We’re deep into the story of Joanna, queen of the huge Kingdom of Naples in the 14th century. There’s no turning back for us now. Joanna had more than her share of issues to deal with, but her toughest challenge is still on the horizon. She’s about to be accused of murder. Continue reading “Queen Joanna – Accused of Murder!”
Queen Joanna
In preparation for our day-trip to Avignon, we’re going back in time to the 14th century, when Avignon was THE place to be. The pope had built a palace there, and as a result the place had become a boom-town. In those days, Avignon was part of the Kingdom of Naples. Or more accurately, the “Queendom” of Naples. The queen was Queen Joanna I. And quite a queen she was! Continue reading “Queen Joanna”
Historical Detour to Avignon
Avignon is one of those places that’s steeped in history. It would be a shame to see it without knowing something about its past, so before we go, let’s take a brief historical detour to Avignon. Continue reading “Historical Detour to Avignon”
Absinthe and Avignon
It’s a beautiful fall afternoon in Aix-en-Provence. We’re just hangin’ out and enjoying the scenery at a café in Place de l’Hotel. I’m sipping on a pastis, but if we had been sitting here a hundred years ago, my drink wouldn’t have been pastis. It would have been absinthe. Continue reading “Absinthe and Avignon”
Taking a Break in Aix – Pastis
We’re in Aix-en-Provence, sitting at a café in a beautiful square called Place de l’Hotel. We’ve ordered some liquid refreshments — a glass of wine for my thirsty Better Half, and a pastis for moi. I had the thought that if I drank like a Frenchman, maybe my french will improve. We shall see. Continue reading “Taking a Break in Aix – Pastis”
Taking a Break in Aix – 14th-Century Europe
It’s a fall afternoon in Aix-en-Provence. Large brown leaves from the huge trees in Place de L’Hotel drop off and fly around when there’s a breeze. It’s a nice place to relax and set the stage for tomorrow, when we’ll visit Avignon and be transported to 14th-century Europe. Continue reading “Taking a Break in Aix – 14th-Century Europe”
Cocktail Hour in Place de l’Hotel
Today we spent the morning exploring the open-air market in and around Place de l’Hotel in Aix-en-Provence. Then we had lunch and returned to the room for some rest and relaxation. Can’t be on the go all the time. We are on vacation, after all. Continue reading “Cocktail Hour in Place de l’Hotel”
Market Day in Aix Continued – Paella!
Market days in small towns across France are something special. They occur on designated days once or twice a week in towns that aren’t large enough to support a permanent open-air market. The atmosphere is low-key, but festive at the same time, as shoppers wander around and vendors and customers negotiate prices. And there’s always something cooking. In this case, as noted last time, it’s paella. Continue reading “Market Day in Aix Continued – Paella!”
Market Day in Aix-en-Provence
Yesterday was a full day. We drove all over Provence, visiting Alphonse Daudet’s windmill, Arles, and Les Baux along the way. Now we’re back in Aix. It’s market day in Aix-en-Provence, so it’s the perfect day to stay in town and take it easy. Continue reading “Market Day in Aix-en-Provence”
Les Baux de Provence
Driving the backroads in the South of France is a pleasure. Many of the roads are lined with huge plane trees. The countryside is either flat or gently rolling hills. That is, until you come to a gigantic mass of rock sticking up as if it had dropped out of the sky and landed there. That’s Les Baux de Provence. Continue reading “Les Baux de Provence”
