Big European Trip--Cruise Wrap Up

Our last stop on our river cruise was Avignon, former home of the Popes.  The central part of the city is walled and has quite a history.

Sometime in past history, the Catholic Popes had their residence here, I guess before relocating to the Vatican in Rome.  So we got the tour.

I wasn't that impressed, but the girls found a new boyfriend.

The best part of this palace was in the kitchen, I was fascinated by this immense chimney, I suspect for venting cooking fires.

Since we docked near the famous Avignon bridge, many people began breaking out in song.  I guess I'm culturally deprived, because I had no idea what they were singing.  But apparently the song is quite popular.  So I went exploring. 

I found a display that allowed you to hear the "famous" song in multiple styles:  folk, rock, country, reggae(!), and others.  Weird, but then I guess I've missed out somehow.  But the view of the Pope's Palace from the bridge was quite spectacular.

That was it for the cruise.  The next morning it was off on a 100Euro taxi ride to the Marseille airport for a flight to Schipol airport in Amsterdam.  Thanks to Lori and Jim for joining us on the cruise, and thanks to our new Canadian friends Steve and Judy (Lucy) for their company.

Big European Trip--More

Well, got derailed by the holiday season.  But I have more and more pics from our October river cruise in France.  We opted for an optional tour into the mountains outside Avignon to a famous quarry that had been converted into an amazing light show:  the place translates to Careers of Lights.  I can't even begin to explain how they manage the image projection on all the quarry surfaces, an amazing experience.  The presentation we witnessed was based on Spanish artists. 

After the quarry, we were bussed to a nearby village carved into one of the highest mountain peaks, the village of Le Baux.  I have to admit, this quaint little village was the highlight of the whole trip for me.  "Protected" by the ruins of an old castle, The village overlooks a beautiful valley (where a number of French film industry folks have homes).

But the most enjoyment was found just wandering the streets of the village.

Miriam arranged a date with a famous celebrity...

But I stepped into to quell that adventure...

Not even a little rain could dampen our enjoyment of Le Baux.