Day 1 Avignon

I am sitting on my comfy bed in 211 at Hotel D'Europe in Avignon. It is within the city walls and a five minute walk to the main sights of Palais du Papes and the St. Benezet Bridge or Pont d'Avignon as it is more often called. It is a lovely old place, hidden behind the street, and I have a skeleton key that must be wiggled just right to let me back into my room. It has been a busy past day or so, flying over the Atlantic, glimpsing the line of sun as it rose over the horizon, catching the TGV to Avignon, and feeling myself relax as the train zipped past hills of green, herds of charolais cattle, farms that looked as if they stepped from the pages of my Provence books, vineyards, and pretty yellow flowers on the road's shoulder. I can't believe I am actually here and actually got to speak some French to some local people, asking for info and being able to understand some answers! What a quaint and colorful city Avignon is. Narrow old cobblestone roads, old stone buildings and walls, lots of little specialty shops, interesting looking people. And vehicles, European made, seem to have the right of way at all times. Pedestrians look out! Friendly French folk, dogs walking with their owners, and cats wandering the city streets add to the flavor. Traveling out of the country really emphasizes how uptight we Americans are and how new we are as a nation. I met new friends Michelle and Kristen for a nice dinner. Will write more later but here are a few random pics from the day. . . . Let's see. The pix. That's Michelle the mom and Kristen the daughter. A goat cheese and eggplant gratin. A couple kissing on the Pont d'Avignon Bridge (I zoomed in. Looked tres Francais.) Part of Palais du Papes. The outside of the hotel, my room and key. The TGV from the window at CDG. And the door? je ne sais quoi. I think it is just traditional to take door pics in Provence.