Right now I’m sitting in the living with Madame Laurence. We’re watching Grey’s Anatomy in French. It’s an episode from earlier this season, the one where Sloan’s daughter shows up and freaks everyone out... The show is tripping me out because none of the voices I’m used to sound familiar at all. It helps that I know the storyline so I can work on catching some French words here and there.
Today we went to Avignon on a Wednesday excursion. The whole day that nursery rhyme about Avignon was stuck in my head, I don’t even know the words but it’s something about dancing on the bridge. Anyways the outing was pretty fun. We got to tour the Pope’s Palace, from the 1300 and 1400’s when the papacy moved to Avignon. Over the time the papacy was in Avignon there were nine Popes who led the Catholic Church. The massive size of the building really impressed me. It’s incredibly huge and well-preserved, and the intricate designs of the rooms—tiles, wall murals, furniture, architecture, and all that—is really a sight. It’s just such a huge palace! We got to go to the top of one of the towers and look out over the town of Avignon, flanked by the river Rhone. Luckily for us, it wasn’t too windy today and so I was able to enjoy the view a bit more without worrying about getting blown off the tower to my death.
The Cathedral:
We also visited the Pope’s cathedral right next to the Palace, and saw an impressively innate tomb of one of the Popes. I enjoyed the historical aspects of the tour and it was cool to explore the massive buildings as well—it’s something I just am not used to seeing around in the US. I wonder what it would be like to live somewhere like Montpellier or Avignon permanently, and just walk past these huge Roman or Medieval buildings daily. We have one more excursion on Friday, then Sunday morning early we take off for a week in Spain. I’m looking forward to speaking some Spanish hopefully, as my French is barely conversational right now.
WOW!! What adventures you are having...so exciting. I keep in touch with such interest. I have a friend who knows Cody Bishop...a former teacher of his. Her name Debbie Smith or Colona...don't know if she was married when she taught him. She says he's really cute. Much love from your Grandmother Barbara.
ReplyDeleteKristin,a little TV in French...interesting. Tomorrow another day and another country, Spain. I bet the Madame will miss having you around. Keep up your interesting writings, love to read them. Love&Hugs, Gram
ReplyDeleteKristin, I am so enjoying following your trip on your blog. You are such an interesting writer. But what really amazes me in the photography. They are amazing pictures. Maybe you should think about becoming a professional photographer. Brett
ReplyDeleteHey all! Sorry I haven't been responding to blog posts much, I only get internet about once a week here! I'm so glad you all are enjoying the blog! I make sure to post a few cities every time I can get online.
ReplyDeleteBrett- I actually really enjoy photography too so I'm glad to hear you like the photos! Thanks! :)
Grammy- TV in French was definitely interesting haha. I just arrived in Cartegena, Spain a few hours ago. I'll keep you posted on what's sure to be an exciting week here!
Grandma Barbara- I'm glad you're enjoying my blog posts! And yeah I do know Cody Bishop. He is in the other group, so in the Middle East portion of the trip right now. What a fun coincidence!
Stay tuned for more updates soon!