France #2: Nîmes

About an hour drive from St.Siffret is Rome...with a hint of France. The town I am speaking of is Nîmes (do not even THINK about pronouncing that s!), which was once ruled by the Romans. And  from the temples, arenas, and parks scattered throughout the city, the Roman influence is ever-present.

Speaking of ever-present, let's just discuss the wind in southern France. You know how we name our storms?You know, Jimmy or Carl or whatever? Well, the French name their wind: the Mistral. And he really is your most faithful (and maddening...and pointless) tour-guide if you ever head south. Need to check if you are travelling in the right direction? Well, sorry, the Mistral does not believe in maps. He prefers them dancing above your little, tourist head as opposed to laying peacefully in your hands. "Peacefully" is not even a part of his vocabulary....and stop saying it, it gives him a stomach ache. He also believes that skirts have better things to do than cover your lower half. Carefully styled hair and upright furniture sends him into a rage. As does everything else.
Pont du Gard (12 miles outside of the city)



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