France: May 2009

Today we went to Sylvacane, where the Cistercian Monastery from the 11th century is; Gordes, a perch village; and Roussillon, where they have ochre which are rocks/sand that you can mix with water to make watercolor paints or acrilic. Oh it was all so beautiful! And there was so much history at the monastery. I never knew that much about the Cistercian monks. There have been a few waves of people who've taken over the monastery because in the 14th century the Cistercians were killed and the place was burned down by jealous neighbors. Apparently these monks made beaucoup d'argent from selling fish, running a hostel, etc. They were so strict - only two rooms in which they could talk; only straw mattresses and one blanket! It was tres interessant seeing the changes from one decade to another, or from one group to another.

Gordes was pretty - just a village high up with a gorgeous view. I bought a few lavender products there!

And then at Rousillon there was the ochre. I really wanted to buy some, but I don't really know too many people who paint, at least not with watercolor or acrilic. Hm. Thank God I didnt fall or I would've been stained! I did buy some "sand art" though - of course.

Now I'm making shrimp and mashed potatoes! I have my first test Friday so I have to get on this homework! A bientot.

Ochre in Roussillon

Bories

Gordes

Sylvacane - the two symbolize order and disorder

Gothic influence (because of the circular shapes)

Behind the altar in the Cistercian monastery

Cistercian Monastery in Sylvacane

Bonjour et bienvenue. Thanks for visiting my blog. I've had one going on Facebook as a pseudo-blog til I could get this one running, so here goes!

I got in Friday at around 6 or 7 France time, 11 or 12 Dallas/Nashville time. It was a bit hectic. My phone died, the left my bag in Paris. I still haven't gotten it, so I've been using a hand towel ha. Murphy's law..! I had my first French dinner at un resto U - le poisson (fish. about the size of a cup of gumbo for 14 €. a bit overpriced in my opinion). But it was great - I love the tutors and other students. Saturday we toured Aix, which isn't too big. Supposedly it's only 15 minutes from one end to the other, about the size of Vandy campus? Sunday we went to Cassis! What a beautiful beach. We took a boat tour to see the calanques (rock formations). Apparently instead of sunbathing on the sand, they do so on huge rock slabs that jut out from these formations. The water was freezing but so very blue! Yes, the people here really do go topless. "Le mono bikini est tres chic" so they say. I got burned! For some reason this French sun is extra strong. I experienced my first French rain today, and afterwards the weather was perfect. We just came back from our first dinner with our French family. The food was wonderful and they were so nice. The mom said that she'd give us recipes for the meals we like - wonderful! Speaking of cooking, I will be taking classes the next three Tuesdays. And Saturday I'll be taking a vineyard tour in Palette! Tomorrow we go to Luberon to visit an abbay where some monks still live and to see the ochre where the pigment is taken from rocks for watercolor paints. I'm such a tourist and I love it! Get excited. So check back tomorrow for more pictures. I already have homework - it really is Vanderbilt in France! À plus!