What a great weekend…..which has now come to an end. I am sitting in my little apartment “après le dîner” (after the dinner) I made from the findings at the marché (market) here in Aix. I’ve had a glass of my yummy french rosé and am recapping in my mind the events of the weekend.
The music of Django Reinhardt is playing in the background from a recording I have on my iPhone. Could this get any more French?
Do you know Django? He was a renowned french jazz guitarist (très célébré and now long gone). He is often sited as the greatest guitarist of all time. He has a very distinct musical style with an interesting kind of syncopation that is very identifiable. In my mind he was kind of an underdog that enjoyed a great success. He had an accident that paralyzed the third and fourth fingers of his right hand. So, he taught himself to play with the other ones. I love his story…and his music….pretty amazing! His music always reminds me of Woody Allen movies (Woody often uses the music of Django in the background of his movies) and France. It’s a good choice after a very french, and amazing weekend!
This weekend, I again went with a group from the school on a “voyage incroyable” (incredible voyage). This time we visited the Gorges du Verdon and the little town of Moustiers Sainte Marie. I find it difficult to put into words the absolute splendor of these two sites, particularly the Gorges du Verdon. This gorge is considered to be the most beautiful canyon in Europe and is categorized as a “Grand Site de France”. I can see why. Drawing on the comments of my Japanese traveling partner, I will say that it was a little bit like being in a movie. The weather was perfect, the scene was perfect and you could almost hear the strains of quiet music playing in the background as you moved along.
Georges, our trusty guide, gave us two options on how to view the gorge. We could either walk on a path around the lake in the middle of the gorge, or we could take a “pedalo” (pedal boat). My friend and I opted for the “pedalo”. I’m so glad we did. Because the “pedalo” is small, we were able to paddle directly into the gorge. The walking path wouldn’t have allowed for this. I have traveled quite a bit and have been to some beautiful places, the but landscapes here were some of the nicest I have seen……unforgettable. And, with the season change, there were some changing leaves that added a few splatters of color here and there. It was breathtaking. Thanks to my two male Swiss traveling companions from the school for actually pedaling the “pedalo”. The little boats were made for four people, and while my Japanese friend and I were perfectly willing to do the pedaling, these two wouldn’t hear of it. So, we got a free ride in one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. Thanks guys!
Then, we went on to Moustiers Sainte Marie. This is a very tiny town near the gorge that is known for pottery. It’s also known for the path from the town that goes just about straight up to a small church that sits on the top of the mountain. Climbing to the top was our first order of business. After, of course, we filled our water bottles with water from the fountain in the center of town. This was a first for me. I don’t think I have ever seen a fountain like this with clean, fresh, and drinkable water, let alone have a drink from one. Fun!
So, after we filled our bottles, George led those of us who were brave enough to go, to the top. As I looked up from the bottom, I muttered under my breath that I wasn’t sure if I could do this. My new young pastor friend from Holland heard me and said he would go and take pictures for me. It would be just like I was seeing it myself.
WHAT!……..I think this was precipitated by a discussion we had earlier about my being retired. He thought I was 65, so I guess he thought I was too feeble to go up the hill. Do I look 65? If so, please tell me so that I can get a face lift or botox or something! He has a few things to learn about people. But, he’s pretty young and he meant well.
My Swiss “pedalo” pedaler came up behind me and said, “Let’s go. I don’t understand about this not going. When you’re here, you have to do these things.” I agree. And, I’m happy to say that I made it up……..and down, which was actually harder than going up. The stones were very slippery. But, it was worth it to see the view. It was spectacular!
After we descended, my traveling companions and I walked leisurely through the town and looked in the shops. Some of us bought ceramics. They were quite lovely and very colorful. I am loving the bright colors here in Provence. I loved them in Mexico when I visited earlier in the year, too. They really lift the spirit! Makes me feel happy!
That was about it for the day for me! I was spent! I walked into town with the pastor from Holland. He was going with a group of people for a drink. No thanks. It was bedtime for me!
Today, Sunday, I spent a very lazy day wandering through town a bit. I was going to go out for dinner, but decided after looking over the fish selection at the market, that I would cook in. So, I made my selections and went on. After depositing my treasures back at the apartment, I strolled over to a park on the other side of town. It’s a great place for quiet contemplation. I got out the french novel I am reading in an effort to build my french vocabulary, and read for a good part of the afternoon.
I stopped on my way back at “The Deux Garcons”. This is a famous cafe in town that I wanted to try. I had a glass of wine and did some people watching. This “very french” looking man was sitting across the courtyard from me. He was so cute, that I couldn’t resist snapping a picture. Love the beret!
So, now I am at the end of my weekend sojourn. It will be a hard one to top! Tomorrow, I will be back to conjugating verbs and engaging my brain so that I can build conversation with my classmates. Oh boy!
I really have nothing else to say except…..WOW…..that’s all…….just……..WOW!
Travel With Betsy 
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