Versailles and Brussels

I made it to Brussels. I managed to go back out to Versailles and see the inside of the palace. You can't take PICTURES in all the galleries, but in the ones that I could, I did. It was stunning inside. I was disappointed because the Petit Trinon was still not open. I didn't find that out until I walked out there again, however. I am really glad I went. Here are some tips should you ever go to Versailles:

1. It is closed Mondays
2. Don't wait and buy your ticket there. Stop at the Tourist Office down the street and buy your ticket there. The Pass is 20 Euro for weekdays and 25 Euro for weekends. It includes the audioguide which is WORTH IT. Spring for the audio guide (but then, I seem to be on a WHEE SPEND MY MONEY spree today).
3. Go EARLY. They open at 9am. I got there at 8:30 and stepped into line at 8:45. I was the second one in the door and got to see most of the palace in peace. When I left, the line was down to the gates to get in. If you didn't have a ticket, there was a different line you had to be in and that was longer than the line to get in.
4. If you can go on a Monday, the garden is open for free. You can walk the whole thing. I would say go on Monday and walk around, then stay in Versailles that night, buying your ticket at the Tourist Office on Monday. Then get up early and head to the palace Tuesday.
5. If you're staying in Paris - it's the RER C line to Versailles. As of today, the ticket is 2.80 Euro one way. Those machines don't take American cards, be sure you have coins. Oh, and they do have an English option, so be sure to look for that.

That's all my tips for Versailles. Going there twice and sorting everything out, I feel like I am practically an expert on at least getting there and getting around. There is also a GREAT Crepe restaurant on the road between the train station and the palace where I had lunch. It was FABULOUS.

I'm all about spending my money apparently. I've spent a LOT already. But then, I did expect to spend about $2000 for these 3 weeks of travel. That's the only thing, travel like this is NOT cheap. It could be a lot worse, but it's one of those things to think about. If I could do it over, I might try to find someone to go with because splitting the costs of hotel rooms would help a lot. When Mick gets here, that will be a HUGE bonus. Not only will I have someone to travel with (which I am really, really, really longing for) but I am also splitting hotel rooms. Which is GREAT. Plus, I'm reluctant to stay in full on hostels because I'm ALONE. That is a barrier.

My hotel in Brussels is way out - but there is an underground station about 200 meters from the hotel. Tomorrow I'm going to go into the city and look around. According to the helpful form that the hotel gave me, it's 1.50 Euro. I'm really, really excited because this hotel has a shower right in my room. Funny what gets me all worked up right now. I'm realizing that I am really glad about the choice I made for Vienna - having a full on bathroom right in my apartment. None of this toilet down the hall stuff for this spoiled rotten girl.

I'm having more fun today. I am glad I went to Versailles and saw the palace. That was amazing for me. And I feel like this stop in Brussels is a relaxing (albeit expensive) little side trip. A vacation from my vacation. Now...if only I could find a laundry room. I bet the hotel desk knows.

That's my rather long-winded update. I'm paying 5.00 Euro for 2 hours of internet, so - that's as much as I'm going to give for now. See how addicted I am?