Friday in Provence

We are in Chateauneuf du Pape which is very famous for its wine.  There are 8,000 acres in wine production here.  We started by sampling three wines (before 10 am) and two chocolates: one flavored with lavender and one with thyme.  We started with a white wine, and the enjoyed two reds--the last of which sold for $65.00 a bottle.  The best sommelier conducted the wine tasting --we learned a lot. Chuck told me to enjoy it because I would probably never taste it again! The Popes have historically vacationed in this area and we visited the ruins of a castle where they used to vacation (Germans had munitions stored in it and destroyed it before the Americans arrived). We stopped I the village to see a church.  Climbed UP. Hurried because the ship was to depart at 12:30 PM.  Got back to the bus and waited 15 minutes for some women who were shopping.  We had at least a minute to spare when we got back to the ship.  Sailing, lunch, went through a lock and docked at Avignon.  We went on a tour of the soaring Pont du Gard, a three-tiered Roman aqueduct.  Chuck climbed the 88 steps to the very top.  I took a long walk over the bridge and saw the aqueduct from below.  We were gone the same time.  Then we went through the Museum.  Got back in time for the Disembarkation talk.  Had our choice of Lobster or Veal Tenderloin for dinner. Baked Alaska for dessert.
The Internet has been very intermittent.  I write on a document and paste on to the blog when we have service.  Sometimes it looks like it didn't work when it really is just taking its sweet time --hence, how the same blog appears twice.
In France, items are named for their place of origin and the same item cannot be named that if it is made elsewhere. Examples:  Camembert cheese is made in Camembert. Dijon mustard is made in Dijon.  Champagne is made in Champagne.  Other sparkling wine may taste like champagne to you, but it is't champagne unless it is made in Champagne!