Here, There and Ireland, too!: The Papal Palace and an Early Day

Althought the sun was shining, it was a cold and blustery fall day. The winds had to be blowing at 50 mph. It was still a nice day to be out touring.
I began at the Papal Palace. Even though there was little originality other than the structure itself, You got a real sense of the opulence that had greeted each pope as he was elected and moved in. There was chamber after chamber, chapels and reception halls. The place is massive. It had once been covered with frescoes, which have mostly been removed. The places was, however, cavernous. It took me almost 2 hours to go throught it.
Right next door is the Catherdral of Notre Dame. Again a very old but very beautiful place. From here I walked through the papal gardens, which overlook the Rhone River. There was a bride having her pictures taken here but the wind was so string her veil kept falling off. Continuing on down to to the river, I walked aout on the Pont d'Avignon. The bridge is only half there, it washed away centuries ago. It was built by St. Benoit (Benedict) as he was told by God to build it. The original was wood and the way the Rhone moves I can see that it was not standing very long.
This weekend was the feast of St. Agricola, patron saint of Provence. He blesses the farmers, the crops, the wine and the cheese. Farmers and wine makers were in town to have a parade and celebrate St. Agricola. It was fun.
The rest of the day, I took it easy. Dinner was at a place called Maison Nani. It was one of hte best meals I have had and the cheapest. Great Place.
Today, I began with Mass at the Cathedral. It was a high mass sung in Latin with a choir of nuns. It was really beautiful. The church was decorated in honor of St. Agricola and i believe that the mass was said by the Archbishop.
From here I went shopping at the Les Halles Market, which is where the locals shop, bought a shirt had lunch and had coffee and people watched. Very interesting. For example, one couple walking down the street puching a baby carriage with their bulldog in it. strange place.

Tomorrow I am taking the train to Arles. Til then.......

These are from the Palace of the Pope