Going home for Christmas

 Hello!

 My last post left us in Avignon at Christmas. My time in the town was almost up: I would be heading home for Christmas, and then I would return for a short while in January before heading to Vigo in Galicia, Spain to begin the next chapter of my year abroad. 

 However, there were a few things to do before leaving Avignon.

 I went to a concert by the folk duo Sons of Birds at Cami-Li, the little bookshop and tearoom where I enjoyed spending time and had my origami and watercolours classes. It was a lovely place for the gig, intimate and cosy, with a great atmosphere. The pair sang some songs in English, with excellent harmonies. The tunes were simple but effective, and often moving. It was an evening to remember.

 I continued attending the twice-weekly English-French conversation classes at Cami-Li as well - they were a wonderful way to meet new people from all over the world. Students, residents, language assistants and people just passing through Avignon all came together for a chat and some tea (or hot chocolate for me) and cake. They were one of the best things about my semester in the town.

 I did some exams, bought Christmas presents, ate Paris-Brest cakes, which you can see at the top of the post, took lots of photos of lights and decorations and hung out by the Rhône - my relationship with the river was something special and I would miss it. 

 Finally, the time came to go home for Christmas.

 Back in September I had flown straight into Avignon airport, so only needed to get a taxi into the town. This time, however, I would need to fly from Marseilles. I packed my backpack with difficulty - I had a lot of presents to fit into it! - and caught my train south. It was a pleasant journey; for December it was sunny and bright. I met a friend from one of my classes on the train and we chatted.

 I arrived at the airport and made my way through security. I then faced the wait until my flight. Marseilles Airport is pretty busy and I was glad to find a quiet little lounge I could chill in. 

 I listened to The Blue Nile - nice, calming music - and looked out at the blue sky of France. 

This time I was only leaving for a couple of weeks, but it really wasn't long until I would be leaving for the foreseeable future, and that thought made me slightly sad, excited as I was about Spain.

 I got my flight, arrived back in Manchester, and started my train journey back to my hometown. There was a moment when I was at Salford Crescent - a station so legendary I wrote a poem about it - and it was very foggy, and lights were glowing gold behind the trees and the fog made it all very surreal and mystical. It was a definite moment of knowing I wasn't in France anymore.

 I got home and celebrated Christmas. My family loved their presents, especially some posh French chocolates which each contained a deep and meaningful quote - almost like a fortune cookie. I completed my last assignment, which was to be done online. I sent it off.

 Soon I would be returning for my last little chunk of time in Avignon, and then would be flying from there - or rather, from Marseilles - to Vigo. There was so much ahead of me, but I for the moment I just enjoyed being with my family and drinking Horlicks again.

 Watch this space to share the rest of my travels.

 Thanks for reading,

 Liz x

Christmas in Avignon

 Hello!

 Christmas was rapidly approaching, and with it the end of my time in Avignon as I would only be there for a short time in January. 

 To both celebrate the season and reflect on my semester in this beautiful town, I went for a walk and took some photos of the gorgeous lights and decorations.

 Firstly, I headed past the Place des Carmes, where I found a Christmas tree market...

 ... and a big tree filled with decorations made by children. As I was looking a girl passed with her mother and said, "Look, mine's still up!" sounding so happy and proud.

The famous Avignon Christmas Giraffe

 I headed to Rue des Fourbisseurs, aka Umbrella Street. The umbrellas had mainly gone, but this lovely side street was a vision of cosy Christmas-ness, with sweet window displays, trees and balloons.

Me!

Months later, the spoon is still there!

 I arrived at the Place de l'Horloge, which was such a picture.

Me again

 The Rue de la République was just like a Christmas card - the lights, which moved, were stunning.

 I enjoyed a waffle from a café. There was a lot more cream than I had imagined, and it was divine.

 The Palais des Papes was, as always, a calm, still space, and it was nice to be away from all the noise and bustle for a moment.

 Back in the Place de l'Horloge, night was coming in and the sky was inky blue.

 I bought a crepe - maybe it would be my last one - from my favourite shop and started to weave my way down through the streets of the old town towards the river.

I'm guessing this is Camelopardalis, the giraffe constellation. It's funny to remember that they were seen as crosses between camels and leopards. It's quite accurate

Festive bakery

Festive bar

Festive bird

It's like a chandelier

 I reached the Rhône at what felt like just the right time - night had properly fallen and the bridge and trees lit up were almost fantastical. 

 It was a magical walk, and Avignon really does the festive season well. I am very happy to have seen it.

 Thanks for reading,

 Liz x