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Day 5 of Rick Steves Today we are headed to the Palace of Versailles...and wow, I am a bit overwhelmed. There was so much here, and out of the days we had been there in Paris, it was probably the hottest. When going on the tour, make sure to look at the temperature in advance to plan attire accordingly. Everywhere I looked, there was gold, marble, or some insanely detailed decoration. It’s wild to think this was once just a hunting lodge before Louis XIV turned it into the ultimate royal palace. I visited the King’s and Queen’s Apartments, where Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette lived. Marie Antoinette’s bedroom was especially extravagant, with a ridiculously fancy bed, floral wallpaper, and golden details everywhere. Check it out! Palace of Versailles The Gardens After, we headed out to the gardens which were beautiful! We wanted to check out Marie Antoinette's Hamlet, but it was closed. It was built for Marie Antoinette so she could escape the rigid royal life and pretend to be a simple farm girl. Before heading out, we got a quick bite from this cute little cafe in the gardens (there are lots of shops within the actual gardens). Following our stroll in the gardens, we rented a boat on the water. It was cool, but I was way too confident when rowing. You definitely need someone strong to row, or take turns like we did. Definitely a funny and memorable moment for us. Next Page

Paris in Pieces is about my Rick Steves experience in the city of lights. Welcome to Paris in Pieces Experience the City of Light Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Tour Begins Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Departure Bonjour! Welcome to my scrapbook of our unforgettable tour of France! I’m so grateful to my best friend Mikaela and her mom Brandi for making this adventure possible. Celebrating Mikaela's Sweet 16 together in the enchanting city of Paris was a dream come true. Join me as I share the highlights of our amazing 10-day journey, showcasing the beauty of Paris through our eyes! How It All Started Since I met Mikaela in third grade, our lives have been intertwined in the most beautiful way. From the very beginning, we clicked effortlessly, sharing a mutual love for theater, art, and countless other passions. As the years passed, our bond grew stronger, evolving into a sisterly connection that I know will last a lifetime. Mikaela isn't just my best friend; she's my chosen sister. Her family has embraced me as one of their own, just as mine has done for her. We've celebrated milestones, supported each other through challenges, and created memories that will forever warm my heart. Our friendship is a testament to the power of connection and the beauty of shared passions. I am endlessly grateful for Mikaela and the unbreakable bond we share, a treasure I will cherish forever. This extends to her mom, Brandi, as well. Having people who always support you is a gift you don't take for granted. When running for student body, Mikaela was the one who went out of her way to campaign for me. When discovering the beauty of theater and art, Brandi was the one who took me with Mikaela to my first Broadway musical. The point is, she’s my constant, my confidante, and my forever friend; the kind of person who turns life’s uncertainties into shared adventures and unshakable support. " European history is like a big puzzle. At first it's all a jumble to keep track of, but the more you bring the pieces together it actually gets easier." - Rolinka Bloeming Why Rick Steves? If you want a vacation that goes beyond tourist traps and into the heart of a destination, Rick Steves is the way to go. His approach is all about traveling like a temporary local, finding hidden gems, embracing different cultures, and coming home with a new perspective. Whether you're joining one of his expertly crafted tours or using his guidebooks to explore on your own, you’ll get an experience that’s rich, immersive, and stress-free. With a focus on meaningful connections and independent adventure, Rick Steves makes travel feel personal, exciting, and unforgettable. One of the best parts of his tours? The incredible guides. Rick Steves handpicks experts who bring history and culture to life with passion and insight. We absolutely loved our guide, Rolinka; she made every moment engaging and unforgettable.

Oh boy, do I miss Paris! Here are some of my highlights of the trip: #1: I loved having a picnic with our friend Gene underneath the Eiffel Tower. It was so nice and refreshing to just sit there and eat really good food! #2: Moving into my second highlight, I loved the food, in particular the bread. Every single day, fresh bread is made at the boulangeries. A boulangerie is a French bakery, as opposed to a pastry shop. Bakeries must bake their bread on-premises to hold the title of 'boulangerie' in France. #1 #2 #3 #3: My third highlight was the Opera House, a personal favorite for Mikaela and me. I honestly was in awe for every single cherub, painting, and ceiling. Journaling

Journaling The whole trip, I journaled every single day. As someone who does this regularly, it is something I suggest doing. While making this scrapbook, I definitely kept looking back to ensure every detail was in chronological order. Additionally, I saved every single euro I got, and put it within a compartment of my journal. I also did this with guide pamphlets, paper coasters, french labels, etc. Journaling might not be for everyone, but I can ensure you it is worth trying. This is the journal I ended up using, which has tons of pages and a few file bags. I used this compartment for tickets, labels, and euros.

Departure I don’t even have the right words to thank Brandi and Mikaela for bringing me on this trip. Without them, none of this would have been possible. They gave me the chance to experience something so special, something that has changed me in ways I never expected. Without them, I wouldn’t have even had the chance to enter the scrapbook contest. Now seeing something so special, I hope to bring my mom, the person who has always been there for me, my best friend. She has given me everything, and I want nothing more than to share this magic with her. Paris is a place that should be experienced with someone you love, and if I get the chance to bring her here, it would mean the world to me. Post-Paris

Morning Before Tour Starts Before the tour starts, Brandi took Mikaela and I on an audio tour to the Rodin Museum. Another one of my favorite tours we have done so far. There was a lot of well-know pieces from Carriere, Thaulow, Van Gogh, Munch, etc. Gallery Walk We got a bit carried away... After our tour, we noticed a Dior Pop-up and had to check it out. It was really nice, I haven't really seen anything like this before, so this was definitely a new experience. After the Rodin Museum, we walked to the Pont Alexandre III and enjoyed the view. We got lucky because it was soon closed due to the Olympics being hosted. Before heading back to the hotel to finally start the tour, we got a quick lunch; a cheese board and crepes with Nutella and honey! (I still dream about that cheese board!!) Next Page