Avignon

Lets start out the story with the train station experience in Marseille. I'm not sure which futbol (aka soccer) game was being played today, but the favorite team color in Marseille was light blue. The place was packed, absolutely crammed with soccer fans. I got to the station about 45 minutes early because I needed to book some tickets and was thoroughly entertained by the chanting and singing that broke out every 10 minutes or so, complete with air horns, pot smokers and beer drinkers, all before noon--I guess they too live by the rule, "it's 12 o'clock somewhere!" Of course, my train boarded the same time the riled fans did and as luck would have it, I was going against the crowd. I was only knocked sideways once, and saved by a suitcase and the guy I fell on; but, anytime I put my arm up to push or shove or balance myself, somebody grabbed it to "pump" my arm in the air to coincide with the chanting and singing. Quite comical to say the least. So after the struggle to the train, I took a quick trip over to Avignon, about 30 minutes outside of Marseille. It is a walled city and so quaint and cute, a great afternoon. Massive palace, that looked more like a castle, built by and for the Popes when Italy was experiencing some political unrest. Toured the inside and took in the views from the terraces. There is the grand cathedral, a bridge that had a song made about it, and a ton of little side streets to get lost on, which I did, but found my way in time to catch the bus back to the train station. Unfortunately, there are not too many pictures from this adorable place in France because my camera decided that it doesn't want to take photos anymore. Everything works except for the lens, all pictures are black. While my goal of course is to get a new one as soon as possible, I'm not sure when that will be. I'm hoping tomorrow or Tuesday at the latest. I'm still holding out hope that it just wants a break and will work in the morning (normally when it does this it works when I turn it back on, not so lucky today); so, I fear it's finally had enough--It's been a terrific travel companion for the past 4 years, so I can't complain!

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