Paris was a complete surprise. For years we have heard that everyone is rude, mean and just plain unfriendly. We are here to tell you, the Parisian's were completely warm, welcoming, most helpful and above all made us feel welcomed. Michael and I are both seasoned travelers so we tend to stay clear of tourist traps, but when in Paris, there are countless monuments, parks, museums and estates to see. Not once did we feel out of place. We love France! Everything about it.

For me as a classically trained landscape architect there were a few gardens that were a must for us to visit in person. One can study and read about them, but they merit a personal visit. One of these landmarks is of course, Versailles. Although not one of the fountains was on, we walked the entire grounds... it took us just over 8 hours... worth every step. I must say the scale of the gardens (and of Paris) are impeccable. La Notre, the landscape architect who designed most of Versailles and Paris is a much better father of landscape architecture than any book could report. No matter where you go the classic principles of design are everywhere... each view is terminated with a glorious piece of art or monument--if appropriate, streets lined with trees (perfectly manicured as if they were a hedge of shrubs), perfect scale of each element... I could go on! The use of color was the most sophisticated palate of any in the world, perfectly matched tones--it was scrumptious and inspirational.

Below are a few of the elements that caught my eye.