Did Someone Sing out of Tune?

FYI - these three entries were typed up and pasted quick as it is our last night and we only have 5 hours to get packed, sleep and ... blogs done.

Today was busy. We visited Avignon, Pont du Gard (WOW) and the wonderful village of Uzes before traveling to Chateau Neuf de Papes for a wine tasting experience.

Our Guide Nina mentioned today that someone - no names will be mentioned here, but we know it isn't me, must have sung the Avignon song out of tune. Apparently when someone sings the song at the bridge out of tune it brings RAIN... had we only known we wouldn't have sung anything at all. It rained a bit in the morning but cleared up for us and turned out to be a really nice day!

First things first. We took a bus (thanks Marcel) to Pont du Gard, the amazing Roman aqueduct that remains from thousands of years ago when the water was directed to Nimes. It was an amazing site.  I could have spent a whole day just hiking around and enjoying the sites. Unfortunately for us though, we were two months early to walk on the top of the bridge. It didn't open until May.

We got quite a few nice pictures and while we were there an american photography group of students was there and taking some amazing shots. I can only image how wonderful their photography trip was. I also wonder how much more they remember of their trip because of how much they concentrate on the shots... do they or maybe they are so concerned with getting "the" shot that they miss all the good stuff and enjoy just LOOKING!

our trip to the village of Uzes was very nice. I loved the market. Most French people shop at the local markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The market was on when we arrived close to noon. Annette had her lunch, the kids went off to find something to eat so Tony, Amanda, Matt and I went in search of a cafe for our own lunch. We found it in a wonderful cafe specializing in Pizza. OMG Tony and I had the Plat du Jour, which contained a marinated chicken with amazing sun dried tomatoes, a vegetable medley (THANK YOU - I've really been missing my greens! But I do find that they over cook the veggies here. the Green and yellow beans were mushy but tasty.) Matt and Amanda both had the Italian pizza  a super thin crust (my fav) with yummy tomato sauce, prosciutto  mozzarella and arugula. Matt was nice enough to let me try it! :) it was very tasty.

We strolled along the streets but didn't really have time to shop AND eat so of course since we are adults and our stomachs rule, we choose to eat... which meant I saved Matt a lot of money since there were a few shops that had real bargains on clothes. Sam bought herself a really cute outfit to go with her really cute boots! She's going to be quite a site when we get home. Unfortunately she is developing a sore throat (along with half the kids).

We made our way by bus to Chateau Neuf de Papes... the Pope's new Castle...it was not what I was expecting at all. This area is the area of France where the popes located their summer castle away from Palais des Papes in Avignon. There are many hectares of vineyards which all use the Chateau Neuf de Papes label with their own appellation on the label as well. In order to be part of the CHP (NOT CNP)  the growers must ensure that there are only 6 clusters of grapes per vine, the vines are hand picked, they are not irrigated, the vines are covered with local limestone which keeps the roots at an even temperature, it absorbs heat during the day and gives off heat at night. (very cool - now I am going to have a vineyard as well! )

we returned home for a group dinner, which was ok but not totally impressive. Chicken legs, yummy potatoes, the starter was fantastic a filo pastry with a yummy mix of roasted veggies served with a small salad with yummy dressing. dessert was ok - a raspberry tart which was not as yummy as the raspberry tarts I bought in Paris.

One funny incident, we have a couple of vegetarian kids on the trip. They got FISH as their plat principal for supper. To the French fish is not meat and therefore counts as a vegetarian plate but our kids don't eat any meat or fish...it was quickly rectified for them and they got a plate of potatoes with - get this ... COOKED SPINACH!

After supper we took a walk around the town. It was quite hopping in a couple of places - but since we are getting up and going to Nice we thought we shouldn't stay up too late.  Matt made me a nice tea and I drank it while I read before we did room checks. After room checks, it was another tea and then bed! It was a really nice day. We really liked Avignon and I am certain the driving tour of France is something I want to do after seeing some of the towns we went through. I'd go back to Usez and told Matt that when I win the Lotto Maxx I am going to buy a place there and set up my bed and breakfast.