Shared Illusions

If you’ve heard anything about Arles, it’s that Van Gogh lived here for two years. There are a number of photo plaques around the city placed where he painted a scene.

There is also an arena here. “The Greeks founded Arles in the 6th century BC and Julius Caesar established a Roman colony here in 46 BC. Arles prospered under Roman rule. Constantine the Great named Arles the second capital in his empire in AD 306. It wasn’t until 1481 that Arles was incorporated into the kingodm of France.” (from Sacred Destination s website)

Today, May 30, we took a local bus to Saintes-Maries de la Mer for a dip in the Med.

“Legend has it that Marie Jacobé, the aunt of Jesus, and Marie Salomé were washed upon the shores of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer when they arrived from Palestine in the first century AD, thus giving the town its name. When she heard that their children were being killed, Sara, their servant, vowed to protect the gypsies of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and in consequence became their patron saint.” (from France This Way website)

The gypsies make a pilgrimage there once a year in May to honor her. It was last weekend. Leaving the church, a woman handed me a card with a photo of Sara and a prayer on the back. She asked for money.  I gave the card back.

It was a pristine time at the beach. Cool breeze, the sea unexpectedly cold, clear skies and water. The sea was placid and shallow for quite a ways out.

The town was tightly packed with tourist shops and lots of tourists.  It was putting me out of sorts. Also because it was hot and close. A mint chocolate chip ice cream helped. Once we left the glut and got to the sea, my world was set to rights.

Now, if you’ve wondered why we didn’t walk from Saint-Gilles to Arles… We didn’t want to. Our commitment was to walk La Régordane. The route to Arles is flat, hot, and un

inspiring. We may be pilgrims (of a sort), but we are not penitents.

They also came in handy as drying racks.

We have access to a washer, which ostensibly is also a dryer. It’s not very efficient. I ended up hanging things rather than wait for the dryer.

A few final photos…

Adieu.