An American in Provence

On the first of November (yeah, I know, this post is really really late) Alain, my parents, and I went driving through the Camargue and then stopped at the cute little town of Saintes Maries de la Mer. Legend has is that the three saints Mary Magdalene, Mary Salome, and Mary Jacobe were cast adrift in a boat after the crucifixtion and landed on the coast of France. Um, yeah sure, I believe it. It is also a pilgrimage destination for gypsies.

Anyway, we spent a nice hour or two exploring the small town and church. Dad couldn't resist taking this picture of a dog using the doggie restroom

(there was a sign for Men, Women, and Dogs)

After that, we visited a museum about life in the Camargue (there is a lot of ranching in that area), then stopped for lunch at a small place on the side of the road. The highlight of lunch was definitely the woman who decided to change her baby's diaper on the table (which was definitely full) in the middle of the room. Ugh. I am surprised nobody said anything to her. Thanks for ruining my meal lady! I have seen this happen in France before though.

After lunch, we drove back through the Camargue, which by the way is a large marshy area that has been turned into a national park. We stopped in a town that produces salt (from the evaporation of sea water) and took a picture of the huge salt mountain.Finally, on the way back, we stopped at Carry-le-Rouet, a ritz town on the coast with a view of Marseille and some nice walks along the sea. We walked a bit, then had refreshments, and drove back to Marseille. Quite an adventurous day.