On Tuesday, Mom, Dad and I headed up to the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) for a guided tour. The palace dates back to the early 1300's when a French Pope was elected and wanted out of the dangerous Italy of his time. So, with the French King's blessing, the Catholic Church bought the town of Avignon and funded the building of what is now the largest surviving Gothic palace in all of Europe. Unfortunately, much damage was caused when it was a barracks for hundreds of soldiers in the 1800's (they whitewashed the frescos on the walls!). Fortunately, in what was the study of the Pope, many of the original frescoes survive along with the original roof with it's painted decorations; if ceilings could talk!Meanwhile, with his artificial swimming leg swung over his shoulder and 2 eager girls in hand, Barry jumped on bus #3 to go to the outdoor swimming pool he had toured the other day. We had read that surfer-short-style men's bathing suits are a big no-no in France, so Barry had invested in a more modest version of the speedo that provided a little more coverage up the waist and down the legs. However, the whole outing was almost a wash as a worker at the pool directed Barry to the sign that clearly had a huge not permitted slash through any male bathing suit that was longer than a boxer. (Our Canadian brains are still finding this restriction puzzling. Any ideas?) Luckily Barry was permitted to enter after he rolled up his bathing suit to a higher level and fun was had by all. In any case, I am thinking that a speedo in a European cut would be a great gift for me to get Barry this festive season.
Yesterday was another great tourist day boating down the Rhone River to the town of Arles, a vital port city in Roman times. We only had time for a quick walk around the impressive, wow-we-definitely-aren't-in-B.C. Roman Arena. This is also the city where Van Gogh lived and painted, and also where he sliced off his earlobe after a crazy fight with his friend Gauguin. There is so much more to explore and learn here and we are already planning to return for a week-end this Fall. It's merely a 20 minute train ride away!
Hi Ginger.....I totally laughed at the troubles with not having a speedo... when we were in Europe we had some troubles with short shorts...so when my friend pulled them down and her butt was hanging out, she was allowed in the church...LOL... I guess every country has their own differences...You my dear are looking and sounding amazingly French. I certainly do miss you, but do feel like with this blog that I am getting to experience some of it with you. I love the purple dress. I am glad that you were able to find the groceries that you need. You are one amazing woman, you are so smart you could fit in in any country. Je parle a toi a Dimanche mon amie.
ReplyDeleteBeaucoup d'amour,
Wend
ooops the dress was green, I do like the purple shirt, too.
ReplyDeleteLOL,
Wend
Oh to be surrounded by all that History - fabulous !
ReplyDeleteHi Ginger,
ReplyDeleteI've loved every entry you've made and look forward to reading them. This is my third post attempt...we'll see if I'm successful this time around. If not, I guess I'll have to email my posts to you. I'm sorry I didn't say much at our book club session on Sunday. It was great seeing you and hearing you talk about life so far in France. I found myself really choked up - especially when you spoke about worrying for your girls. That pulled at my heart strings. You've got wonderfully strong girls who are extremely likeable - who is better suited for this adventure than they are? I look forward to hearing more. Love the speedo story - man what a step backwards.
xoxo Liz