Impressions, My First Week

 Getting Around in Avignon

Yesterday I went walking around the main shopping district. The city here is the old city. It's almost completely surrounded by fortress like walls. I read that it's one of the best examples of  the fortified old cities remaining in France. There sure are a lot of different kinds of stores; some are big global chains that we have at home as well, but others are little, unique small businesses, and some are national French brands. It seems like everyone goes shopping on Saturday afternoons here. I went walking down along Le Place d' Horlogue and Rue de La Républic. It was quite busy.

La Place d'Horlogue, Avignon

The view overlooking the city

I also went to the public gardens behind the Palais des Papes. It is quite lovely, and has a wonderful view of the surrounding area because it is quite high up,  higher even than the Palais, which is built on a cliff overlooking the Rhone river.

Another surprising sculpture in the park.

The very attractive park near the
Palais Des Papes

I can't  believe I have only been here a week! I have set up a bank account, registered, paid my tuition, settled into the Foyer, learned my way around somewhat and discovered that I will learn more French here!

New Student Week!

Today starts new student week-- for international students. Sounds funny when I say that-- I guess that means me!  There will be a movie later tonight. There are a pretty lot of other students; some are here for the whole year, some are studying a semester.  I met a couple nice girls- there seems to be distinctly more women than men here-- today I've made the acquaintance of a Briton, a Chinese, an Australian and a Romanian who are like me, all here to study French.

The very functional University buildings

The elegant University of Avignon

Oh and also, I 'm getting more used to these French keyboards, though I still cannot find the apostrophe key!

Avignon

I have arrived at the Foyer, my new home away from home. Everything seems to be fine. The room is small, but it is very clean and seems to have everything I want. I also have a nice view of the courtyard garden from my window. The building is complete with a roof top terrace and a beautiful view of the city! I can see the top of the Palais des Papes from here!

Foyer at Avignon

 Madame la Directrice seems very nice; after inspecting the room I got busy unpacking. I was a bit worried that the building would be cold, as so many of these old buildings here seem to be. Happily, the Foyer seems to have steam heating, so it is very warm! The showers are down the hall. Overall it's home-like.

The rooftop view from my room

They serve breakfast and dinner here five days a week; we have use of the kitchen on the weekends. I'll eat lunches, that's the main meal of the day here, at the University.


 The walk to the university is very short, and I saw the location of the university buildings, though I still have to find out how to get there on foot. It is very close, so that shouldn't be a problem. I'm located within the university domaine.

Stone wall of the Papal Palace

The city itself is very pretty! Right now it is rather cold, because all of France is having a cold snap, and the Mistral wind, while not too strong today, is as frigid as promised!

The Pont d'Avignon

Decorative ironwork gate

I slept pretty well last night. It was very quiet. I walked around Avignon for several hours today. I went to the Palais des Papes and saw the Pont d' Avignon. I also saw the cathedral of Saint Peter. It was warmer today than yesterday; it drizzled a bit, the wind wasn't blowing.

The city is really interesting; there are all kinds of pretty bits of sculpture and architecture, often just sitting here or there: sculptures in niches on the walls, carved aches, delicate iron work, elaborate door knockers. They're all kinds of different things. The Papal palace is very impressive, though located on a cliff over the Rhone river and with such high walls, it 's almost more a 15th century Papal fortress!

The entrance to the Papal Palace

St. Peter Cathedrale Avignon

A French language keyboard

Oh, and the keyboards here are slightly different, and it is very annoying! I never thought about having a different language means different keyboards too!