It's a Penguin Life: January 2013

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Day 11: Versailles

I never thought that I would be back in Paris after my [first] visit in 2005. It was a whirlwind of a trip. In 2 or 3 days, I saw practically everything listed in the guidebooks: Mona Lisa in the Louvre walked down Champs Elysees, took in Notre Dame, walked along the Seine, saw the Eiffel Tower, saw the Arc deTriomphe, etc. (I say saw, because that's what I did. I was too dumb at the time to realize that you could go up to the top of the Arc de Triomphe!) Anyways, seeing as how Jake has already been, I took this opportunity to go back with one very specific goal in mind. To visit the Palace of Versailles!

I woke up to see the Po-Po downstairs. Lovely! Instagram @hungc

So before we get on with the photos, you have to check out the map of the estate. It is pretty ridiculous. I covered quite a bit of it, but could have easily spent my entire day there if it hadn't been for the cold wind.

Palace of Versailles.

An empty hall inside the palace. If only the rest of my tour was like this.

The Hall of Mirrors and a shit ton of tourists. Not shown, the hoards of school children and overseas tourist groups.

Floor to ceiling windows opposite the wall of mirrors. Also a selfie to prove that I was there.

Can you imagine waking up to this? View from Marie-Antoinette's room.

Marie-Antoinette's bedroom. Either the lower half of the room was behind a wall or I choose to shoot above the hoards of people.
(I was seriously hiding in the corner by the window listening to my audio guide.)

The ridiculous gardens: Latone Fountain (closest), Apollo Fountain (middle), and the Grand Canal.

Somewhere in the gardens and groves.

Making my way across the estate to the Grand Trianon with a ham sandwich (ham on baguette) in hand.

Grand Trianon (the summer palace): hall that echos the Hall of Mirrors, without all the mirrors.

Pretty pink marble pillars.

Queen's Hamlet: The Marlborough Tower

The Queen's Hamlet: The Farm

The Queen's Hamlet: The Farm

Tree somewhere on the estate, probably close to the Petit Trianon. (Sorry, no pictures of the Petit Trianon, I got lazy.)

My number 2 goal on this trip was to get myself some Laduree macrons. There just happened to be a boutique at the palace. Funny story, there were 6 college aged girls (either American or Canadian) in front of me. They were trying to pool their money together and make a purchase. After much discussion, they agreed to split a box of 18. I ordered the same box, the Bonaparte assortment (and also the last one!). That's right, I had all 18 to myself. Mission accomplished. I am very proud to say that I was able to order it completely in French without hesitation or stuttering.

Laduree Bonaparte assortment.

Latone Fountain

Orangery and Swiss Lake.

The South Wing of the Palace.

Dinner - take out from Sushi Shop, I think this was a spicy salmon roll.

Sashimi!

Previously:
Day 10: Edinburgh/Paris
Day 9: Edinburgh
Day 8: London/Edinburgh
Day 7: London
Day 6: London
Day 5: London/Greenwich
Day 4: London
Day 3: London
Day 2: Cambridge/London
Day 1: London
Day 1: London - prefunc

*All photos taken by me with Nikon D7000 unless noted.

Monday, January 28, 2013

My Closet: Kate Spade Karolina Bow Pumps

This photo by Classy Girls Wear Pearls has been blowing up Pinterest (and the rest of the blogosphere).

(Classy Girls Wear Pearls)

When I saw it, I gasped. No, really, I did. And then I bought them. I cannot wait until the weather warms up enough to take these out for a spin. I say that now, but just wait. A year from now, they'll still be brand spanking new.

Kate Spade Karolina Bow

(Kate Spade)

Details:

Genuine leather inner
Patent leather with covered heel
[soft] Leather soles
3.5" heel
Made in Italy

My notes:

True to size - purchased in 6.5
Round toe
Join the mailing list to receive 15% off

Other:

Purchased from: Kate Spade
Year: 2013
Number of times worn: New in box

I was far too lazy and FREEZING to take my own pictures this week.

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Day 10: Edinburgh/Paris

A day lost to traveling and getting lost.

Sipping my favorite UK latte while nervously waiting for the cab to arrive in the morning.

Flying to Paris.

The flight from Edinburgh to Paris was very uneventful. With the exception of the cab ride. It is already weird to see cars driving on the opposite side of the road. It's even weirder to be in a moving vehicle watching these cars drive past you on the "wrong" side.

Charles De Gaulle airport is quite a ways out of the city. But with the extensive network of public transportation, it's really easy and painless to get into Paris. I think the train+subway ride took about an hour. Just when I was thinking "man, this was too easy", things begin to get interesting. Like in Edinburgh, I lost my sense of direction when I came out of the subway stop. I headed in the right direction and a block away from my apartment, I stopped, waited for the GPS to kick in, and then I punched in the WRONG address. I followed along, the whole time thinking, "damn, it looked closer on Google maps last night." 3/4 of a mile later, tired, hot, sweaty, and frustrated, I realized that I had blown past it! The frenchman meeting me was not pleased. In fact, he greeted me with "YOU are LATE." Well, no shit Sherlock. Anything else you want to tell me?

Dinner: Take out from Eric Kayser. Smoked salmon sandwich and raspberry yogurt.

Previously:
Day 9: Edinburgh
Day 8: London/Edinburgh
Day 7: London
Day 6: London
Day 5: London/Greenwich
Day 4: London
Day 3: London
Day 2: Cambridge/London
Day 1: London
Day 1: London - prefunc

*All photos taken by me with HTC Incredible.

Sunday, January 20, 2013

My Closet: UGG Ultimate Short Boots

To pay homage to the shitty snow storm that wrecked havoc on Wednesday, this week is devoted to my winter boots, the UGG Ultimate Short. I hate jumping on the trendy wagon, but these boots are completely practical, and a must have for the terrible New England winters. Please excuse the crappy photos, it's kind of cold outside.

UGG Ultimate Short

Details:

Twinface grade A sheepskin with suede toe and heel guards
Removable and replaceable insoles are made with sheepskin, latex and foam for ultra comfort and mylar sock liner for warmth
Approximate boot shaft height: 7¾"
Approximate boot circumference at opening: 15¼"
Molded rubber with EVA inserts providing extra heel and forefoot cushioning
This product contains real fur from Sheep or Lamb
Fur Origin: Australia, European Union or United States
Real Fur has been artificially dyed and treated

My Notes:

Runs large - I usually wear a 6.5-7, I had to go down to a 6
Not a good walking shoe
Keeps you warm and toasty - I usually wear them with thin ankle socks
Great for snow/slush - WATERPROOF THEM!
I only wear them with jeans (skinny and bootcut). I refuse to wear them with leggings (This is NOT cute)

Other:

Purchased from: City Sports
Year: 2008/2009
Number of times worn: Numerous

Day 9: Edinburgh

I started the day off at Edinburgh Castle, made my way down the Royal Mile. Tasted a local favorite, haggis. Saw super old tapestries and furniture at the Palace of Hollyroodhouse. Got lost trying to find THE coffee shop of Edinburgh Paid someone to tell me ghost stories. And ended the night by trying to get a hot bowl of Japanese noodles, only to get there JUST after closing. At least I had leftover Italian from the night before.