I've been slow to write since leaving Oxford. We've been drifting through France, our first stop in Paris (as I wrote that extremely lacking post the other night from an Internet café, whilst surrounded by gamers) and now in Avignon.
I don't have much time to write, but I will start by saying it was a long, long day yesterday with nine hours of traveling, from Paris to Avignon. The conditions were rain all the way, so a swell day for being on a bus/sleeping/doing three hours of journaling.
As I am so behind, I really must reflect on the places in France I've seen at this point, namely Paris and Versailles (as outside of that, I suppose I've only seen countryside and rest stops). First and foremost: We simply did not have enough time in Paris. There is so much to experience in a city of those proportions and I did not even scratch the surface. There was a day that I had to myself — I mentioned that I overslept (or rather, my alarm reset itself) and missed the coach to Chartes Cathedral. I spent that day wandering about, but it's hard to know where to even begin. Kind of overwhelming.
Versailles was hands down one of the neatest things I've seen on this trip, and possibly in my lifetime. I know I've abused that phrase throughout my recounts, but honestly. Louis XIV did not mess around when he built that place. Floor to ceiling and everything between is unbelievable, coated in gold and elaborate decoration. The gardens are nothing short of epic, grand, flawless. There were no flowers in bloom during our visit, but I can only imagine.
Avignon is stunning as well. I won't go into detail now as I have not yet toured the city (I will in 20 minutes) but our hotel accommodations are phe-nom-e-nal. Absolutely outstanding. We had a group dinner here last night, a lovely three course meal and wine to welcome us to the city. We are very well taken care of!
I should mention that I am now yet another hour ahead, so +7 difference from Central Time.
Finally:
I'm the one in the giant sunglasses that are swallowing my face. Can't be too careful.
Au revoir!
jc
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