We were up early - after welcoming Karrie & Randy onboard a little after midnight - to be puling up to the docking station near Arles in the Provence. By 9 am we were on a bus for a short ride into the ancient town and took a walking tour. The highlight was our visit to the Roman arena (see above). We toured around the outside and the inside. Not only was it amazing to think that Romans actually sat where we sat and watched gladiator fights, but then to think that in medieval times the citizens of Arles built their homes inside the arena, sealed up the arches, and built watch towers.....then the whole thing was re-converted!
After we saw the arena we walked up the ways a bit and viewed the roman ampitheatre - which, like the arena, is still used today.
Here is the remains of the Roman Forum in the center of Arles - I've lightened the color slightly of the bulk of the photo so you can see the remains of the gate......
Arles is also the home of where Vincent VanGough painted many, many of his famous paintings. We stopped at the café and hospital garden where two of his most famous paintings were done.
The tour ended around noon and we headed back to the ship for lunch. We were no longer finished with lunch before it was time for Kim and I to join the second tour of the day to LeBeaux de Provence (see next set of photos!)
This obelisk sits in what was originally the center of the "circus" where they had horseracing!
Castle across the river from Arles
March 21 Highlight Video
Sounds like a great day and I especially love the VanGough pictures! Ashley
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