The second week in Aix has been full of excursions every day.
Monday, we visited the famous "santons Fouque" atelier and shop. The "little saints," were originally made to include all characters and animals in the manger scene, but quickly explanded to include traditional Provencal characters that one finds in a typical village. You can find a fancy Arlesienne, a baker, a miller, and even the village idiot! He's actually one of my favorites.
Tuesday, we traveled to Arles, touring the amphitheatre (colisseum), the Theatre Antique, and the old forum, where we had lunch in Van Gogh's cafe. The one in the famous painting, that is. When we sit down for a meal, it always takes up more time than we think, and we end up rushing back to the train or bus.
We had a private bus for our excursion to Avignon, because it simply was not possible to work out the schedule by train. We were all glad to have the flexibility of having a good visit in the Popes' Palace, and dancing on the Avignon bridge, followed by a drive through St. Remy, with a short stop in Glanum on the way to Les Baux. Since everyone was starving when we arrived, we went straight to a restaurant and had the best meal of the trip. The leg of lamb with French fries, tomate provencale and salad was delish. Then we saw the ice creams being served at other tables. We all had to order dessert. Unfortunately (or fortunately), there was no time left to shop in the cute boutiques!
Katie Gregg writes the following:
Monday, we visited the famous "santons Fouque" atelier and shop. The "little saints," were originally made to include all characters and animals in the manger scene, but quickly explanded to include traditional Provencal characters that one finds in a typical village. You can find a fancy Arlesienne, a baker, a miller, and even the village idiot! He's actually one of my favorites.
Tuesday, we traveled to Arles, touring the amphitheatre (colisseum), the Theatre Antique, and the old forum, where we had lunch in Van Gogh's cafe. The one in the famous painting, that is. When we sit down for a meal, it always takes up more time than we think, and we end up rushing back to the train or bus.
We had a private bus for our excursion to Avignon, because it simply was not possible to work out the schedule by train. We were all glad to have the flexibility of having a good visit in the Popes' Palace, and dancing on the Avignon bridge, followed by a drive through St. Remy, with a short stop in Glanum on the way to Les Baux. Since everyone was starving when we arrived, we went straight to a restaurant and had the best meal of the trip. The leg of lamb with French fries, tomate provencale and salad was delish. Then we saw the ice creams being served at other tables. We all had to order dessert. Unfortunately (or fortunately), there was no time left to shop in the cute boutiques!
Katie Gregg writes the following:
"This Thursday we took a trip to Marseille. We took the train to get there, and then walked along the major street until we reached the harbor. We next rode on a big boat to a small island with the remains on it of an old chateau! This chateau, Chateau D'If, was especially cool since it was the setting for the move "The Count of Monte Cristo". Once we arrived back on land, we grabbed a quick lunch to eat on a mini-train where we got to see a lot of the cool town of Marseille! We walked back along the main street and took the train back home to Aix! It was a great day! "
Friday, we went to the Mont Sainte Victoire for hiking, a picnic, and watercoloring. The sun was bright and hot, but there was a nice mistral blowing to keep it pleasant.
Joe Cullen writes about trip to Marseille:
On Thursday morning during our second week in Aix, we took a train to Marseille, where we met M. Mourjan, our personal tour guide. After buying snacks from McDonalds and the vending machines at the “gare”, we took off, heading down towards the seaport. Fish were everywhere, and the stench was nauseating. However, there were some pretty cool sea creatures to look at like the giant frog-looking fish . . . and escargot. YUM! Next, we took a boat ride to the Chateau D’If, a gorgeous island, which used to be a Chateau and then later used as a prison. Katie G., Kate, and I went to the very top of the chateau and took millions of photos, capturing the beautiful transparent ocean in the background. The weather was gorgeous; wind blowing, sunshine, and a sweet aroma of the sea. Disappointingly, we had to return to Marseille after about an hour and a half of visiting time at the Chateau. When we returned inland, Marybeth, Katie A. and I bought a bag full of candy for extra stamina. After a quick lunch, we had to catch a little train/ car that slowly chugged around town, showing us the tourist attractions of Marseille etc. The train/car was tiny, therefore my legs cramped during the entire ride! However, I survived. When we returned, we all had to catch a real train, departing for Aix. As always, we were all treated to a first class train ride! Most of us slept on the 40-minute train ride, while others jammed to their ipod (me). Overall, today was a blast; Marseille is a beautiful city, and a big thanks to M. Mourjan for the great tour!
Students all have different plans this weekend with their host families. Monday, when we return from our day in Cassis, all the students and families will meet at school for the farewell party. Hard to believe the time has passed so quickly.
Joe Cullen writes about trip to Marseille:
On Thursday morning during our second week in Aix, we took a train to Marseille, where we met M. Mourjan, our personal tour guide. After buying snacks from McDonalds and the vending machines at the “gare”, we took off, heading down towards the seaport. Fish were everywhere, and the stench was nauseating. However, there were some pretty cool sea creatures to look at like the giant frog-looking fish . . . and escargot. YUM! Next, we took a boat ride to the Chateau D’If, a gorgeous island, which used to be a Chateau and then later used as a prison. Katie G., Kate, and I went to the very top of the chateau and took millions of photos, capturing the beautiful transparent ocean in the background. The weather was gorgeous; wind blowing, sunshine, and a sweet aroma of the sea. Disappointingly, we had to return to Marseille after about an hour and a half of visiting time at the Chateau. When we returned inland, Marybeth, Katie A. and I bought a bag full of candy for extra stamina. After a quick lunch, we had to catch a little train/ car that slowly chugged around town, showing us the tourist attractions of Marseille etc. The train/car was tiny, therefore my legs cramped during the entire ride! However, I survived. When we returned, we all had to catch a real train, departing for Aix. As always, we were all treated to a first class train ride! Most of us slept on the 40-minute train ride, while others jammed to their ipod (me). Overall, today was a blast; Marseille is a beautiful city, and a big thanks to M. Mourjan for the great tour!
Students all have different plans this weekend with their host families. Monday, when we return from our day in Cassis, all the students and families will meet at school for the farewell party. Hard to believe the time has passed so quickly.
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