Pictures I liked today (Day 16)

Day 15: Avignon to Villefranche sur Mer

Today we transferred to our last hotel, located in Villefranche-sur-Mer, which literally translates to "free city on the water" - it was a tax-free city during medieval times. It's a lovely location and Amy & I finally scored a decent room! We're quite happy with our French Riviera view that we can see when we're sitting on our beds... It's warmer too, though now that we're by the sea, there is a nip in the air, but still, blue skies and sunshine - no complaints here!!

We left Avignon at 8:30 this morning en route to an ancient abbey located in Le Thoronet. At about 11, we got there and only had about an hour before they were kicking us out for Easter mass, but it was still very interesting and old. We then had lunch outside (it was decidedly warm there). We have been drinking at virtually every single meal - "kir" is a big drink here - basically cassis (blackberry) liquor mixed with white wine, so it's sweet and fruity and tasty. It's funny though, here in France, it's just so natural. For example, wine is often the same price or cheaper than a coke (for a glass); and if a "menu" (fixed price meal with 2-3 courses) includes a drink, you have the choice of bottled water, coke or wine. It's such a cultural thing, no one thinks anything of it. If I drank this much at home, I'd been seeking out my local AA meeting (or someone would be advising me to :)

After that, we headed to the little touristy hilltown of Eze - it was a cute little place, situated on a big hill. There was an interesting exotic garden, and a funky old ornate church. Additionally, there were many opportunities to spend money - nothing too riveting, but definitely a tourist town.

Another 30 minutes in the bus and we hit Villefranche, a cute little seaside town about 20 minutes from Nice. The hotel is decent, our view, as mentioned, is stellar, and overall, it's a nice place to end the trip. Tomorrow we spend in Nice - highlighted by an old-town walk, the Matisse museum and a big stop for me - the Chagall museum (he's my favorite modern artist by far, and in particular, this is the most stunning collection of his work located in one place). We're on our own after that through the whole day on Tuesday (we meet for our farewell dinner that night).

It's funny how the trip has taken so many turns and what-not in terms of feeling, vibe, activities, group dynamic, etc. Paris was so urban and the group still quite 'stiff' with one another; Vaison was sleepy and the group spent a ton of time together, warming up but also kind of maxing out; Avignon was again quite urban, but really fun with batches of people going out for drinks and dinners on their own...and now we've landed in our last stop, a little town with lots going on and the group is good and comfy. I'm excited for the last two days coming up - and though I was sort of ready to go home a few days back, now I'm firmly in travel-mode and sad that it has to end :(

Photos: The Abbey at le Thoronet; Eze from a distance, the view and the church; Yes, Amy and I are actually together on this trip!; Moi; Exotic garden and church in Eze; the view from our hotel room, the bay in Villifranche as well as a shot of the town on the sea.

Pictures I liked today (Day 15)

Day 14: Arles

Arles, about 20 minutes by train from Avignon, was on the agenda today. It was market day there, but also it was their annual bull fighting festival, so it almost felt like we went to Spain for the day! We saw one of the bulls right when we entered the town actually - they put them on display and they move through the town to the old ampitheater where they perform and then are killed. Not pleasant, really, the whole thing...

I went through the market for a bit, then got a nice cup of tea at a tea shop and just relaxed...and then shopped. On my way to the train, I ran into a batch of folks and ended up sitting outside the ampitheater having sangria with Bob and his brother-in-law Shane. Oh my - not really one to drink that much typically, or to drink in the middle of the day - I got pretty well toasted. It was good fun though, and Bob and I stuck around for the next round of people showing up to the bull fight. It was very lively - excellent people-watching!

We took the 6 p.m. train back to Avignon and I met up with Amy for dinner. We just had basic food tonight, nothing great, but it was kinda nice to be on our own time and not on a schedule or with the group. We move on tomorrow to a small town called Villefranche-sur-Mer which is about 20 minutes outside of Nice. We're hoping for one of the view rooms, but there are only so many to go around...

Photos: Arles overall, the Ampitheatre, Paella everywhere, market shots and the ill-fated bull...

Pictures I liked today (Day 14)

Day 13: Avignon

Today started with a tour of the Palace of the Popes here in Avignon. We had a local guide who was very versed and had a cool personality. The Popes were here in Avignon in the 13th century for about 70 years. The palace was interesting - though, it's no Vatican - it was a good thing to see. From there, we had the rest of the day free! It was sunny and gorgeous, well into the 70s temperature-wise. Amy and I had lunch on a little square and then she took a siesta (she's had a cold for a few days) and I went out shopping. It was good fun, and on my way back I ran into my buddy Bob and helped him shop for a bit before dinner.

Dinner was fantastic! It was at a nicer French restaurant - I sat with Amy and Bob - we had a lot of fun. The group is definitely getting warmed up, especially with the last few days being packed with group meals. The food was quite nice (Amy really liked it too) and the wine flowed. After, Amy hit the sack but I went over to the pub with a group of folks which was fun, and then stomped around taking night photos until the wee hours...it was a really nice day!

Photos: Avignon, the Palace of the Popes, Bob & Jenn @ dinner, out at the pub!