Arles

On Tuesday we visited Arles. The Roman Arena (photos 1, 4 and 5) was the highlight of the trip. Built in the first century for gladiatorial combat and other games the arena is still used today for bullfighting and bull chasing, both of which are very popular due to the strong Spanish influence in this area. Bull chasing is a sport in which a bull is released into the arena with a piece of white cloth on its back and 20 men are sent in to compete to be the first to scoop it off the bull’s back. Apparently the men are all very proficient at running and jumping very quickly J. The arena is huge and could seat 25,000 people even in ancient times. Today it retains most of its original stone seating but also has some modern seating not only for comfort but to increase seating capacity. Vincent Van Gogh lived in Arles for some time and painted the arena as well as some other of his famous works including Starry Night.

We also saw the remains of the old Roman theatre which is also still in use for concerts. Like all towns in this region Arles also has remnants of its medieval walls which are quite impressive. As with other French towns the streets are narrow and wind through houses ranging in age from medieval times through the 18^th and 19^th centuries and maybe a little modern here and there. It is wonderful to sit at an outdoor café near the town square and enjoy a café while just feeling the vibe of the place. Tough going guys … I don’t know how we stand the pressure!! J

Tomorrow sees us farewelling the Scenic Sapphire and the friends we have made along the way.  We have organised to catch up with Chris and Ray from Jerrabomberra once we are all back in Australia.  We start the day with a 3 hour bus ride to Nice before being met by our Monaco tour rep.  We are doing a 2 hour city tour of Nice before heading off to Monaco and the Fairmont Resort.  It will be nice just to be alone for a few days and having all the time in the world to do anything or nothing.  We hear they have a wonderful pool, so I am thinking that might get a few visits.  We are both so over food as it is available on board almost 24/7.  I never thought I would hear Phil say he was over food!!!  (Although his belt loosening might be a bit of an indication!!!)