Volume 16 - Day 196/170, 2024 - Sunday

It was kind of an early day today, our train from Paris to Avignon was leaving at 7:38AM (that equals midnight in Texas), so we were up around 5 to catch a cab at 6:30. No problems at all, and Mussolini would have been proud of the fact that the train left right on time, and arrived right on time as well. Avignon is close to 450 miles from Paris, and we arrived, as I recall, at about 10:15. It was a very comfortable ride, we opted for business class, so there was plenty of room. We got to the actual town of Avignon about 11, we were supposed to meet the VRBO person at 11:15, just to store our bags, and that went off with just a few hiccups. But it worked out. We needed to wander around until check-in time at 4, which we did with some success. I think stairs were invented in France...everywhere we go there are more stairs, and not just a few steps. From ground level to the front door of the apartment we are staying in, there are 63 tairs. Stairs everywhere. So...apparently, the Pope was exiled from Rome for a period of time, and he moved to Avignon. We attempted to tour the Pope's Museum, but it was closed, so we just sat in the shade of the garden for a while. The we toured the Pope's Palace, which, I am sorry to report, was not that exciting. So then we sat some more and walked around some more, until we could get access to the apartment. They are having a HUGE festival in Avignon while we are here, and goes on for about three weeks. We are right in the middle of it all, lots of music and entertainment. PLUS, today is Bastille Day, so that celebration is going on as well. We rested for a bit, and then we headed to the grocery, got food to prepare (I got a ready made sandwich, I am not a wizard in the kitchen), and had a nice dinner followed by a lot of conversation. Although I have known Michael and Lynda for about 30 years, I fear they are learning more about me than the really needed to know! Tomorrow, I think we have decided to go to Arles, either by bus or train. It is only about 45 minutes away, and I will get the chance to brush up on all things Van Gogh! You know, if you've seen one old church, it could qualify you to having seen a lot of them, so the photo accompanying this entry is of the board at the train station this morning. We left at (remember?) 7:38.