Quel Week-end!

What a weekend, indeed!

Friday afternoon a bunch of us got together and went to Pontet, a small town close to Avignon, notable mostly for the municipal pool. Avignon had to pick that day to be cloudy, of course, but it was still hot out so the pool was quite nice. Funny story though: this pool, though pretty cheap to get into, is very strict. So strict, in fact, that there is a dress code of sorts for bathing suits. One of the "maillots interdits," or prohibited bathing suits, is none other than swim trunks! Apparently there's some sort of hygienic reason that I don't understand. However, this restriction meant that the two guys in our group, Chase and Kong, couldn't come into the pool unless they purchased other (thankfully inexpensive) suits. Easy enough, right? Well, there's a catch. These suits were tiny black shorts--not quite speedos, but close. And clearly meant for 12 year olds. But the guys suffered it admirably. We even got some pictures of them modeling their new look. Very funny, if not a little disturbing.

That night was the Festival show for which the Center got us free tickets. It was called Papperlapapp and it was the most nonsensical event I have ever witnessed. No plot, nothing to keep you interested in the action except a sort of dull curiosity about whether or not it was going to get any better. An absurdist play with religious nuances that were buried too deep to comprehend. Basically, after the first 15 minutes people started to walk out...and continued to walk out for the rest of the time I was there. And apparently in Avignon, during the Festival, if you don't like the show you're supposed to leave and leave with gusto. Stomping out, booing, waving to friends. Anything goes! We braved it for an hour and a half, and it was an outdoor venue so when it began to sprinkle a little (the first time it has rained since I've been here), we used that as our excuse to leave. Then we went out to one of the little restaurants down a small street and had a much better time than we did during those 90 minutes of utter confusion.

Today was our girls' trip to Marseille, which is the 2nd most populous city in France, after Paris, and the 3rd biggest in area, after Paris and Lyon respectively. The four of us left on the bus at around 10 this morning, so we got into Marseille around 11:30 and hopped on the metro to get to the historic part of town, the old port. It was lovely, we got some nice pictures and took a look around. Only after we had had lunch, of course. We picked an Italian place right near the port with the best tiramisu I have ever tasted. But then we explored an open air market, as well as the French version of Macy's which was quite swanky.

After that we were all ready to hit the beach. We had to walk a couple miles to find one, but it was worth it when we got into that clear Mediterranean water. The beach was crowded today, lots of kids playing in the water and people getting some sun on the beach. A few topless bathers, as usual...generally older women. I can see the appeal of not having tan lines, but that is where my comprehension of this practice comes to an abrupt end. Anyhow, we spent about 3 or so hours there on the beach, then rinsed off and headed back to the metro to get back to the train station to try and find a train back to Avignon. We found one that took us through the countryside and made stops in numerous tiny, quaint villages, thus explaining why it took 2 hours to get back. But we really didn't mind. We passed the time laughing and talking and just generally having a fantastic time. Between our fatigue, hunger, and the heat of the sun, we were all a little slap-happy. Which was hilarious.

When we finally did get back to the city, we decided to go to the restaurant next door to school that we've all been curious about for a while, given that we all pass it every day, called L'Hermitage. Well, our curiosity payed off! It was arguably the best meal I've had since I've been here. Something akin to chevre spring rolls, which was divine, and then tandoori chicken with these two incredible sauces I can't begin to describe, and a lemon creme brulee for dessert. For about 20 euro. Delicious. Of course, when you go out to eat in Avignon during the dinner rush, namely 9pm, be prepared to spend a long time at the table. Which I prefer anyway. Eating and drinking and laughing with friends over a 2+ hour dinner? Nothing better. And it was the perfect ending to a perfect day.

Whew! It really was a busy weekend, but incredibly fun. Now I'm pretty worn out, a little sunburned, and ready for a good night's sleep.

Love to you all,
Natalie