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July 16, 1996
Up early to get some people to an early train in Avignon. Got Laura on the phone at 8AM, everything's a go. Got a reservation on a late afternoon TGV to Paris so that I can spend the day in Avignon. Stashed my huge bag in a locker at the station. Walked through Avignon which seems to be at about 200% capacity because it's festival time. Saw the Pope's summer palace. Still hot as hell out here. Ran into the 3 Boston ladies and had lunch with them. Then went up to the park above the city and sat in the shade for a while. Changed rolls of film and again discovered that the ASA gizmo had shifted by itself. Stopped for an ice-cream (sorbet actually) and headed for the station. Once again there was someone in my seat on the train, though I don't know why anyone would want it. It was the worst seat in the house: facing backwards, facing a family and with my back against the dining car. The train ride from hell - serves me right for telling everyone how much I love the train? Screaming children (actually just one little girl), a boy playing with the automatic door until it closed on his arm (what a surprise). The girl sitting in the seat facing me (about 11) decided to babysit for the little red-haired screaming child. Pandemonium. Carried the ridiculously heavy bag through the RER and one metro stop from the Gare du Nord. Bought a phone card in Avignon so I'd be ready to call Laura from the metro station. The area's not-so-great but staying in an apartment is so much better than a hotel... And it stays light out until 10PM so I'm not concerned safetywise. Met up with Laura and Bob. The apartment they've rented is completely reminiscent of a NYC apartment - tight on space and furnished with a loft in the bedroom. Third floor walkup. I'm happy to report that my bag will not be moving for 5 days.
...... Copyright © 1996 by Lisa H. Weinberg |