I'm not a big fan of formal French gardens, but if you're going to see one I suppose Versailles is the pinnacle of the art. When we were there the famous fountains weren't running because they only operate them on weekends. I don't get that. Sure, back in the day they were an engineering marvel, but now they're just ordinary fountains operated by ordinary electric pumps. Why not run them all the time?
apparently it's a matter of water supply.
The fountains are not actually operated by ordinary pumps; they're still mostly supplied by gravity, with electric pumps to lift water up to the correct level, plus some manual controls. It's complicated and old and I understand why they wouldn't run them very much.
https://en.chateauversailles.fr/discover/history/key-dates/water-versailles
Which means they also consume water, and there's a limited supply of that. Like, the reservoirs only refill so fast.
I've been watching Versailles on Netflix. It is borderline, but unintentionally, hilarious. I like whoever is playing Louis XIV. And the women are tres magnifique.
Looks like a drone view would better show off those vast gardens. ....What? too soon?
Drones are heavierly regulated in France (believe or not).
I just like the vastness of the sky and the land in relation to the humans....I don't care where this was taken....the image carries both a happy and humbling message. Best Wishes, Traveller
Between falling off his bicycle, pursuing renewable energy, & spiking inflation to the stratosphere, joebiden is the worst of Gerald Ford & James Earl Carter, Jr.
I don't think even pardoning Donald Trump cam boost our 46th president (disputed) to a second term.
Speaking of the sky, notice all the contrails...
To Monte
I am seriously starting posting around
Joe Biden, Just a Great President…or Our Greatest President? (a series: Number 1 of 100)
Saving the free world from Russia, Guiding us through Covid, having pretty much the lowest inflation among advanced economies are no mean feats!
Traveller
Liked your response to the photo (had been thinking that I could watch that sky, those clouds all day, but the menfolk posting on this thread would find it silly). I miss the land where the horizon is visible all around.
But I must thank you for putting in a good word for Biden, whose administration doesn't crow enough about successes despite the obstructionists. Never expected to vote for him (have worn my "I still believe Anita Hill" button recently), but he has been undercut by so many circumstances, starting with trump's obscene "deal" with the Taliban, that I admire his persistence.
But I still don't think he can top Lincoln for persistence, hope- & charity towards those who fought him!
May all your travels be safe.