A Turkish massage, "Turkish Nights," and a walk through Ephesus

Bonjour mes amis,

Sorry to be so delayed in blogging. For our last two days in Turkey, we didn't have any wireless service.

The last of our two days in Bodrum (in all, we were in Turkey four days), Yvette talked me into getting a Turkish massage, which ended up being a 90 minute combination bath/massage. First-time experience for me.

We did the bath part together, each with our respective masseuse. Clad in swimming trunks, they begin by soaking your body with bowls full of warm water, all very soothing. Next, they have you lie on your back atop a seven by six-foot, flat, marble pedastal about two-and-a-half feet off the floor. They then cover your body with gobs of soap foam and begin washing and rubbing every part of your body. Then, you lie on your face (I could have used a cushion or folded towel to rest my face on) and they repeat the same routine. Some twenty minutes later, you feel both cleaner than clean and very relaxed.

A short time later, it was off to a massage room where, atop a massage table, I received a soothing and relaxing massage. My masseuse (strong hands and he seemed to really know his trade) used some Turkish oil which he rubbed into every part of my anatomy. About a half hour later, when he walked out of the massage room leaving me wonderfully relaxed, with oil all over my body, I assumed he was coming back and that there would be some process for rinsing the oil off my body. He never returned. I.e., that was the end of the massage.

Over-all, it was a positive experience. For a day or so, my body and skin felt renewed and refreshed. Check out Yvette's blog for her three-hour experience of Turkish massage.


That same day, we were soon off in a rental car (which we rented for the last two days) to Kusadasi, Turkey, about a hundred miles north along Turkey's western coast.

Our hotel, it turned out, was the delightful, harbor-front Caravansoleil, built into a former castle-like edifice. The rooms were on the second floor, about twenty-five feet above the quaint, attractive courtyard area below. From your room, you walked out onto a twelve-foot wide veranda that circled the hotel (again, looking down onto the courtyard). Very romantic setting.

That night we signed up for a Turkish Nights evening, right there in the courtyard, attended by around 400 people.

The evening included a buffet-style meal, unlimited wine, and an excellent two-and-a-half hour show featuring a superb violinist, all sorts of belly-dancers and Turkish dances, and capped off with two outstanding vocalists who did renditions of popular songs in at least four different languages--all to the delight of the very international gathering.

Yvette and I enjoyed a wonderful, a romantic evening we will long remember.


The next day (Saturday, June 26th), after a super breakfast in the scenic courtyard at the hotel, we were off for the 12 mile trip to the ruins of Ephesus, the renowned ancient city where the Apostle Paul had spent some three years and where he had also been imprisoned on more than one occasion.

The ruins at Ephesus are, indeed, amazing--amazing in that so much has survived into our modern world. Stretched out some two miles or so, easily, you can catch a sense of what it must have been like for the people of Ephesus some two thousand years ago (Ephesus had a population of 200,000 at one point).

A long stretch of the marble-stoned road ways still exists. We saw two theatres, one--The Great Theatre--with a capacity of 24,000 thousand. There were the remains of bath areas, toilettes, and fountains (the fountain of Trajan, for example). There was the Celsus library and literally hundreds of monuments to all kinds of emperors, consuls and gods and godesses.

Walking through such historic ruins grips the mind and spirit with wonder: what must it have been like? What was it like for the common person, for women and children? Clearly, living testaments to the legacies of the powerful dominated the cities' architecture. For the world traveler and the curious, it's a must see.

The next day--late morning--we headed off for Izmir (over two million inhabitants) for our flight back to France.

A bientot for now ...

The Greek, seaside village of Lindos and arriving in Turkey

Bonjour tout le monde,

We enjoyed our three days in Lindos very much. It's a gorgeous seaside village (about 1,000 population), nestled in the rocky hillsides of the Greek island of Rhodes. Some of the winding roadways through the touristy, business areas are more like narrow walkways, 8-10 feet wide, with overhanging roofs or plants for protection from the hot sun (in the 90's every day) above. Very quaint and inviting.



There were restuarants and cafes everywhere, along with the usual array of clothing and souvenir shops. A bit too touristy for me, but very attractive and unique at the same time. And every evening, World Cup soccer on TV's everywhere. Of course, with Greece in the World Cup, and soccer-mad England as well (many of the tourists are Brits), it's all very understandable.



One of our highlights was taking a mule ride up one of the rocky hillsides to Lindos' version of the Acropolis. It seems that every tourist takes this ride ... there were dozens of mules who all seemed to know their way (with the help of a guide, of course--one for every two mules).

This Acropolis, too, has its own history, plan for restoration ... and all with a stunning view of the village and seaside below.



On Wednesday, June 23rd, we took a large yacht (capacity, about 300-400 people) the hour boat ride to Marmaris, Turkey where we were supposed to pick up a rental car to drive the two and a half hours to Bodrum, Turkey. Turns out, the rental car agency apparently does not exist. None of the taxi drivers or other rental car people knew anything about the alledged company.



By then, it was almost 7:30 p.m. With a two and a half hour ride ahead of us, and a two-day hotel reservation awaiting us in Bodrum, we decided to shell out the extra Euros for a taxi. We arrived safe and sound to what looks to be an attractive resort hotel in this seaside city of about 30,000 people. These destinations are very popular to the English, who comprise the vast majority of hotels guests, from our estimation. Most of them are just dying for some serious sunshine, having gone through yet another long period of chilly, unpleasnt weather back home.



Thus far, we've found the Turkish people to be warm and friendly. We're hoping to get a highly recommended Turkish massage today or tomorrow ... all after we get our transportation situation straightened out. Tomorrow afternoon (hopefully in a rental car), it's off to Selcuk for two days and nights ... and, at last, a chance to see Ephesus, along with all of its history and renowned ruins.

Tonight, we're hoping to stroll into the center of Bodrum, perhaps see the harbor/beach area and gain a fuller sense of the spirit and life here in one of Turkey's many seaside, resort communities.

A bientot for now ...

Overnight boat (cruise) from Athens to the Greek island of Rhodes

Bonjour encore, mes amis,

Our ten day trip to Greece and Turkey began with two wonderful days in Athens. From there, we were to take an overnight boat to the Greek island of Rhodes, and eventually on to the beautifually, scenic coastal village of Lindos.

Yvette and I have never been on a cruiseship of any kind before. Although we had paid for a cabin, we had no idea what to expect. To begin with the departure time was 11:55 p.m. (Saturday night), which seemed late to us. Still ... would there be showers in the cabin, or any kind of shower? What would the accommdations be like? Would there be a lot of movement on the high seas (we have both endured bad experiences on small yachts/boats with motion sickenss)?


Our tickets (which were pretty much totally written in Greek) noted that we had to board the boat at least one hour before departure time. With that in mind, we arrived by taxi to the "Blue Star 2" (the name of the boat) dock area around 9:45 p.m. There were probably one hundred people standing about near the entrance to the ship ... and workers were busily loading the lower levels of the ship with all kinds of vehicles and trucks (semis, even). Soon, I asked an official-looking person standing nearby if we could board the ship? He said yes ... so, by 10:00 p.m. we were standing in front of the receptionists desk (having taken the escalator up probably thirty feet or so to an upper level) waiting for our room assignment. It was all very exciting to us.

The steward helped us locate our cabin for the night, cabin 8227, and immediately we were impressed with the accommodations. Shower with plenty of room, hot water, bunk beds (I got the top, which reminded me, briefly, of the top bunk I slept on growing up back in Aurora, Illinois).

But what we really liked was the large, spacious boat, with eating areas, TV viewing areas and sightseeing areas everywhere, all sort of blended together. What's more, you could go up one level (even two at some points) for some incredible viewing of the ocean, some of the many islands we passed, and the three or four ports we stopped at en route to the island of Rhodes, not too far from Turkey. Sitting window side in one of the eating areas and seeing the vast sea waters all about us--mile after mile--was very relaxing and enjoyable.

However, the highlight of the trip--undoubtedly--were the people (probably 95 percent Greek). Before going to our cabin for the night (it was now early Sunday morning), we spent some time in one of the cafe areas, trying to access the internet so we could skype our daughters (it never worked out, even though we had paid the fee for internet access etc.). In no time, it seemed, this rotund and spirited Greek man (informally clad) came into our area along with his two children.

In his early 50's, Ernie Tassos was an experience to behold. His children were Kristos (16) and Kristine (12)--very nice and polite young people. They spoke almost no English but understood some. Ernie had limited English skills himself, but that did not hold him back. He didn't stop talking and entertaining us until he dropped us off in his car (which was being transported from Athens to Rhodes on the lower level of the ship) at the bus stop in Rhodes Town to catch a bus for the 75 minute ride to Lindos (more on Lindos tomorrow), where we had booked a hotel room for three days.

Ernie was bursting with energy and a sincere friendliness (he would talk to anybody). For a sample of his great personality see video below. Right away, he became our self-appointed tour guide. But what was interesting (on the ship) was how he was always being corrected--or edited--by one of his countrymen/woman sitting or standing nearby.

When he discovered that I was a minister (he called me a priest throughout), he repeatedly entreated me "not to forget" to pray for God's protection of him and his children (Many of the Greeks, we learned, are Greek Orthodox Christians, but generally not active in church).

About an hour before our scheduled 2:00 p.m. (Sunday) arrival time in Rhodes Town, Ernie invited us to ride with him in his car to the bus stop. That, too, was an experience. Taking the elevator down to the lower level, finding our way to his car, driving in the car "out" of the boat. And then he gave us a 75 minute tour of Rhodes Town--all very interesting and entertaining.


Over all, a most memorable overnight, boat journey, to Rhodes. And by the way, God, if you are listening to all of this ramble, take care of Ernie Tassos and his dear children, Kristos and Kristine.

A bientot for now ...

The Parthenon, the Parthenon, the Parthenon ...

Bonjour mes amis,

On Friday, June 18th, we purchased the all-day (hop-on, hop-off) bus ticket to tour Athens, a super deal. All the time, we couldn't wait to get to the drop off for the Acropolis and its majestice Parthenon. We were not disappointed.

You have to have a sense of the landscape to capture the beauty and the fullness of the experience. The Acropolis (where the Parthenon is the major feature) sits high on a hilltop in the center of Athens, visible from just about everywhere. It, literally, looms over the sprawling metropolis that is modern day Athens.

They tell you NOT to try to treck up the steps and incline to the Acropolis in the middle of the summer heat. It's simply too hot. We compromised with 11:00 a.m. thinking (correctly, we think) that many of the earlier tourists would already have left or be on their way down and that the crowds and the heat would be manageable. This seemed to be a good decision.



The climb up (a combo of steps built into the rock and inclining walk ways) took some time but it was all wonderfully worth it. At the top, indeed, is the Parthenon with its 46 majestic columns reaching towards the heavens. Built between 447 and 438 BCE (before the common era), it has been rebuilt muliple times (still not completed); yet, still, some of it is apparently original. The rustic look with massive pieces of rock and stone everywhere is difficult to fathom without seeing it first hand.

The other edifices (in varying stages of restoration ... although I don't think the intent is full restoration) are all about. The entire Acropolis area is probably something like 400 yards by 200, or smaller. And all about (on all sides) is the city of Athens with amazing views.

The Parthenon really captured our spirit and imagination. It is spectacular and more--the kind of experience that words simply cannot capture. It's the combination of thousands of years of history ... what all of that implies ... and the contrast of this ancient phenomenon in the heart of a bubbling urban world of the 21st century. All the time, there it is--the Parthenon, with its awesome specter.

In a word, we were overwhelmed.

Later, we spent a few hours in the new (just opened a year ago), splendidly designed Acropolis Museum. About a half mile from the Acropolis on the lower ground, it was constructed "over" all kinds of ruins, much of which can be seen beneath the transparent flooring, an awesome experience in itself. You're walking along the entrance to the museum, or on one of the display floors inside, and you are walking atop this transparent (some kind of very, very, strong glass or synthetic something) flooring beneath you. Its architecture is stunning ... the Greeks are very proud of this museum even though many of them have yet to actually step inside it.

We enjoyed our two days in Athens very much ... the dining in the local restaurants was good ... we visited some of the nearby beaches the following day, which were mostly beautiful ... but, for us, it was the Parthenon, the Parthenon, the Parthenon, a MUST-see if you ever get the chance.

Tomorrow: our overnight boat trip to the Greek island Rhodes and the town of Lindos, where we are spending three days.

A bientot for now ...

Off for ten days in Greece and Turkey

Bonjour tout le monde,

Our Thursday morning flight from Marseilles to Athens, Greece was at 8:50 a.m., which meant we had to get up at 5:30 a.m. (never an exciting prospect for Yvette and me), get to the bus station in Aix (about a fifteen minute walk), catch the 6:40 a.m. Airport bus to the Marseilles airport etc.

However, when we were ready to leave our flat (it was probably about 60 degrees or so), it began to rain. So, quickly, with umbrella in hand, I was off (ten minute walk) to the taxi spot in the town center to hopefully find a taxi. I found the taxi (the driver did not seem to be in a good mood) and we were off to pick up Yvette and our luggage and head off to the bus stop.

At the prompting of our daughters, we were traveling (light) with two backpacks ... but they were not necessarily "light" in terms of what they weighed.

Once we arrived at the Marseilles airport, things went pretty smoothly ... time for a light breakfast ... and soon our plane was off for the hour and a half flight to Munich, Germany where, it turned out, it was somewhat cold (low 60's, but with a chilling wind). When we landed in Munich, we had to take a shuttle bus from the plane to the terminal (a few miles it seemed). And to board our flight to Athens, once again we had to shuttle from the terminal the plane.

The two and a half hour flight to Athens went well. I had the middle seat between Yvette (window) and a young lady from Norway who was headed for a wedding of a friend on some
Greek island. When we arrived in Athens, stuff began to happen.

To begin with, it was a sweltering 90+ degrees outside. Secondly, with all of the turmoil recently in Greece, there was a huge strike of the metro workers and the city bus drivers, which meant there would be no bus service until 5:00 p.m. (it was 3:30 p.m. at the time). However, as the 5:00 p.m. hour arrived, it soon became apparent that the buses were not running every ten minutes, as advertised. In fact, they were hardly running at all and there were mobs (I means mobs) of people standing curb side, upset and eagerly awaiting the next--or any--bus. Finally, we decided to shell out the $50 for a cab.

Our hour cab ride into Athens was an exerience. Stavros, the cab driver, was from the island of Mikenos and was very entertaining. He had opinions about everything in his very broken English. He like Italians, Americans and the Dutch but did not have a high opinion of the French or the English. As it turned out, we think his views were all related to money, apparently to the way they tipped or whatever.

Anyway, eventually, we made it to our hotel, a nice hotel in a great location, right in the center of downtown Athens. We dined at a nice, friendly, outdoor restaurant, with World Cup Soccer (all the rage in Europe) on the TV screen nearby. That was the game where France lost 2-0 to Mexico, certainly not good news for our friends back in France.

More tomorrow on our first full day in Athens, a super experience visiting the spectacular Parthenon which sits amidst the Acropolis atop a rising hilltop in the center of Athens. It is visible throughout much of the city. Tonight (Saturday), we take some sort of boat/ship for an overnight (we have a cabin for sleeping) trip to the Greek island of Rhodes for three days in the village of Lindos.

A bientot for now, from Athens.

Stuff happening ... transitions all about

Bonjour, bonjour,

Lots of stuff happening these days. Transition seems to be the word of the day.

At noon today, our friends Gary and Dianne Gerberich left Aix-en-Provence for Barcelona, the next stop in their four-week European vacation.

Yesterday, our daughter Natasha, along with hubby Lawrence and our precious little Annika (nine and a half months), arrived for a week in Galicia, Spain, not far from the northern border of Spain with Portugal. The purpose of their trip is a political science conference that Lawrence is attending.

Can you believe this: they are apparently staying the week in a castle. Natasha said it was beautiful and that, already, Annika was loving it, whatever that means. I guess it means that Natasha is loving it and that Annika is loving being with mom and dad in this stimulating new environment.

I remember my days in Oporto, Portugal, not far from Galicia, and the beauty and majestic aura of a number of the castles we visited (some forty years ago). As I recall, castles are cool. Imagine, living in a castle! Wow! I'm looking forward to seeing Natasha's pictures in the weeks ahead.

After another three hour conversation-partner session (it was almost totally en Francais) this afternoon--always a growing, albeit tiring experience--we are concluding our plans for our ten-day trip to Greece and Turkey which commences this coming Thursday.

Here's the plan: two nights in Athens, taking in the sights of that historic, ancient metropolis (hoping to stay free of the Greek protests and agitation over their recent economic worries), followed by an overnight boat trip (we have a cabin suite which Natasha enthusiastically recommended) to the Greek island of Rhodes where we will be spending three nights in the beautiful village of Lindos.

I have always wanted to spend a few days on a Greek island where they have those beautiful, white homes perched on sun-baked rocky hillsides, looking out to the irresistable azure, ocean waters. Lindos apparently promises such visages.

Next, we take an hour boat ride to the Turkish port town of Marmaris where we jump in a rental car and find our way (a sixty to ninety minute ride) to the beautiful resort town of Bodrum where we'll be spending two nights.

Soon it will be on to Selcuk for our final two nights in Turkey, before flying out of Izmir (over two million population) on June 27th and back to France. Sometime along the way, we will visit the ancient ruins at Ephesus and hopefully gain a sense of that historic site (where the Apostle Paul spent some three years).

All reports indicate that the temperature will be in the 90's or more our entire visit. We're taking our swimming trunks and are thankful that our lodging promises air-conditioning at all our stops along the way.

We'll soon be blogging from Greece and Turkey. For now, a bientot again from Aix.

Trip to Avignon and the mountain town of Sault

Bonjour mes amis,


On Tuesday, our good friends Gary and Dianne Gerberich arrived from San Diego for a four/five day visit. We've been having some great times.


Gary and I have known each other since grade school back in Aurora, Illinois. Back in the day, we played basketball together on our high school basketball team that went 18-6 my senior year.


We got reconnected years later (in the late 80's in San Diego, CA.) when I was pastoring the Community Church of Poway, United Church of Christ (a suburb of San Diego). Soon, Gary and Dianne became members of the church and a short time later, in 1990, I was honored to officiate at their wedding.


Yesterday (Wednesday), the four of us visited Avignon, the site of the shared Papacy (when, for a period of 60-70 years there were two Papacies) back in the 14th century. Avignon is bursting with history and timeless beauty. We visited the gorgeous jardin des Papes (garden of the Popes) high aloft a quaint and scenic hillside. We peered into the cathedrale ... lunched on the plaza with hundreds of others and, in general, delighted in walking the grounds of this historic site.

Avignon exists inside a walled city. As you might imagine, everything is in close quarters ... very narrow streets, sharply angeled turns ... all very interesting and challenging for motoring tourists.

Later that same day, we ventured up the 40-50 miles or so to the mountain-side town of Sault, a small town with some spectacular views of the rural, farmland valleys below. All the way, we were guided in the Gerberich's rental car by a European GPS system. Except for some of the inevitable changes due to new construction or changes in city planning (i.e., one way streets etc.), the GPS did an outstanding job of guiding us along the way.

Over all, it was a wonderful day of sight seeing (something we haven't done much of thus far in our time here). Today we showed the Gerberichs the sights and smells of the local marche (out door market) and assisted them in buying round trip train tickets to Paris on the TGV, the train de grand vitesse (the train of great velocity). This very fast train is renowned in these parts, making its way to Paris (some four hundred-plus miles) in three hours.

Tomorrow, we are all going to Cassis, the beautiful, seaside town just north of Marseilles where we hope to dine down by the water front, port area, visit the nearby calanques (canyon-like areas with waterways at the bottom where, over centuries and centuries, the waters have worn away the rock), and take in the beautiful sights. If things work out, we may do a little wine-tasting as well.

Can't believe it, but in one week we leave for ten days in Greece and Turkey. When we return on June 27th, Natasha and Annika will be arriving (that same day) for five weeks. Can't wait. Lots to look forward to. Lots to be thankful for.

Be well and a bientot from Aix ...

Managing the local buses and some good tennis at a near by club

Bonjour tout le monde,

We're still adjusting to the local bus service here in Aix which, for the most part, is pretty good. We have bus passes (ten trips per pass, all for 7 euros) which you validate in an easy-to-operate machine when you enter the bus. (By the way, as long as you have your dog/ pet in a bag on your lap, they are allowed. So Niko has been riding the buses with us, to the amusement of many of the French.)

However, this morning we learned a lesson: the bus doesn't necessarily stop at every bus stop. In fact, the bus does NOT stop unless someone has pushed the buzzer letting the driver know they want to get off OR, the driver sees people at the bus stop waving their hand for him/her to stop.

We planned on visiting a local tennis club today on the outskirts of Aix, about 15 minutes from here on bus. No problem. I checked the approprite bus schedule (I knew it was bus #13), found the bus stop on the bus-schedule map (about a 6-7 minute walk from our flat) and we were already go. Given that it is Sunday, the bus for this route runs (only) every hour. So, Yvette, Niko and I are at the bus stop, eagerly awaiting the bus. Right on time, we see the bus approaching about 200 meters away. So, quickly, we're trying to get Niko settled in the bag we use for his bus travels. However, to do this, we were somehow bending down and were apparently out of the sight of the bus driver. Sure enough, bus #13 goes sailing right by us, leaving us more than a little frustrated.

Lesson to be learned: no matter anything, make sure somebody is signaling the bus driver to stop when you want to be picked up. The two buses that had come by before that (as we were waiting) both stopped--apparently for people to be dropped off. We just assumed (wrong) that the buses stopped at all of the pick-up points.

So, not to be denied and not wanting to wait another hour for the next bus, we walked ten minutes or so to the taxi pick-up location and spent our lunch money on a taxi ride to the tennis club. C'est la vie. But also, plus jamais (never again).

Arriving at the tennis club (a nice club with 12 clay courts which we need for our aging joints), we were quite impressed. It turned out that there was an interclub match today, with the top team (men's and women's) from the Aix club putting on quite a show against their club opponent. We also saw enough of the "usual" club members playing to think it would probably be a better playing situation for us than what we've found thus far at the city-sponsored club we've already joined (for a small fee).

This week (Tuesday evening or sometime on Wednesday), our friends, Gary and Dianne Gerberich, will be visiting for a few days--from San Diego. They're on a three or four week European trip and have, fortunately for us, decided to include us (and Aix-en-Provence) in their travels. I've known Gary since our grade school days back in Aurora, Illinois. Later, he and I played together on our high school basketball team that went 18-6. Also, the Gerberichs were members of the UCC church I pastored (for thirteen years) in Poway, CA, just north of San Diego. Should be some good times (we haven't seen them since 2002).

Life goes on ... two conversation sessions demain (tomorrow). Still, a long way to go with the French. Mon probleme principal est que les gens parlent trop vite (my main problem is that the people speak so fast).

A bientot ...

Signs of summer in Aix-en-Provence

Bon apre-midi, mes amis, (good afternoon)

Summer seems to be breaking upon us here in Aix. It actually broke 80 degrees outside today, a beautiful day of sunshine, with a comforting breeze as well.

This week seems to be a week of transition here. Every day, we see students hurrying off to the train station/ bus depot, headed off to somewhere. At the same time, we see what we assume to be summer students (here, no doubt, to study French or for "who knows what" summer course) along with increasing numbers of tourists. Aix, and Provence in general, is a popular destination--not just for the French, but also for much of Europe ... for Australians and also for some of us Americans as well.

Yvette found a toilettage (a pet grooming business) today for Niko. We've never seen his hair this long. Next Monday, we'll take him to the toilettage for four or five hours. I don't know if dogs ever know when they need a haircut ... but, trust me, Niko needs a haircut, particuarly with the warmer summer weather coming on.

We've been enjoying the French Open on television. The women's finals are tomorrow, with the men's coming on Sunday. Speaking of tennis, we're still looking for people to play with. We've been to the city-sponsored club that we joined about three times, talked to the people that oversee the tennis, etc., but still haven't got it figured out. It may not be the right club for us. But we're going to keep trying.

Yvette has what promises to be an interesting "painting" outing tomorrow. Monique, the local painting instructor (warm personality and seems to know everybody in Aix) whom Yvette is taking classes from, has arranged for a television crew to film her class at an outdoor painting class (they call it plein air, as in the open air) at some nearby mountain destination (montagne Sainte Victoire). Apparently, some famous painters--particularly the impressionists (i.e., Paul Cezanne, for whom there is a museum here in Aix)--have painted at this Sainte Victoire sight.

We're continuing to work on the French. We can communicate pretty much whatever we need to. However, we still have a long way to go.

A bientot for now ...

Tennis and a search for an painting instructor for Yvette

Bonjour mes amis,

Now that we've joined a local city-sponsored tennis club, we're trying to find players to play with. We were told by the staff at the club that most of the players play after 5:00 p.m. because they work, all of which makes sense. So, with that in mind, we took the bus (always an adventure) the two miles or so to the club on Monday, around 6:00 p.m. Aside from a couple of guys rallying on one court, there was no one playing. We rallyed for about 45 minutes, to at least get some exercise, and finally hopped the bus back to our flat ... still wondering how we're going to find an "in" to the local tennis scene. We're going to try again on Wednesday and Saturday.

Today, we spent a couple of hours searching out another "hopeful" contact for Yvette to take a painting class. Monique, the French lady (probably about 55 years old or so) we were looking for, has a reputation, locally, as a prominent oil painting instructor. Apparently, Yvette had been in touch with her via email when we were back in Florida. In any event, we tracked Monique down ... about a fifteen minute walk from our flat.

She has her "studio" in a courtyard sort of area (like a backyard in a way) on the lot where she has lived all of her life. The treed, grassy area (about 30 by 40 yards or so) was surrounded by buildings on all sides, pretty much the way the construction is here in Aix ... but it was a very inviting area and bubbling with a five or six of Monique's art students. From what we could tell, it was an international group. For sure, there were two Australians, one Taiwanese and a couple of French students. They all seemed to be busily working on a painting and "very" engaged. Yvette's thinking about perhaps taking a series of six lessons from Monique which are held on Tuesday afternoons, pretty much for the number of hours you desire.

On another tennis note, we're enjoying very much the French Open (one of the four major tennis championships, along with Wimbledon, and the Australian and US Opens). Top seed and world #1 Roger Federer lost today to Robin Soderling, the fifth seed from Sweden, whom he had beaten in last year's final. At the time, that was Federer's first French title and his 14th "major" over all, tying him with Pete Sampras. After later titles at Wimbledon and, earlier this year, in Australia, Federer stands alone at the top of the tennis pantheon of champions with 16 major titles.

Incredibly (to us), French television cuts for commercials at seeminly random times ... at least two different times (earlier in the week), they've cut in the middle of a tie-breaker (the "first to 7 points" game that decides a set which is tied at 6 to 6). This would be unheard of in the US. I'm curious to discover if they do the same with World Cup soccer competitions. I have a little trouble imagining any TV coverage cutting for commercial break during a "shoot out" at the end of a tied game. My guess that there would be rioting in the streets if that were to happen. Once again, c'est la vie.

That's it for now. A bientot from Aix ...