Day 8 in Versailles: Mom's Birthday!! We woke up at the crack of dawn to catch the train from Paris to Versailles. It was quite an adventure since we were originally on the correct train but got paranoid we were on the wrong train, then got off the train at a random subway station. Anyway, all's good cuz we ended up getting to Versailles eventually. The palace was intricate and beautiful. There were rooms and rooms of medieval paintings. The garden was even more exquisite. The fountains, gorgeous florals, greek statues...it was all so serene and paradise-esque. For lunch we headed to the restaurant inside the palace to celebrate mom's bday for an extravagant meal. Post-lunch stroll in the gardens turned out to be a workout. Last stop was the highlight we've been eagerly awaiting: Marie Antoinette's estate and gardens. Dinner was at a restaurant just outside of the Versailles train station. By that time, our feet were aching from all the walking, but it was definitely one of the most memorable birthdays mom had. Day 9 in Paris: In the morning, dad went to catch his flight. The rest of us headed to the Louvre. It was the first really rainy and gloomy day since my European excursion began. I loved the inverted pyramid, the Michelangelo area, the Egyptian antiques etc. In the evening, we satisfied our shopping itch and went near Lafayette/Printemps area. For dinner, we chose Japanese nearby the hotel. Day 10: Last day in Paris: We definitely wanted to do more boutique shopping on our last day. In the morning we strolled through the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens, walking distance from our hotel. Afterwards, we went to the Marias district on the recommendation of our guidebooks, and found really chic shops and zagat-rated restaurants. In the afternoon, we headed to Bon Marche, and late evening dinner was at Polimar--hearty Parisien cuisine with a packed house near our hotel. Day 11: London Morning: Said my goodbyes to mom and sis, then headed to the Eurostar station. The train was exceedingly comfortable, and even offered wine and brunch. Noon: checked into the Hilton on Kensington High Street. Eveninig: Dinner with Michelle, then lounge/clubbing with Simon, Henry, Minh, Alex. Day 12: Oxford Morning: Took the train to Oxford Afternoon: stroll through campus, punting, tour of Harry Potter film sites. Evening: Tapas dinner to celebrate Andy's bday! Day 13: last day in London Morning: brunch at award winning restaurant in Oxford Afternoon: shopping (took advantage of Andy's student discount at TopShop) then train ride back to London Evening: Chinese dinner with Michelle, then bar-hopping with Henry and William. Day 14: Last day in Europe! Took the train from London to Paris. Headed to CDG Paris airport to fly back to Shanghai. | 
Premium