Back in Paris

We arrived back in Paris this evening around 7:30. The TGV train from Avignon made the trip in less than 3 hours (465 miles). If it hasn't been said here before I have to say that the train system in Europe is absolutely wonderful! Fast clean trains, smooth rides, tables between the seats so you can share a lunch or a game or spread out your work...and relatively inexpensive too.

We spent 2 nights in Avignon and toured the Palace of the Popes and walked and walked around the old walled city. Then we took the local train to Arles in Provence where Van Gogh spent the last 2 Years of his life. It is also an old city with a Roman ampitheatre and Antique Theater (outdoor) stadium. Both of those ancient venues are used even today. There are bull fights in the coliseum and music performances in the stadium. Arles is a quiet country town with lots to see. We followed the trail of Vincent using a book on his life and paintings that was a map of all the places where he did his famous paintings. Last night we ate at the "Night Cafe" which is still recognizable today. The "Yellow House" was destroyed by bombs in 1844 but the bridge and adjoining houses remain there as they were in his time. Today Susie and Neecie rented bicycles and rode out to find the bridge on the canal but were not successful. They had a good time manuvering through narrow streets and over the cobblestones although Sue later took a spill on a gravel road. They successfully navigated the round-a-bout even though they had to go around twice to find the right exit. I walked through the residential parts of the city to the old wall and ramparts and visited the Cimeterie. I love to walk and watch the people of the city going about their regular daily lives away from the tourist routes. The building are fascinating with gaily painted shutters; blue, magenta, red, green, and flowers cascading from the window boxes. I liked Arles better than Avignon...quieter, less rushed and busy.

We came back to Paris with 2 more suitcases than when we left but we blame that on the fact that the handle broke on our biggest and made it difficult to carry with all our many treasures. Of course if you have 2 new suitcases what should you do but fill them up? and that is what we tried to do finding lots of interesting and pretty gifts, for ourselves and for others.

We ate on the train home...aubergine caviar, anchovy dip, smoked salmon, creamy cheese, carrots, pears and apricots and always the wonderful crusty bread of this country. YUM YUM

Tomorrow we hope to meet up with our nephew and his family and then.....more adventures! (After we do our laundry of course)

Katie