Province de Provence
Bonjour
My computer's all better! Just in time to write to you all about our excursion to Provence and to show you some pictures.
Provence offered an ambiance similar to Burgundy, except less wine and worse weather. The defining characteristic was the Roman influence. We saw a destroyed Roman village, an Arc de Triomphe right next to a small mausoleum, some old baths, and an olive oil refinery. The best part, however, was the food. The first night, we dined in a traditional French restaurant specializing in Provencal cuisine. We had lamb, som kind of tart, and a nice wine. Unfortunately, the portions were gourmet sized. That problem was addressed the next day at the Italian restaurant where we had lunch (naturally). They poured it on with four courses of a fruit-flan, duck, puffy potatoes, green beans, some kind of dessert, and even coffee. We checked out the enormous Pont de Gard and the historic Pont d'Avignon before hopping back on the TGV. A lot of people said it was the worst excursion yet, but I quite enjoyed it. Check out the pictures.
Sarah couldn't come because her parents came up for the weekend, but she didn't mind because they went to London for all of Saturday! I got to eat dinner with the Prusasky family Sunday night-- we ate at a traditional French restaurant and I had escargot for the first time (really good with the garlic) as well as a shockingly delicious chocolate mousse.
Not too much time to write, but I hope I can talk to some of you soon!
Chris