I headed out after deciding to wear my swimsuit even though
I thought it was too cold for swimming. I had no trouble finding the meeting
place this time (because I went the route I knew) and got there a little early
so on time. We loaded the buses and went on our way. I chose to sit closer to
the front of the bus this time to see if it would help my motion sickness at
all and it did a little. I still wish I had motion sickness pills. That would
have been really smart to bring.
We didn't stay on the auto route very long and instead drove
through a few small towns. George the tour guide would tell us a bit about
them. Above picture is the Chateau d'Allemagne de Provence. Finally we stopped in one called Riez. It was a small village that
happened to be having a market that day. We stopped and I bought a ficelle which
is like a baguette but smaller and skinnier as well as an apple and banana. I
put them in my bag for later. We explored the non food part of the market and I
bought a couple Christmas gifts. I figure if I spread them out it will be
better than trying to buy a bunch of things last minute. After that Cassandra and I went and took a
few pictures of some Roman ruins which just casually were in the center of
town. After that we ate for a bit before getting back on the bus to go to the
Lake Sainte Croix.
The lake is artificial because there was a dam built but it
was really beautiful. The water was
gorgeous as was the geology around it. That's code for rocks and mountains and
stuff. The stone was really interesting color of grey and orange and looked almost
like it had been painted together and the paint had dripped. It was really
pretty.
They had paddle boats there so Cassandra and I rented one
for the hour and went into the canyon. It was really pretty but definitely a
leg work out going against the current. I have a fear of small boats the
beginning I was pretty freaked but I got used to it. We stopped the boat when
we went as far as we dared without being in a rush to get the boat back in time
and let the current carry us back while we ate our lunch. There was a waterfall
and a couple people were stupid enough to jump in the water even though it was
really cold. They all immediately regretted their decision and climbed back
into their boats.
We got the boat back and then went and sat and took in the
view. Cassandra talked about how she thinks it's weird when people are here and
only talk about thing from back home. Then the rest of our time at the lake she
talked about home. I didn't mind but I did find it funny.
After that we got back on the bus and went up to the top of
the mountains to get some cool pictures of the Lake and the Canyon. It was
pretty cool.
Next we went to the town of Moustiers Sainte-Marie which is
named the most beautiful city in France. And it was very clear why! The village
is very small and quaint with lots of flower pots. It’s situated between two
mountains and has a chapel built into the side of the mountain. In the olden
days children who had lost their parents would come here and climb all the
stairs to be received in the chapel. Though it is very small so I don’t know
where they would go after that! But it is also a very difficult climb! I
decided to take my time and go for it and people were already coming down when
I reached the top. It was wearing flip flops, not ideal climbing shoes and the
stairs were very steep. Luckily, there was a good hand rail. It took me about
half an hour. But I decided better to go slow and not risk it. I got to the top
and explored the chapel. It was very dark which I found really cool because it
was almost like a metaphor with your eyes. When you first come in it is really
hard to see anything even though you know things are there. You can only see
the windows. Then slowly over time you gain vision of the chapel itself and the
things inside it. I kind of view this as like my relationship with Christ. I
was standing in the dark for a long time knowing he was there and not being
able to see. But I knew so I just kept waiting and trying to see and eventually
I gained some sight. I kind of view it like that. The altar was pretty cool all
gold.
I eventually walked (slipped)
my way back down. The rocks were very slick so I kept two hands on the hand
rail the whole time. I stopped at a shop and bought a gift. Then went to the
next store and found the same type of gift but one I liked a lot more… Oh. This
town is known for their hand painted pottery ceramic things. There were a lot
of really cool plates and cups and things that were really pretty to look at
but are all very expensive because they require a lot of work (My first one was
not as very expensive). I walked around the stores with Cassandra looking for
this type of gift to check prices and eventually knew that if I didn’t buy the
one I liked better that I was going to beat myself up over it forever. So I went
back and bought it. Now I don’t know how I will get it home but it seemed important
to buy here and I can gift the other one to someone else. It’s not like the
first was/is bad just not exactly what I intended for this person. But it will
be fine! All is good!
After that we walked around a bit more before getting back
on the bus to come home. When we did get home Cassandra and I came back to my
house to drop off my gifts before going to dinner. I had her wait downstairs in
the entry way because I had been told by the institute not to bring friends
home because the home is like more private. On my way back down I ran into
Madame who had talked to Cassandra and scolded me for not bringing her up. I
explained that the university had said not to and she was like oh well I don’t care
as long as it’s not like 15 people. So I said oh okay well now I know.
We met up with two girls named Valerie and Danielle and then
headed off to an English (UK) Restaurant called the Bulldogge. Cassandra and
Valerie had each won a free meal from the scavenger hunt that they went and
claimed. My very slow team won nothing. But that’s okay. We walked there and
then had a very delicious hamburger with salad and French fries all for 10
Euros. Pretty good deal! Our waiter was
pretty cool too. He came by and gave us a free menthe alcohol shot (not me I said
no thanks because I don’t like mint). He was pretty cool. I tried tiramisu for
the first time! It was delicious!!!
After we paid we all went home. I walked half way home with Danielle
who I sort of know from my Literature class. She is pretty cool. It was a fun
night and a fun day.
It was about 9:30 when I got home and Madame was surprised
to see me so soon. I don’t know why but she thinks that I am going to be out
until all hours of the night. But not really… I am usually too tired and
especially after the day that I had today! I showed Madame my pictures from the
day and talked with her about them and then we started watching Fort Boyard my
favorite French show. Madame started to fall asleep and I would wake her up
with my involuntary and annoying coughs. Eventually she went to bed and now so
will I.
Goodnight! P.S. Madame changed my sheets/duvet again!
No comments:
Post a Comment