Followed my usual morning routine, up at 6:30, on my bike by 7:15 for a ride, returned, showered, and at the breakfast table by 9:00. Ratatouie omelets were on today's menu, and they were delicious.
By 10, we were in our car and heading south to Arles, where Van Gogh lived from 1888-1890. The drive was highlighted by fields and fields of sunflowers, and by 11:15 we were parking our car in front of the actual building Van Gogh portrayed in is painting"Jaune Maison".
We went to Arles in order to go the the Van Gogh museum which has been closed for several years, so we were really excited to see some of his paintings in the flesh. In Arles there is a great walking tour of the city that takes you to a number of the scenes that Van Gogh painted. We really enjoyed it when we visited Arles previously. In addition to being the home of Van Gogh, Arles is known for its very well preserved Roman ruins, including an arena that is still used for bullfighting and an amphitheater that is also still in use.
After parking the car we stopped at a cafe for a coffee and mini pain au chocolat. As we sat at the cafe we enjoyed a great view of the Roman amphitheater. We lucked out with crowds in Arles; I think because it was Sunday.
Arles is considered to be the photographers capitol of France and we were actually cautioned about visiting Arles this week due to the annual photographers festival was going on. The line to get into one of the major photography exhibits was very long, so we were worried as we approached the Van Gogh museum, but there was no line at all. In addition to having nine of Van Gogh's painting there is one by Monet, one by Gaguin, and one by Corot. It was far less crowded than the Boston MFA, so we felt we could stand right in front of the paintings as long as we wanted, and we did. Seeing these paintings in person is such a thrill, I kept saying to myself, and Joni, "I can't believe I'm this close to a real Van Gogh.
After leaving the museum we went directly to the restaurant we'd chosen for lunch. When we arrived at 11:15 we made a reservation for 1:15, and had we not done so we would not have been served. Many French restaurants only have one seating for lunch or dinner, so they fill up easily. As we dined we saw countless customers attempt to get a table to no avail.
Our meal was fabulous. Joni had lamb chops, and I had a swordfish/tuna carpacio for a starter, and grilled calamari for my main dish. No wine or dessert this time.
After lunch we did some souvenir hunting...still looking for a cigale (cricket) that chirps. The one in my office lost it's voice and I want to replace it. It's a great conversation piece for any student that's visiting me.
We drove straight back to the B&B, no stops, and then watched the final 30 km of today's stage of the Tour.
Tonight we're dining in the village of Villars, which is only 4 km from here. It's a tiny village with only one restaurant. We've been there twice before, so we're looking forward to a great meal.
Mogens determined it's a Lotus Elise -- he enjoyed the process :-)
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