The Chateau de Versailles was by far one of the most beautiful places that I have ever been to. My mind cannot fathom what went into building this masterpiece of style, glamour, and art. Louis XIV really did put everything he had (and did actually have) into planning this, and people even lost their lives over its construction. The palace was divided into parts very strategically with wings added for more servants and guests. The design enabled people to follow Louis XIV's every move, even when he slept. The Palace and Marie Antionette's Estate, along with the Queen's Hamlet were very different in structure and size. The Palace was made for parties, meetings, and more while Marie Antionette's Estate was made for tranquility and intimate gatherings. I could tell she desired for a place that was just for her and her dearest friends and family. She did not want it as a place of festivities for large amounts of nobles. Even the distance between both these places was a decent walk, very secluded. However, both were equally beautiful. My favorite place was the Queen's Hamlet, a world set a part for imagination and joy. While it must not have been fun for the servants, I can see how the Hamlet helped Marie Antionette pass time. I found it to be a quirky place.
The Chateau is a very extravagant place. While there was beauty on the outside, it is clear through history that, on the inside, it was filled with sinful, immoral things. We learned that Louis XIV was very much a two-faced man. He would devote time in the morning to prayer then have wild, lustful parties where drunkards and scandal ran amok. This shows that money, beauty, and popularity cannot buy you happiness. It also cannot save you from the sin that is in this world. If we care too much about our outward appearance, we will never truly focus on the inward urgent needs of the heart and soul. The role of the outward appearance in the life of a spirit-empowered leader is to set an example for others but also show that we are broken people in need of a Savior. We all sin and fall at least every once in a while, but we should also desire to follow the plan that God has made for us. Versailles taught me many things behind its crazy, long history.