For T: One of the days we hiked to the top of a big mountain, and found a big castle on the top. At the top of the castle, were the horse stables that were specially reserved for the knights. These knights used to have big swords and javelins. And they used to fight "hiyaa" just like you like to do.
For R: Yesterday, in Avignon (where the famous bridge that people dance on is), we saw the "Pope's Palace." In front of the Pope's Palace is a gigantic courtyard. That's kind of like a park, but no grass--it's all bricks under your feet. And in front of the courtyard were several tall old buildings. Probably about 1600 years old. The building right in the middle of the whole row of buildings that face the courtyard is a music conservatory. A music conservatory is a school and also a store for music and musicians. I kept thinking of you while we waited in that plaza (courtyard) because you will start playing the piano in the fall. Maybe one day you will study in a music conservatory.
For S: Yesterday after we left the Pope's Palace and after we danced under the bridge of Avignon. (Originally, the song was about dancing under the bridge, not on it.) (By the way, look at the pictures and see if you can pick out the Bridge of Avignon. It is the one that only goes half-way across the river.) Anyway, after we danced under the bridge, we drove to a wonderful old ruin called the "Pont du Gard." This is an aqueduct (ask Ar what that is) that was built by the Romans. It was built during the time of Caesar Augustus when Jesus was about 19 years old. This aqueduct is the tallest surviving Roman structure in the world! It is amazing. When I saw the aqueduct, and how amazing it is, I thought of you because you can figure things out (like the Romans). You would have thought it was pretty neat. Also, you would have gone swimming in the super cold river below the bridge. There is a picture of Aunt Ashley and Uncle Matt swimming in that river. Only certain very cool people are able to swim in very cold water. (Anna is also one of those kinds of people.)
For An: Today (May 23), I had dinner with about 7 friends of Papa Duck. These are people that he met 40 years ago when he was a missionary here in France. He has kept writing to them, and has stayed friends with them all these years. When we walked in the door, they gave us kisses and hugs, and then fed us 6 courses (3 hours) of yummy food. You would have loved meeting them. They told jokes and stories and laughed and talked! And the food was so delicious! You would have loved it!
For Ar: While the bikers were out riding up a hard mountain, Daddy and I went shopping at the market with Gma Suzi. At first, we didn't expect a very good market because our guide-book says there is a better one. But when we got there it was so quaint and fun! The first thing we saw was a vendor of olive oil. Then a bread vendor. Then a cheese vendor. Then a meat (sausage) vendor.Then someone selling table linens, then clothes, then jewelry, etc. At one of the shops, I bought some olive oil that tasted so fresh I was sure it had just been pressed that day. At another, I bought some fig jam and some "real" nutella. This stuff is the real deal! It has pop rocks in it! Of course, I didn't buy it just for you--we all have to share, but I know you will love it!! I wish we could have a constant supply of pop rock nutella!!!
For Aunt Dusty and fam: After we left the market, we drove by an old abbey. It was around the corner and down in a valley. At first we didn't recognize what they were growing all around the valley. But up close, we saw that it was fields and fields of lavender. I can imagine how beautiful it smells in June and July when the flowers are in bloom. I'll bet people get better just from breathing the air there at that time of year. Anyway, this is what's called a Cistercian Abbey. (You probably know more about Cistercian than I do.) Driving down from the hill, it was a very impressive sight with it's large grounds and nestled in the hills like it was.
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