A broad abroad: OUR DAY IN PROVENCE CONTINUES

We arrived in Avignon and parked right next to our favorite coffee shop. Of course we had never asked for a coffee to go but first time for everything. They answered in the affirmative and gave us our cafe creme in a plastic cup. That was a first. It didn't melt and we were so glad to have a cup of coffee even if it was in plastic. We hopped into the van with Amanda and Eric and three new people - Peggy, Sid and Peta. Peggy and Sid are from Chicago and Peta is from Australia. Peta is traveling on her own. She had decided on a Monday to take the trip and left on Friday.

Our first visit was to the Pont du Gard: one of the best preserved Roman aqueducts.

On our way we passed this old olive tree.

As we drove through Provence we saw Olive trees, apple orchards and of course vineyards Unfortunately we couldn't stop and take pictures.

Truly impressive! " The Pont du Gard built shortly before the Christian Era to allow the aqueduct of Nimes (which is almost 50 km ( 902 ft long) to cross the Gard river. The Roman architects and hydraulic engineers who designed this bridge which stands almost 50 m (160 ft) high and is on three levels - the longest measuring 275 m - created a technical as well as an artistic masterpiece.

A great place to picnic

but Sharon forgot to bring a picnic basket.

Some of us decided to take the high road and some the lower so Sharon and I parted company as I prepared to climb with the young folks! I was sure Eric would carry me down if I should fall. I can recognize a gentleman when I see one. A climb it was. Of course because I am a macho Marine I tried to lead the whole way. Never let it be said I act my age!

Shucks,couldn't walk on the high level of the aqueduct and I really wanted to - believe me!

A tunnel going somewhere

or maybe no where. I didn't bother to go see. By this time I was catching my breath!

Oh, but look what I could see!

I'm sitting on top of the world!

Remember that song?

Peta, Peggy and Sid showed up ( they must be older or at least slower) and we all had to get our picture taken up here. The light was a problem so we had more pictures snapped trying to at least get our faces to show up.

These photo's are compliments of Sharon who took the low road and photgraphed the lower section of the aqueduct.

Time to leave and head to the medieal village of Les Baux de Provence . It is located on a rocky spur in the Alpilles hill range. Les-Beax is a tourist site rather than an active village. Probably best to visit when we did as the roads can be packed solid with cars and buses during the tourist season. The name Baux means a prominent cliff but become more well known for the bauxite named after the region. Bauxite was first discovered in the Alpilles, and named after the village of Baux-de-Provence. The "Baux" family ruled from the 9th century until 1426 when the last of the lords died. Baux was integrated into the county of Provence and then became part of France along with Provence, in 1481.

Even in November - people!

More steps !

Not as bad as the crickets that make that annoying noise when you stand in front of them and they are every where.

Oh goody! Stores were open here.

Cute aprons

and I love the removal attached hand towel.

I broke down and bought a salt grinder. I know, I have to explain that purchase. Who in their right mind, traveling and living in Europe for a year would purchase a salt mill? Here' s the story. Sharon and I bought this wonderful salt with garlic and herbs that "can be used to season everything" ( what a sales woman she was). We bought some immediately since buying spices is not something we do over here, moving around llike we are. This was our answer. However we failed to realized when she let us taste it she used a mill to put some in our hands. The first time we "sprinkled" it on our food - YOW!! So off we go to the store to buy a salt mill. Now we didn't want to spend too much or get too big a one. We mght have some mixture left over and we could tuck a little salt mill into Sharon's luggage! We found the perfect little set - salt and pepper mill and decided on it. Only 8 euro's vs the big one which cost 19 euro's. Well I put that mix in and the salt was too course to fit in the mill so that was a waste of 8 euro's. So we've been looking - and low and behold we found one in Baux filled with some salt, but determined you could empty it and fill it with any salt or herb of your choice. Only 9 euro's. What a deal!!!!! Well not really since we saw some that were empty outside the door for 5 euro's. I had borrowed the money from Sharon anyway so why should I care. (OH, I guess I have to pay her back). We decided we'd take the money out of "the pot". The "pot" is money we contribute to as needed and we use to buy groceries,or things we share. Anyway, back to the "purchase". I emptied it and tried to fill it and fit everything back together. I was successful! The next night we used it to flavor some wonderful pasta and as I started to twist the stick to grind the mixture the whole thing fell apart. Today here's how things are looking:

Mill - almost empty!

Bowl - almost full!

Guess it's back to the store tomorrow to buy the 19 Euro mill. Let's see that "failure to buy" now makes that mill a 33 euro one. Oh well, it's only euro's its not real money- right?

Back to Provence -

Here 's Sharon with Peta. What a great woman she was. Spoke French, very smart and knowledgeable and just very personable and fun! No wonder we liked her. We had so much in common ( she says with a straight face).

I think I see a church!

And a chapel.

Just a little yard art we found behind a little wall.

The woman with the blond hair

caught my eye. No not the hair - look at her shoes. So cute - but you've got to be kidding me. Those are not walking shoes. She was holding on to some one for dear life as she manevered down the cobblestone streets.

I realize someone has probably taken a picture of my shoes on this trip and said - "can you believe someone would actually wear those out. What old lady shoes". Oh well - see if I care. Actually I don't think anyone would waste film or even digital space on their camera to take a picture of my shoes.

Once again , time to leave. What a lovely village!

Waiting for Caroline to pick us up.

A picture of the group before departing and then Caroline took one of all of us - me too!

One last stop before heading back to Avignon. Saint Remy De Provence.

Glanum - the Archeological Site. "Between the 6th and 2nd centuries BC , a distinctive civilization grew up on the flanks of the Alpilles: the Glanics, Salluvian Gauls of Provence. the town they built around a sacred spring, with healing powers was gradually influenced by the Greeks in Marseilles as can still be seen from the Dromos well and the Bouleuterion.

In the 1st century BC the arrival of the Romans imposed other architectutal models; the twin temples dedicated to Emperor worship, the forum and the thermal bahs and all indicate a change in lifestyle.

The arch marks the boundary and northern entrance to the ancient town. Next to it, the mausoleum suggests that the necropolis lay beyond the town walls, which have now disappeared. "