Travel another way

Salut! Our Wednesday began with a visit to Pont du Gard. This is truly a world class sight to see. This still-intact bridge is actually part of an aqueduct that once was 31 miles long and was designed to bring water from the city of Uzes to the city of Nimes. Most of it has been destroyed over the  centuries. Where it crosses the Gard River it stands 150 ft tall and is 825 feet long. A series of arches on 3 levels, Pont du Gard has been considered an artistic and architectural masterpiece since it was built 2000 years ago by the Roman Empire. The museum was very good and did a good job presenting all the information. Hearing and reading about all of the excesses and opulence of the Roman Empire, and how the abundance of water for use in the Roman Baths, for (over)  consumption and often ‘just for show’ reminded me of current day Las Vegas. They say it took 1000 men 5 years to build!  One of our group is an engineer and she stayed the whole day to learn and admire  this incredible structure. 

The rest of us moved on to the medieval village of Gordes.  Settled around 1300, this walled village is built around a large Castle which was built upon a MASSIVE rock atop a big hill over looking plains, lavender fields and vineyards. Man, what an impressive sight. The best (only) way to get a picture of Gordes is to take it from a distance of 2 or 3 miles.  Gordes is famous and regarded one of the most impressive villages in France. Walking around inside the village I felt like I was trespassing on a movie set. I kept looking around expecting to see a knight in chain maile clanking through the narrow streets. It was very cool. Picture Robin Hood, “Ever After” or even “Romeo and Julliette” and you can imagine what its like.  The streets are so narrow, maybe 8 feet wide. Only foot traffic of course, and the streets are all shadowed by the height of the castle.  Only the signs promoting an art gallery, a bakery or post office (even Pizza!)  held me in the 21st century. No meals or activities here, just strolling and soaking up the experience.

As if this wasn’t enough, on our way home we stopped at a Lavender farm and spent an hour learning about the process of farming, harvesting and processing pure, fine Lavender, which, to my surprise, is indigenous only to Provence. If its not from Provence, its not fine lavender. We are definitely learning new things every day.

Out to dinner in the nearby village of Isle sur la Sorgue. Back home to watch a little CNN. Joan D., California