Wow, just Wow

October 17, 2017

This past weekend, Glenn and I had an amazing opportunity, really a once-in-a-lifetime event.  Kate's school, Ecole Jeannine Manuel, hosted a gala at Versailles to benefit the school.  The evening began with private tours of the palace for the Gala attendees.

  The sun was setting as we arrived, and we walked through the hall of mirrors as it was bathed in a soft light of dusk.

We proceeded through several rooms, listening to guides and looking out at the grounds and courtyards.  As darkness fell, we walked through the gardens to the Orangerie, where cocktails and dinner would be served.

The scene as we entered the Orangerie can only be described as stunning.  The halls were lined with palm trees and orange trees and topiary.  Pyramids of champagne flutes were flanked by staff with magnums waiting to pour, and others came by with trays laden with gougeres, sables, and tartelettes.  Tables were laid almost as far as the eye could see---over 800 guests attended.  The entire scene was suffused with a soft amber glow.  My photography does not do it justice, but I include several attempts here, nonetheless.  

Our amazement at the evening continued, as a fanfare announced a column of waiters marching out and bearing every course, and we were served an extraordinary meal by Alain Ducasse.  At our table were several parents of children in the adaptation program, as well as two couples with children in the regular class, whom we had not met.  The conversation was lovely and interesting and convivial throughout the evening---we could not have been happier.  

After midnight, dessert was served.  The dancing was set to begin shortly.  Ambivalently, Glenn and I decided to slip out at that point---it had been a long day and we were both quite tired.      

We were given boxes of Ducasse chocolates and fancy perfume as we left.