Preparing for Take Off

Bird and I have been busy working on last minute To Do's for our trip to Europe. Last week, I went shopping and found 7 new outfits all interchangeable. Lucky me, my mom bought them for me for my birthday gift. I also did the impossible. I found shoes that actually fit my feet and don't cause blisters. I love my new Naot walking shoes! Here is a picture of them but I bought black not brown. I will be the first person to admit the price of them was INSANE but I have tried on hundreds of pairs of shoes over the past 10 years of my life and not one have ever fit my feet the way these do. I feel like I'm walking on air! Today we got a bit of a surprise regarding our airline tickets. We purchased them a month ago yet today received an email saying we didn't have assigned seats. No big deal right? HA! Bird informed me he was passed between 3 count them 1, 2, 3 airlines. Each one of them playing pass the buck. Ie. Not my problem. If you know my husband, you know he's the most patient man in the UNIVERSE so when he said he was done trying I was immediately worried. He's always the one who works miracles when I've struggled to find answers. Today, the universe was worked in my favor not his. I got the answers and our seat assignments my first call. YEAH! We've been trying to make decisions re. our shore excursions when off the cruise ship. The most difficult choices for us seem to be in France. Provence to be exact. Maybe you all have some input and can help us choose. Here are our top 2 choices for our first day in France.

1. Arles and Les Baux: Takes you to the heart of traditional Provence. The city of Arles lies between the two most scenic areas of France, the Camargue ranch lands and the scenic groves and fields of Provence. You'll pass through the beautiful Provencal countryside on your 1.5 hour drive to Arles. Once in Arles, you will embark on a walking tour to discover where Van Gogh lived and painted. You will see Fafe du Forum, Republic Square with its Roman obelisk, Arles Arenas, the 17th century Town Hall, the Church of St. Trophime and its cloister. You will stop for photographs before your arrive in Les Baux. Once in Les Baux, you'll proceed with a walking tour. Your guide will take you along the cobblestone streets lined with local craft stores to see the exterior of the Citadelle and Fortifications, followed by free time to explore the area on your own.

OR

2. Luberon Villages including Ansouis, Lourmarin & Roussillon: The region is full of charm with striking solitary woods, rocky countryside, and picturesque hilltop villages. Travel by coach for 1.5 hours to the village of Ansouis. Discover the old village that is located at the base of the castle and has radiated out as it has grown over the centuries. Ansouis homes are arranged in a semicircle on the hillside of the mountain for protection from the fierce mistral winds. Visit the inside of the castle and take in the atmosphere of a Provencal village. Next, re board the coach for the drive to Lourmarin, classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Upon arrival there will be some free time for independent exploration, shopping or lunch. Continue next to Roussillon that is situated in the heart of one of the biggest ochre deposits in the world. The village is famous for its magnificent red cliffs and ochre quarries. Red, yellow and brown shades of the earth form a striking contrast to the lush green pine trees. The vivid blue of the Provencal sky and exceptional quality of light make this a magical site. It is like an artist's pallet, with the infinite combinations of colours varying from yellow to purple with all the shades of pink and red in between. Enjoy a short guided walking tour of the Roussillon before having some free time for shopping.

What do you think? Have you been to any of these places? What would you choose? I posted a little poll above. Go ahead and help us out with our trip by voting.