Memories of a Wonderful Day

Three years ago my husband and I went to Europe. We planned it for years and had the most wonderful time. Of all the memories, one day in Provence stands out as absolutely perfect.

We rented a motor scooter and took off with a very sketchy map, no knowledge of French driving rules, and a lot of courage. Our goal...

...the Pont du Gard. And we found it! No problem at all. French signage was really very clear and we had no troubles enroute. It may have helped that we learned a bit of crazy driving while living in Ecuador.

This is an awesome place. I couldn't help think of the soldiers who tramped over it, of the history they'd seen - perhaps some of them had been in Palestine and had seen Jesus or the disciples. The history boggles the mind.

It was a very hot and muggy day. We brought along our swimming suits and took a refreshing swim in the river. Can't you just imagine the soldiers and workers cooling off in the same spot?

We spent the afternoon riding through Provence on the motor scooter. Fragrances of lavender and olive trees rushed against our faces. Fruity orchards beckoned. Lovely warm air slid over our skin. It was absolutely marvelous. I could have ridden all day.

In the evening we returned to our small hotel in the old walled city of Avignon, just in time for a fierce thunderstorm. Pounding rain, lightning flashes and afterwards, the sweet smell of earth refreshed by water.

It's no secret that I'm a francophile. Paris was all that I'd dreamed of, and I'd happily go back there anytime. But this one day among all the days of our three-week trip stands out. It was more than sightseeing - it was an adventure!

I'm linking to Le Chateau de Fleurs French Obsession Party for June 1 and am looking forward to seeing more of all things French.