Arles

Church in Place de la Republique

Me standing outside of the Roman Arena

Matador with bull and red cape.

Procession of matadors at the beginning of the fight.

Outside the arena when we first got to Arles. There were two bands playing. One in red, the other in lavendar. The red band had their music memorized... I liked them better.

The trip to Arles was absolutely incredible. The first part of the day we went to a bull fight! The matador costumes were amazing, all the colors and sequin! They were even wearing the traditional pink socks and black ballet flats. I saw a cape, just like the ones they were wearing when they entered the arena, in a store front selling for 1300 euros!! During the fight six bulls were killed. I admit, I cried after the first one. But once you've seen one, you start to focus more on the performance and show done by the matador. The purpose of the matador (other than to kill the bull) is to show his own dominance over the bull and create an artistic relationship between man and bull through this so called "dance." It was fascinating. Each bull that came out after the first, was more agressive than the last, giving the matadors a bit of a hassle in trying to slay it. I found myself cheering for the bull on some occasions.

After the bull fights we all walked around the city together. I got to see the inside of a beautiful cathedral in the Place de la Republique. But the best part of the trip, was the tribute to Vincent Van Gogh. He lived in Provence for two years, spending close to fifteen months in Arles. I got to see the famous Night Cafe and gardens that he painted as well as sit on the steps of his apartment. I felt so inspired sitting in the exact locations that a creative genius sat. I'll post a few different posts of pictures of Arles so you can see everything!

p.s. I bought a beret while in Arles :) Now I REALLY look like an American tourist... ;)