After breakfast today, we headed to Avignon.
On the way we spotted a vibrant Sunflower field, which was quite odd since the sunflower season was almost done. Billie, or Mamma "B" as we came to call her, came to Provence for the Lavender, but adores sunflowers, so Jim, drove us up to the field for some amazing photo's. Thankfully, the bees this time were more interested in the flowers than me.
We took a scenic route to Avignon along The Rhone and were able to see the great wall that surrounds the town.
We split up in the centre of town and Cindi and I decided to visit Le Place des Papes. The Palace of the Popes.
It was overwhelming, interesting and very hot.
We all met up and enjoyed a delicious lunch at a cafe overlooking The Rhone.
I ordered a Pizza referred to as The Princess and for some reason, everyone thought that appropriate.
We shared bowls of salad and plates of Frites and of course bottles of Rose.
We headed back to the village for some down time and another chance to swim, since it was so hot.
We had an Olive Oil tasting in town that was wonderful. I didn't realize there were so many variations of Olives. We also tasted a variety of vinegars
The young woman who was teaching us, was very impressed that I was from Canada. She had never met a "bad" Canadian.
That evening, being our last dinner together, we were taken to the most glorious Chateau. It was located at the end of a private road with Sycamore trees arching along the way.
In the adjoining field was a huge flock of sheep being herded by a few very rambunctious Boarder Collies.
The Chateau was magnificent. We managed a few photo's in front and then headed to the terrace for our meal. Breathtaking.
The Sommelier who served us, presented us with a special glass of Champagne, along with an interesting Amuse Bouche of tapenade, toasts, sardines and artichoke. We ordered our courses and went off to take more photos of the grounds. There was a gorgeous Koi pond, little bridges, random settees and sculptures all around. I could totally see a mediation or yoga retreat happening.
Our first course arrived and it was a delicious splay of haricuts verte, followed by the a mouthwatering Guinea Fowl.
Before the dessert, I wandered off to take a few more photos and to scatter more of Steve's ashes. I found a trickling brook and so aptly placed them there. He would love it there. It was at one point the home of Nostradamus.
Another delectable gateaux chocolate for dessert, then off to wander the Chateau.
It was glorious and if I could afford 400 euros a night, I could stay there.
We got back to our hotel about 11:00 pm and we all gathered in the gazebo for a little debriefing from Robbi and Jim. They spoke of how much they enjoyed our small group. They usually have 15 on a tour and we were a group of 5. Jim kept saying g he has never seen a group all get along so well before and that we had the honor and privilege of being the first "Jimettes"
They said they would love to see us return for another tour and to only tell our nice friends about them
Robbi, then recited the following.
I will not die an unlived life.
I will not live in fear
of falling or catching fire.
I choose to inhabit my days,
to allow my living to open me,
to make me less afraid,
more accessible,
to loosen my heart
until it becomes a wing,
a torch, a promise.
I choose to risk my significance;
to live so that which came to me as seed
goes to the next as blossom
and that which came to me as blossom,
goes on as fruit.
fully alive - dawna markova
© Dawna Markova
Back to our room to pack.
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