I took the bullet train TGV to Avignon, which was the Pope's residence during the 14th century. Provence is known for its relaxing attitude, lavender, open air cafes, and good weather. Avignon is a city in revival. Much of the old medieval artifacts can still be seen in this city, but most churches were ransacked during the French Revolution.
are everywhere in France. Avignon included, of course. I found this beautiful courtyard not too far from where I was staying.
Somehow, there is just always so much to see and to explore. Isn't this world amazing? We have all these different places....
having different lives and experiences. So much to do, and so much to experience.
made the lighting incredible for daytime photography. I took advantage of that throughout my trip in Provence. While Avignon was interesting during the daytime, at night it completely shuts down, expect for a few spots in the city. This fact marred my experience in Avignon.
was the name of the game in many places in Provence. Older men would gather in the afternoon sun to enjoy each other's company. I tried to get one of them to explain the rules to me, but, ahmmm, shall we just say that there was a bit of a language barrier.
The Pope's palace was built in two stages, creating an old palace and a new palace that were linked together. Each part had a distinct style, which made it interesting. Unfortunately, most of the artifacts inside were destroyed during the Revolution.
I fell in love with Aix the moment I arrived. Beautiful streets that were much more well-kept than Avignon, and with a lot of character. Old streets of the city in the north were mixed with a slightly newer part in the south.
are common everywhere. The markets in Aix were especially beautiful.
made the places seem that much more romantic.
The Aix old church Cathedrale Saint Sauveur is simply stunning. More so than any other churches in France in my opinion. It certainly isn't big like the Notre Dame or the Sacre Coeur, but more than made up for its small size by being elegant and tranquil. This is a place not to be missed if you're in Aix.
This was probably my favorite photograph of my whole trip, for several reasons:
- The lighting was just perfect. I arrived there at a great time. The candle on the floor and the sun from above! I didn't have a tripod, so I had to be inventive with the church benches while keeping as quiet as possible. This was shot at 1/8th, at 4.0f.
- The tranquility of the place is conveyed in the image. The soothing effect of the light increased the joy of freedom one feels.
- The symbolic representation of my feeling for this trip is that it was a pilgrimage of independence and freedom. I couldn't have been happier.
I offered my silent prayer to all those that have suffered, and lit a candle in their name.
I want one! Eventually....
I discovered something about traveling alone: it's extremely hard go get a picture of yourself in a photograph, which is just fine anyhow. This is about the only one that was interesting. I stayed just around the corner from this fountain at Place des 4 Dauphins.
He looked lost, and I wanted to help him, but I still didn't speak French.
was the name of the big boulevard on which cafes lined all of the northern
sunny side. Mirabeau was the name of a French Revolutionist, and
he would have been proud of this tree-lined street.
in Aix were spent on this boulevard, drinking beer, writing, composing poems, and watched people go by.
That is the Right way to end a vacation.
