So, after leaving Montpellier on Sunday the 23rd, I went to Chantilly to begin my internship at the Musée Condé! Getting there was a little interesting, though... So, I took the train to Paris Gare de Lyon, then spent about 45 minutes wandering around trying to figure out how to get another train to Chantilly. Finally, I bought myself an RER ticket, and hopped on the next train that was going in the right direction (although getting through the turnstile with a giant suitcase was a, er, painful experience... Those doors Hurt!). However, the terminus of the train was (of course) one stop before Chantilly! So, I got to spend some quality time with my luggage on the platform before the next train came along. Eventually, I got to Chantilly and did some eyelash-batting to get a man to help me haul my suitcase up the stairs. Once there, I called my host, and Mme Cantesse came to pick me up! So, everything worked out just fine :) Mme Cantesse is very sweet (although she talks a lot and very fast, so I never know what she's saying), and I have a nice little room and bathroom.

The train ride from Montpellier to Chantilly--very sad, but at least very pretty.












On my way to the chateau in the morning... Chateau from afar.












Wandering down the path towards the "Grands Ecuries" (aka the horse palace).












Grands Ecuries from the front.













The right side of the Ecuries, with the show ring and a ceremonial arch.












... Getting closer!













After passing through the gate and walking up yet another cobblestone path... Chateau!












The gardens "à la française" behind the chateau.













(Pictures of the inside forthcoming!)

The town of Chantilly which is super cute, and about Northampton-sized.












So, I just finished my first week at the museum! It was pretty weird at first because everything was very disorganized, and I wasn't really given any sort of direction except "well, you'll probably be doing tours of the apartments at some point." Seriously. I didn't even figure out what days I have off until this evening. Anyways, after one week I've sort of gotten the hang of it--I get there at 9:45 am (although it's nearly a half hour walk), and spend my day either following tours, just wandering around (yelling at people for using flash, if I feel like it), and giving tours of the apartments when there are anglophones to be found. Around 1:00 I break for lunch, and then stay until 6:15. I've given two tours so far, and they're actually a lot of fun--I even got tipped today!! I was pretty pleased. Hopefully I'll continue to figure out how things work, and stop being so bored! It is super good for my French though, as I'm totally immersed for the first time. So, one week down, 5 to go!