Since arriving here, the wind hasn’t stopped and some days the rain has been torrential, so it doesn’t yet feel like we’ve arrived! Waiting for the rigging is a inconvenience but at least we’re getting stuff done that would otherwise have been put off to go sailing.
Around Port Napoleon
 |
| Horizontal washing! But it dried super quick |
We picked up a car today that we’re going to share for a few days with our Aussie friends Megan and Steve - they’re selling their boat in Port Napoleon so need a car for a couple of days to empty it to a flat they’ve rented. We took the bus to Arles to pick up the car - fascinating place, large ancient centre complete with a Roman theatre and a 20,000 capacity roman amphitheatre - used for bull fights nowadays. Plan to go back next week for the market and a proper look around.
 |
| Arles market - a while stall of just different onions and garlic |
 |
| The famous black fighting bulls are raised near here |
Now we’ve got a car we’ll take a look around the area, a great French couple invited onto their boat last night and have given us loads of tips on where to go, we’ve also got boatie friends in this area so should be able to meet up with them too.
 |
| On Herve and Chantelle's boat |
We’ve been out and about in the car as well as spending the time to sort out a lot of little jobs on the boat.
 |
| Martigues - coastal town nearby |
We visited Aigues-Mortes in the heart of the Carmargue as well another intact medieval town and met up with Graham and Bridgid and Sue and Robin - more boatie friends we met on the trip through France.
 |
| lots of flamingos around |
 |
| Jasmine bushes grow wild everywhere - smell amazing |
We went back to Arles, this time with Steve and Megan - great place, fab market and a large “old town” area that looked pretty much untouched. This is where Vincent Van Gogh spent the last part of his life, creating lots of paintings, but also going insane and eventually killing himself. Steve and Megan have spent 5 years living full time on their Bowman 40 yacht, bringing it to Port Napoleon to sell before they head back home to Australia - anyone want a beautiful, classic, ocean going yacht then their boat is for you!
 |
| When it rains it really hammers down |
 |
| Steve buying herbs at the market |
 |
| Megan sporting her new French beret (looks like Steve is not too sure) |
Carole going riding on Carmargue horses on Monday so that should be fun - will try and get some good photos.
Carole's Interesting Facts:
No. 21: The Camargue is famous for its Guardians who are the cowboys of the area.
No 22: The fighting bulls are exported to Spain for their bullfights.
No 23: The Camargue is also famous for its salt production which has taken place since pre-historic times.
No comments:
Post a Comment