Avignon is one of the major cities of Provence, in Southern France. It is the main city in the very popular Vaucluse region and is set on banks of the Rhône river. The city is steeped in history, painted with brilliant light, and crowned with gorgeous, Provençal blue skies. Avignon is simply lovely. Continue reading Snapshot Our of Life in Avignon
Tag Archives: Christmas Abroad
Avignon’s Famous Bridge
No visit to Avignon is complete without a walk on the Pont Saint-Bénézet, also known as the Pont d’Avignon. So, on a beautifully warm and sunny December day we made our visit. It was interesting to stand on this iconic landmark and the subject of the famous French song and nursery rhyme, Sur le pont d’Avignon. One can’t help but sing the words that date from the 16th century when you look out over the Rhône River. Like so many times during this trip, it felt like we were making a connection to history, however small and however brief those moments might be. Continue reading Avignon’s Famous Bridge
Palace of the Popes in Avignon
Standing in the courtyard in front of the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), it’s not hard to sense the power and influence that this building was meant to symbolize for the Catholic church. Its grand and imposing architecture spans 15,000 square meters and stands 50 meters high. Soaring into the blue Avignon sky, one wonders if its meant to give the impression that it’s reaching for heaven. Continue reading Palace of the Popes in Avignon
Medieval Carcassonne
Since Neolithic times, Carcassonne has been considered a strategic location. Its first settlement dates to about 3500 BC. This ancient rocky hilltop is steeped in history and lore. The Romans were the first to build ramparts around the cité (walled town) in the 1st Century BC. The prime hilltop location made it easy to defend, and its strategic position between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean sea, as well as between the Massif Central and the Pyrénées made it an important trading place as early as the 6th century BC. Continue reading Medieval Carcassonne
2014 in Review – Part 2
Our experiences in 2014 have been rewarding beyond our dreams. Taking the time to look back over all of our blog posts, Facebook posts, and photos has made it all seem even more unbelievable. It’s hard to believe all that we’ve done and the amazing places that we’ve visited. We are truly grateful to have spent the year exploring and learning together, living abroad, and making friends.
There was so much to cover in our year-end review, that we felt that our recollections needed to be broken up into two parts for easier reading. If you haven’t read Part 1, which covers January – June, then you can find it here. Otherwise, read on as we cover our adventures from July – December. Continue reading 2014 in Review – Part 2
Little Saints in Avignon
The crèche Provençale, also known as the Provençal crib or the nativity, has been around since the French Revolution. At that time, churches were forcibly closed and sacked. Both masses and nativity scenes were banned. In response, devout Christians created their own crèche to keep the tradition alive in their homes. They crafted “santons”, or little saints, made of clay. These figurines not only included the Holy Family, shepherds and Three Kings, but also the ordinary peasants of Provence.
In Avignon, many churches showcase a crèche and the city sponsors its own crèche. Normally, it is displayed at the Hôtel de Ville (town hall), but this year it was held at L’église des Célestins. The elaborate display was a joy to see. We loved all of the detail and creativity that went into it. Although, it deserved better lighting.
Avignon Christmas Scenes
Avignon is a beautiful city any day of the year, but who can resist any city decorated for the holidays. Beautiful.
Continue reading Avignon Christmas Scenes
Avignon Christmas Market
The primary Christmas Market in Avignon is located at the Place de l’Horloge, the central square of Avignon, in front of the Hôtel de Ville (town hall) and the Opéra Grand Avignon. The market is full of tempting Provençal-style handicrafts and gourmet items. In this winter village you’ll find the famous Savon de Marseille (Marseille olive oil soap), dried lavender and sachets, chocolates, olive tapenade, Provençal textiles, nougat, cheeses, sausages, vin chaud (hot mulled wine), crêpes, ornaments, jewelry, and toys. This market includes a beautiful carousel that seems quite popular. It’s a lovely place to stroll any time of day, but the evening is particularly magical with it’s lovely decorations aglow.
A Nomadic Christmas
For the last 9 months of travel, we’ve carried all of our belongings on our backs. Every piece of clothing, important document, and electronic device that we need is stuffed into one of our backpacks. The limited space and the cumulative weight forces us to prioritize and simplify. We make choices based on how much each item weighs, how much space it will take up, how much we *really* need it, and if it has more than one use.
As we’ve travelled through Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, England, Croatia, Italy, Hungary, and now France, there have been countless items that we would have loved to purchase as a souvenir, but it’s simply not an option. Our backpacks are already stuffed to the gills. We sold our home back in the US, so we can’t ship it there. In the end, whatever it is, we don’t need it and it’s no great loss. We’ve learned that possessions aren’t what bring happiness. Continue reading A Nomadic Christmas
Meandering Family: Beyond the Nest 