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.

Seasons Greetings 2018

What better way to celebrate the season and all the Xmas music we've heard countless times than by listening to versions played in the style of Albert Ayler!  Yep, and we get damn good performances as well.

You can check out the music and purchase at Mars Williams' Bandcamp page.  You'll love this stuff!

Now I'm REALLY Embarrassed

My granddog's parents have done it again!  I'm sure Melon just wants to break free and play in the mud.  Maybe they should have had kids...

Big Euro Trip--Night Walk

We arrived at the village of Viviers in the evening.  This set up a night walk, kinda odd, but sometimes how things go on these cruises.  We certainly missed a lot, I could see vague outlines of chateaus and statues on the hillsides, but the dark created a neat effect just the same.  And we had the best tour guide ever!

So here are a few pics, most did not turn out well.  Still, some idea of the village and the ancient construction found therein.

And large murals on a bakery, a reminder of the murals found in Lyon.

Someday I hope to return to this village and see all it has to offer.

Big Euro Trip--Continued

We woke up the next morning in the pretty village of Tournon--Tarascon (depending on which side of the river you are on).  Across the river we could see the oldest vineyards in France, along with the beautiful walking bridge designed an historic architect (whose info I've lost).  There used to be a vehicle bridge here as well, but it was too low for modern boats so had to be removed.

During the walking tour, we saw an old castle overlooking the town.

Our guide pointed out that the eaves on the older buildings in town indicated past wealth.  The more scallop layers on the eaves, the wealthier the former occupants.  One finds this detail in most older villages in France.

After the village, we were bused for a ride on the Tournon steam train for an excursion up one of the beautiful, narrow gorges of the Ardeche region of France.

I got a few pics of the gorge along with an ancient viaduct.

At the top of the gorge was a great old hotel, train stop.

The train itself is maintained to it's historical significance, as illustrated by the engine, and, especially by its toilet!

Ah, the French...  such wonderful detail on most everything in everyday life.

I'm Embarrassed

My son's dog, Melon, forced into indentured dog servitude...  all to celebrate (?) the season.  Ugly Xmas sweater indeed...

I'm calling the ASPCA...