HAPPY BIRTHDAY FROM TOULON!

November 30, 2013 / 8:45 p.m. Europe / 2:45 p.m. Erie
Mediterranean Sea, severe gale force winds, cast off from Toulon, France

Last night the seas were heavy, but this is a very big ship and it only felt like we were being rocked to sleep. Tonight the winds are supposed to be worse as we sail to Livorno/Florence-Pisa.

Today is Brian’s birthday and I really missed taking him, Denise, and Breanna to dinner. We finally figured out how to make an overseas call, again thanks to TK’s acumen. Dial + by pressing the zero down on the phone, then dial 1 and the 10 digit phone number. So, at 5 p.m. I wished Brian Happy Birthday from France, over 4000 miles away from Erie!

Aix-en-Provence
The bus ride to Aix from Toulon was about 1 ¼ hours along the coast. Yachts are still in the water, cypress trees grow tall, tiled roofs reflect the sun, and medieval church spires reach to the sky. The tour operator told us that we may experience delays on the highway because of a truckers’ strike. Indeed we saw at least 112 semi-tractor trailers parked along the exit by Aix, but they politely parked so vehicles could go around them. They are protesting the European Union’s new tariff on intercountry roads. We were lucky today. We also noted that regular gasoline averages $7/gallon.

As soon as I saw Ste. Victoire, the mountain made famous by Cezanne, I knew I was home. I was so pleased to see that Aix was having a festival, “Fete Noel en Aix en Provence.” Despite a forecast of rain, the day was sunny and children and adults were enjoying a train ride with Santa (Pere Noel) and a few other carnival rides! “Chalets de Noel” (Christmas booths) were set up on Cours Mirabeau with all kinds of items for sale, lavender sachets and soaps, winter hats and scarves, linens, some handmade toys, sausages, waffles, roasting chestnuts, and a lot more. I was especially happy to see that five different “santonniers” were exhibiting and selling too. I had planned on the long walk to one workshop on Cours Gambetta. Santons are tiny handmade, hand painted clay figures that represent a Nativity scene, as well as village people and animals. In 2008 I purchased Santons for B1 and B2 and hope to add to their collection!  No Black Friday rush for us!

We went to La Rotonde to meet the I.A.U. alumni director but she did not arrive. There could be many explanations, but I was disappointed. La Rotonde was one of our hangouts in 1967-1968, because we could talk the chef into making a “hamburger sandwiche.” Now they have their own “R Burger” on the menu!! They add Provençal herbs and mozzarella cheese, thin ham slices, tomato, and pickle.  It was not what I expected! TK stayed safe with penne pasta and tomato basil sauce. The pommes frites were just like I remembered.

 Of course we walked all over the old city, exploring every cobble stone alley, nook, and corner. Fountains abound in Aix and it is fun to find them again. Aix has buildings from the 11^th - 18^th centuries in this area. We had 4 hours to ourselves, not enough for me and probably too much for TK. He did like sampling at Saturday’s produce and meat market.  

Just as we were getting on the bus to return to Toulon/Ruby Princess it started raining. Back onboard we went straight to dinner. Highlight: key lime pie.

We have to arise extra early tomorrow as our tour to Florence meets at 7:30 a.m.

TK’s Takes: He is glad the weather held out for today.  He saw some firefighters gathered by their fire truck—we asked if anyone wanted to trade a patch. One kind firefighter (pompier) took the patch off his shirt and gave it to TK! TK also notes that it is very rough and windy (howling) tonight!