My European Adventure

We decided to test our bus navigating skills and revisit Pont du Gard. It was an hour ride and cost €1,50. We figured if we got lost, we wouldn’t miss out on seeing something new. Instead we would see something new.   In 2015, Cécile and her family took us to this magnificent Roman aqueduct bridge that was built in the first century AD. The Pont du Gard is one of those places you could visit multiple times and still be in awe of its massiveness. Then think about its age and how it may have been constructed. 🤯🤯🤯 We were so happy we went because we got an entirely different perspective. At first, we weren’t sure if we were in the right place because we entered the area a different way. If Gene didn’t recognize the entrance, then we were lost. Lol. We kept walking. There it was! It still looked a little different from what we remembered. It wasn’t until we saw the other road across the river that we realized we came in on a different road.  Pont du Gard is also one of those pl...

Can you believe all these bookstores are a 5-7 minute walk from my apartment?  I can also purchase cards, stationary, bookmarks, and more!                The children’s bookstores are adorable! I still need to check out this store . I think it has old rare books.  Living above a bookstore would be wonderful! How many times a week do you think this lady visits this place? It is a good thing I can’t read French. I have to admit, the urge to buy a book has been strong. I just love that the love of reading is found here. Thinking of all my book club ladies and wishing we could walk through these stores together. Just think of the treasures we could find! 💝

I love Nîmes! The first time I visited Nîmes was in the summer of 2015. I remember telling Gene that I would love to stay in one of the apartments with a balcony and hanging baskets. Our apartment doesn’t have a balcony or hanging baskets, but it is in the heart of Nîmes. I can stick my head out my window and see the Maison Carrée, which I think is the symbol of the city.  The photo on the left was taken from my apartment window in the early morning. For the holiday, red and green lights shine onto the building.    My apartment is behind the man standing on my street.  The Roman architecture is incredible. The detail amazes me.  Every time I look at ancient structures, I get a little melancholy. I think of the slaves who built it; there are so many thoughts going through my brain.  Nîmes is one of those places that makes me feel like I am home. The city center is like a small village nestled in a larger city. Only city vehicles or delivery trucks can drive ...

Here we go again! Over the past 38 years, Gene and I have moved a lot. So, being on this grand adventure and going place to place seems pretty easy. I am very pleased with my packing. We left one carry-on at Cécile’s and are living out of two carry-ons, a backpack, and a knitting bag. Therefore if we are in a photo, you may see us wearing the same outfit. Just know, we are using a washing machine and hanging our clothes on a drying rack; so, our clothes are clean.  I will spare you the photo of our chones (underwear) hanging in the living room. 🫣 Our apartment is in Nimes city center. The location is perfect! We didn’t have any trouble locating our address. Getting into the apartment, however, was another adventure. Gene received instructions on how to get the key from a lockbox that was located in the lobby of a nearby bank that was no longer in business. There were several lockboxes, so this must be something that is common. The instructions stated that the box was a small one; ...

Today we are leaving the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. As I take the train along the coast, I am thinking of all the wonderful memories I have created of this beautiful region. While passing through the towns we have visited, a little excitement runs through me. I recognize some roads I have walked and places I have visited! I will miss the sea, but I know another adventure awaits. 

Antibes was our last stop along the Riviera. Antibes had a village ambience that spread out like a city. It was in Antibes that Pablo Picasso worked on many pieces. At the Musée de Picasso, it was interesting to see his sketches and then the finished art. I am always amazed by the process in which an artists creates. To have such vision is so impressive to me.  This garden was in the middle of the city center. The mosaic was spectacular! We also went to Le Musée Peynet Et Du Dessin Humoristique. We saw works by two French artists, Raymond Peynet and François Ravard. Many of Peynet’s pieces reflected being in love and how love blinds us from what is happening in reality. Both of us, however, were really enjoying Ravard’s work. Gene and I would call each other over to look at a piece that we found funny or interesting.  Then I saw, “Reflet Familier”. I let out a deep, slow breath. I could feel my eyes start to swell. Then the tears just slowly flowed down my cheeks. Gene looked ...