We awoke bright and early to another sunny, warm day in the port of Toulon, France, which is one of the main military ports in the south of France. We were actually docked, and this photo is looking across the bay to the military boats docked there.
Our tour this morning was to Aix-en-Provence, a half day walking tour of the old part of the city. The drive through the countryside showed us just how mountainous this area is, with differing scenery even within a 45 minute drive to the city. At one point the guide was in the process of pointing out a particular mountain, when she was surprised to see it covered in a fog which had rolled in from the sea ... "C'est magnifique!" she exclaimed. Apparently, this is not a common occurrence!
We arrived eventually in Aix-en-Provence, and commenced our walking tour of the old city, which included markets, an incredible church which had gradually grown over the centuries and displayed four distinct architectural styles, the town square, and the famous fountain.
The Church/Cathedral
The incredible church organ -- you can just about see the person playing it! There is a carved replica on the opposite wall, put there to "balance" the wall with the organ on it.
The Town Square, with the Bell Tower entry gate to the left
A beautiful carved lion head on one of the doors to the City Hall courtyard.
The beautiful fountain, which is the main focal point in the city.
After our tour we had half an hour to ourselves before having to board the bus for the return trip home. Mom and I stopped for our first cafe au lait in a little market street. Our only minor complaint about this tour is that while we were standing in the town square for 15 minutes waiting for people to use the public washrooms, we could have been informed that just around the corner was an incredible little spice and herb market which has been there for centuries... when we finally continued our tour, we were whisked right by it without a chance to explore!
Back to the ship, and a walk around the promenade deck outside. We spent the afternoon up on deck, reading, doing puzzles and enjoying the music and sunshine. Mom retreated into the shade at one point and I went up on the top deck to get some sunshine and warm breeze... ordered a glass of wine, and just drank in the lovely view I was enjoying on my 56th birthday!
The wonderful promenade deck which wraps around the entire ship on Deck 4
My afternoon view while enjoying the sun, the music and a glass of wine on my birthday
After enjoying a relaxing afternoon on deck, followed by a cup of tea in the Café Promenade, we dressed for dinner, which was formal attire this night. We were seated in a much better area of the dining room this time, and we requested this same section each night. Our waiter and assistant waiter, Teodoro and Goncarlo, were excellent.
The dining room. We were in the top level, Boticelli Dining Room.
Although I had been enjoying my birthday in complete anonymity all day (with the exception of a "Happy Birthday" from the bartender when I ordered my wine at the deck bar -- they scan your card through and he saw my birth date), upon the waiter asking if there was any celebration during our cruise, Mom let it slip that it was my birthday. We were actually getting up to leave (after stuffing ourselves with a delicious dinner!) when they brought over a slice of chocolate mousse pie with Happy Birthday written on the plate for me.
After a quick detour to the Royal Promenade, where champagne was being handed out at the Captain's Welcome Party, we headed back to the cabin to drop off my cake before hitting the casino. Waiting for us was our first towel animal, an elephant.
It was a very full and enjoyable day, and I was able, in spite of the slowness of the internet, to enjoy all the birthday wishes from my family and friends.
CATHY'S CORNER:
Because we had a morning tour, and didn't want any bathroom issues, breakfast was light today, being scrambled eggs and bacon. (The things you have to worry about!!!) Don't worry... breakfast improves as the week goes on!
I chose the cheese plate for dessert -- it comes with Brie, Swiss, Cheddar, fruit bread, crackers, and a fig and berry tapenade.... to die for!!
After consuming the entire cheese plate myself for dessert, the waiters brought me this slice of chocolate mousse pie for my birthday!
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