Aches, like headaches

After breakfast, we jumped in the Passat, fired up the gps and hit the road. Here's what the road looks like...just loping along at 80 klics. Yeah, well after a few doubletimes around the roundabouts, and a coupla WTF's, we ended up on the A-7 headed to Aix-en-Provence (pronounced "Aches", like in head aches). A half hour later we pulled into the main center and parked the car in a subterranean lot. This was a nice lot, recommended by Rick Steves, though it took forever to find the exit.

Here's the main square...

It's a beautiful town - a university town. Lots of things to see, places to eat, people to look at, etc. This is the center of town.

Nicole and I stopped for lunch, right next to the marketplace. We ordered up salads, Nicoise for Nic and a Chef for yours truly. Very satisfying. We wandered and shopped. I love the small shops in France... it's all so formal. As you enter, you greet the proprietor... bon jour madame/monsiuer. They reply, bon jour monsieur (they always acknowledge me first, then my daughter), then bon jour madame. Then they leave you alone. They are helpful, if you speak the language and especially if you want to purchase something. Upon leaving, I say, merci, bon jour, to which they reply merci, au revoir, bonne journee. Which is, thanks and have a nice day. It's like there is an appreciation for each other, the shop owner and the shopper. Quite refreshing...

So, we headed back the St Remy and our compound. Had a light bite and a siesta. Went out to dinner around 8:00 (just like the French), found a bistro, had a delicious meal and now we're home and it's damn near midnight. Life is good. Tomorrow is Arles. Au revoir... PC