Eileens

Yesterday we took a bus to Giverny. It was Monet's summer home where he painted and lived. the gardens were spectacular. Tulips were dominant but the combinations with other plants was so beautiful. The colors just look liked painting. We walked through the gardens and around the lily pond. We arrived very early so it was nice to not be so crowded. we toured another museum in the town that had a few Monet's. Upon our return Sarah and I went to lunch in a cafe before touring Musee De L' Orangerie. This museum houses Monet's Waterlilies. It was very interesting to see all the panels in one place and how they go from very delicate and light to very dark because his eyesight was deteriorating. It was also crowed because the first Sunday of each ... read more

28 and 29 April It has rained everyday. We are now used to it. Dress warm and carry your umbrella. Sunday we toured Avignon and the Palace of the Popes. It was built in the 1300's. The walls were very thick for fortification and all the streets were cobblestones. It is amazing to see these buildings and realize how old they are. The paintings on the walls and ceilings were truly amazing. The city now uses the facility for an arts festival where they have cover 1000 different plays during the festival. The stage is built in the center courtyard. Viewers stand to watch the performances. In the afternoon we took a tour of Provence. It was raining but we kept going. The French people must be used to it because they just bundle up the ... read more