THE LAST FOUR WEEKS PART 3

We read about a famous Roman Aquaduct and Bridge not too far away so decided to drive out there. It was sensational, not only because the structure is simply mind boggling when considering that it was built almost 2000 years ago, but being a public holiday it was being prepared for a Sound and Light event that evening. Hundredds of people had gathered for the evnt, and we would dearly loved to have stayed but were daunted by the thought of driving back into Nimes and finding our way in the dark.

The two guys who ran the Hotel were extremely helpful, and pointed us to a super restaraunt for dinner that night. This was an experience of French cooking. I asked what type of fish was on the menu, and Madam trotted off to the kitchen and reurned with the fish which was almost still swimming! When it arrived she filleted it at the table and enriched it with the beautiful sauce for me.Wow oh Wow.

Next day we were up early and enjoyed a super breakfast and then took off to visit the Roman Amphitheatre. An audio guide was brilliant and went through the history of Gladiators and their exploits. We learnt that they seldom fought to the death, because when one of the two was overpowered, the final decision was made by the all powerful President.If he indicated that the loser should be finished off, then HE had to reimburse the Gladiator's trainer for costs! So most of them were spared. In between Gladiatorial bouts, prisoners of war, malcontents and criminals were led into the arena and wild animals loosed to kill them. Most of the audiences took themselves off during this slaughter and found some sustenance outside.

In the main City square there is a Roman Temple, in remarkable state of preservation, and now used as a Tourist centre with a 3D film depicting the history of Nimes which, again, was most interesting. The last day we were readying for departure when one of the Hotel managers (an Algerian I think) asked had we visited the Fountain Garden and Old Roman Tower. When we told we had not, he downed tools and walked with us to the starting point of the gardens so that we wouldn't miss it. As I said the two of them were extremely hospitable.

And so we drove off to Sigalous skirting Marseille on the way and sticking to the Autoroute despite the tolls. We arrived at Jeanette and Alain's late in the afternoon to be met by a suprised host who had misread the email and was expecting us the next! No sweat though.
We picked Sarah and Baard up from Nice Airport the next day having found the correct terminal and what I reckon was the last available car parking space!!