Rainy Night in Avignon

On the return trip from Pont du Gard to Avignon the rain came down. At the hotel we left Don, went in to dry off and rest a bit before dinner. We visited the bar for before dinner drink..can you see another story in the works? Pat ordered an extra dry vodka martini straight. I had a beer as this trip I will have some of the specials wines but for the most part save my calories, carbs and sugars for the wonderful cheeses, breads, pastas and pastries. You may find this strange since you who know me the vineyards and the wines are such a highlight of the trip. Believe me, the French are getting their wine worth from the other Two Tarts in France. For her martini, Pat received vodka, vermouth and pastis (anis liqueur) in a highball glass. It looked pretty disgusting and from Pat's taste test face that would be proper description. Back to the bar for a martini making lesson. Those who know me, know I leave the drink mixing to those more knowledgble than myself but on this night I think even I could have fixed proper drinks. It was quite funny.

By this time the rain was coming down in sheets and we were so glad we were in the dry warm confines of our hotel and not having to get out for the evening....even having to get on tour buses parked out front of the hotel did not look appealing. Dinner was buffet of three courses. The appetizers were quite good and very different except for the boiled shrimp which were served with ailou (garlic mayonnaise). Others included marinated lentils, pasta salad, a couscous, fresh diced marinated cucumbers, tuna and pasta. We know for certain now that Pat is allergic to shrimp and anyone who is with her and lets her eat shrimp is asking for trouble and a very sick friend. Keep her straight because she does love shrimp. We both enjoyed the roasted duck entree and our wine of the evening was a Chateauneuf-du-Pape blanc (white). It was delicious for me but Pat enjoys a bit more bite. Dessert was a buffet of pastries, creme brulee, mousses, etc. You could select none (not an option), one (not an option), or all (the sweet passion of Southern woman is to try it all). Or even more amusing, one could emulate the English women who were at a nearby table....they went and returned with a plate filled as though they had not had already finished one full one! Talk about looking like the cats who had eaten the canary!

After dinner it was still pouring down rain and the wind had picked up so I took my satisfied body and soul to the room and Pat stayed in the Lobby to read and people watch. Warm shower, cool room, the peaceful sound of rain.....all was well....so I thought. I turned down the covers crawled in to bed, opened my book and hoped to quickly fall asleep. Within minutes I was itching, scratching, not breathing well; very miserable. Ah, a wool blanket had the allergies in full rampage. I removed the blanket, put it across the room and back in to bed. Naturally, I had no allergy medicine with me because I have not needed it in the whole time we have been here except the first night when I discovered we had feather pillows and had to change them out for synthetic ones. Pat soon came in and after a while we were both off to dreamland. Maybe the weather will be fair in the morning.

Judy