafe and April had a great salad. Tom's steak wasn't that great, but he was happy to have a large coke, even if it cost almost 8 euros (over half of what the steak cost). As usual, it was really late even though it felt like 8:30 so we decided to turn in and plan our Monday, our last day in Paris.