May 28, 2014 Wednesday
My love for French architecture started decades ago. I couldn’t remember how it all started, how I was first influenced. But my love was sealed when I first set foot in this country in 1991. My adoration was further enhanced by my subsequent trips. I am always in awe every time I see and touch gilded period furniture and inlaid wooden armoire with ormolu brass accents. After more than 30 years, my eyes are still drawn to French designs.
I took lots of photos of buildings, their steel gates, windows, roofs, rustication, etc. I just adore everything that’s French.
We first visited Chateau du Versailles on my birthday, May 27, 2003. Edmund, Oyen, Nyke, and I didn’t join a tour. We just inquired from the hotel reception, we took a half-hour train ride. That time, there no long queue for tickets, no advance booking necessary. Not this chaotic.
I thought I would go back exactly on my birthday again but we went this time on May 28, still, what were the chances that one would celebrate her birthday at the same place twice? Ang corny ko, pero di ba? What are the chances? I feel grateful and blessed.
My succeeding 3 posts would be full of gilded staff, which could be too much to those who are partial to the Zen-inspired minimalist designs. Not me, I adore these things, I don’t find them too much or too opulent.
These are king and queen stuff. There’s no such thing as too opulent for them.
Hall of mirrors. Kim Kardashian tried to rent this hall for her wedding but it did not happen. According to our tour guide, the Versailles was only allowed private use ONCE for a few hours, for another king, MICHAEL JACKSON.
So ornate. This is the queen’s bed chamber or bedroom. In the 12th century, privileged individuals were allowed private access to the chambers of the royal family. To see and watch their daily activities, even while they’re dining or making poo.
The Queen (____) gave birth to 10 children here. After the 10th child, she told the King, enough is enough. She closed her doors to the king. No more s e x. Next story? Syempre she became The Legal Wife.
Ooh, I love this sofa. I have unintentionally influenced my children’s tastes. My daughter likes this too.
If you have a mirror like this at home, you would look like a queen.
King’s study chamber
I would like to take that chair home.
Hindi ito pwede sa amin, baka kutkutin ng mga maids yung gold.
#versailles
