We woke up this morning to the annual Cite des Papes 10K race going by under our balcony. What fun! Had I known I would have done it just for the t-shirt. That is all talk, because I didn't bring any running shoes. It was fun to watch though, and rather than Victoria's 10K loop, this race went down the Rue de Republique several times so there were lots of opportunities to see the runners.
Much of the day today was devoted to the Pope's Palace in Avignon. It has a fascinating history that you can read more about here: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avignon_Papacy. The palace was huge and there was an excellent audio guide to help us understand the history and the architecture. We wandered through enormous rooms and I was pondering the wealth and power of the church. Many of the other impressive buildings in Avignon were cardinal's residences. Heck, the papacy bought the whole city back in the day. The pictures will tell you more about the size of the place.
Once done at the PP it was mid afternoon and we had a snack to keep us going until dinner. Just so you know we haven't completely lost touch with the rest of the world, Ken and Keith found a faux Irish pub just down from the hotel and settled in for beer, peanuts and the Ryder Cup, even though a European win was pretty close to certain. Val and I did one of the recommended walking tours. I have to admit, when we went back to pick up the boys, I watched for a few minutes too, until the expected victory was certain.
We are now back at the hotel relaxing and I am going to try and get a head start on the blog. because we have a busy evening ahead. More pictures to follow.
One of the hidden vaults where the wealth of the church was hidden under the floorboards, as it were. Even so, they were burgled twice, and the fortifications were enormous. People toss change in for luck these days.
By this time we were on information overload so we can't remember who this is. Dan S., we think it might be a pope who assumed room temperature some centuries ago.
Leonardo, the Chien of the Day.. He came with the most charming people who were delighted with his new status. Leo is seventeen years old and the affection his humans have for him was palpable.
