Friends Romans Countrymen-lend me your eyes

Rich gave me a 5:45 wake up call-we were off to go birding. But not just any birds - it turns out that the southern part of Provence has an area called the Camargue where fresh water meets salt water and creates a habitat amenable to flamingos.  Best viewing is very early morning.  We were successful at finding them in the large reserve

and saw a mammal called a coypu, or "river rat"as well which is sort of like a fat and oversized groundhog.

. We saw other birds too

but by far the most common winged thing on the Camargue was the mosquito - here is Richs bug repellant outfit. 

There were bird watching sheds around the park which were good spots for seeing birds, but failed to block any bugs.

This Camargue area is known for two other mammals - white horses (which we didn't see) and bulls raised for bullfighting-which we did.

We were then off to Arles, a city famously home and inspiration to Van Gogh.  But we were there for two things - the market, and some Roman infrastructure. First the market - at which one could purchase flowers, loose spices

kittens

housewares, clothing, shoes, underwear, reams of fabric

meat and seafood, olives

cheese, and of course fruits and vegetables. It was the largest market either one of us had ever seen- and included loads of free samples. We bought fresh cherries, baguette and a nice cheese to have as brunch.  Arles is smaller than Paris by far, but never fear-the local children still have access to a merry-go-round-this one dating to 1900. 

Another attraction in Arles predates that carrousel by thousands of years - an amphitheater built by the Romans in the first century. 

It was used for gladiator battles and chariot races in its day- though with a few racks of metals seats introduced,  it is still in operation. It will be the venue for a few upcoming bullfights if you're going to be in town! Maybe with that bull we saw this morning-he looked fierce.

 It's always mind blowing to see just how long that infrastructure know-how of the Romans lasted-2000 years later and we are still using something they built in 69 AD. - how amazing is that?  The pigeons also take advantage of the Roman construction aptitude - we saw some a parent and youngster at home in one of the nooks. 

Of course some things didn't entirely make the long journey to present day intact-a smaller theatre nearby in Arles still has much standing, but also some antique Roman "junk" lying around.

 You can read our https://Closertofine2009.blogspot.com for more on Roman "trash."

Though our French Citreon rental car is not as precious to Rich as his boats and toys at home, he still makes me get out of the car to help him park in the minuscule spots available, much like my "you have 6 inches" commentary when trying to wedge the checkmate or 1951 Buick at home into the garage.

On to another of those busy Roman's projects-an aqueduct called Pont du Gard.  This carried water-and soldiers-across the river here. 

It's now a park, and was in full usage today-which "hurray!" finally felt like a summer day.  

It was in the upper 70s today, and families were swimming, sunbathing and enjoying themselves in the shadow of this ancient bridge. We tried the water- not as cold as Maine, and if we had our swimsuits with us we might have tried a swim. 

Back in Avignon, Rich found the perfect sign

And I decided to take a picture of something I've noticed in both Paris and here- condom vending machines, right on the street.  Maybe it's a necessity because French pharmacy hours - heck, all French business hours- are brief and erratic. 

Okay-who in my readership can tell me the purpose for the little glass baton that was part fondue place setting shown here 

Anyone?  We asked , and it is for resting your in-use  knife.  I feel my table etiquette improving through my exposure to French culture. 

Our restaurant waiter tonight spoke the least amount of English so far on our trip- but the busboy had been to New York City...and he was able to communicate  Rich's peanut allergy to the chef.  No translation needed for the deconstructed strawberry rhubarb pie. 

Our last walk home in lovely Avignon, where they stack their cookies neatly 

And the palace of the pope glows beautifully in the night. 

As long as you look away from the forklift moving in some ladders and scaffolding.