Europe Impression - AIX

We got up at 6am and were able to experience the quiet town in the early morning. The weather was gorgeous, sunny but mild.

The view from the hotel Terrace

We went back to the forum for the Sunday market. Usually there is no market on Sundays but that weekend we were there was called 'Days of Heritage'. Many activities and events were held during the weekend, including Sunday market. On the market, I saw lots of mushrooms but I was a bit disappointed by not seeing the famous truffle and the pig that hunts truffle. I have read quite a few stories about hunting the precious truffle in Provence area, including the story from Peter Mayle’s Provence series. An old lady who sells lavender products was so nice to tell us some of the history and the symbols of the area. For example, the color (Red, Yellow and Blue), the insect presents the area – cricket and the local produces besides the well-known lavendar etc. She studied in Texas in the 60’s last century so she was happy to practice her English with us.

Products at the Sunday Market

Pastries at PAUL - How can you say no to these?

We picked a small coffee shop by the market for breakfast. Croissant/baguette with a cup of coffee is the most common breakfast. I love the almond / chocolate croissant and never had a chance to deal with the chewy or hard baguette. Until we sat down at the patio, we didn’t realize patio was mainly for smokers. The number of smokers seems a lot bigger than what we can see in the US. All coffees sold in France we saw were in espresso size. Is this the evidence that we are fed with bigger volume of food and beverages in the US?

Coffee shop

AIX is the capital of Provence and is called 'the capital of fountains'. Water is considered as the sources of inspiration here. You can see the fountains everywhere.

The most ancient fountain was built in 15th century.

La Rotonde right by the official office of tourism is the landmark of the town

AIX is the hometown of Paul Cezanne. There are many attractions related to Paul Cezanne can be found in town. A sculpture of him stands in the shadow of the bushes/trees by Fountain La Rotonde. You can also get on a classic car and have a ride around the town for 4 Euro. We had no problem looking around the town for the attractions with the reference of AIX tourist brochure. Most of them are within walking distance with easy access. If you are a big fan of winery or you visit the town in Lavender season, I would highly recommend you to check out the excursions posted on AIX official tourism website.  

Overall, this is a small charming town but not a place made me excited. Well, as the first stop in Provence, I had no complaints though. I would agree what other people suggested not to visit AIX after you have visited Arles or Avignon, you might be disappointed.

Europe Impression - Flights, Airports & AIX

Denver-Philadelphia-Brussels –Marseille-AIX(AIX en Provence)

It was pretty much a day spending on the road. About 4 hours flight from DEN to PHL, 8 hours from PHL to BRU then 2 hours to MAR. It was fun looking around the airports.

PHL-White Rock Chairs

BRU - Manneken Pis

We were able to purchase the world famous chocolate at the tiny Brussels Airport. The airplane operated by Brussels Airlines was very small and we were taken to the airplane by an open big shuttle. This was the first stop for us to get into Europe Union countries so we had to go through the custom here. We made up stories for a handsome custom officer in the distance in order to kill the long wait time and couldn't help laughing so hard. It also made me think of Agatha Christie's Poirot - he is Belgian!

MAR - Attractions Map

Finally we got to Marseille airport! A big map shows the attractions in the area, which is really helpful for us to find the direction. I had totally lost after the long journey.

The last step to get to our destination was to take the bus to AIX. I did a research and found out taking bus is the fastest way to get to AIX. 

This is the direction I got from the website:   

From Marseille Airport to AIX-en-Provence by BUS

The operator is called the Navette. The bus from Marseille Airport to Aix takes 30 minutes (less if no traffic) and costs 7.80 EUR one way. Buses leave Marseille Airport for Aix every 30 minutes on the hour and the half hour until 11:30pm, and then once more at 12:15am.

The Navette bus leaves from Hall 1 at Marseille Airport and stops at the Aix-en-Provence TGV station before arriving at the bus station (gare routiere) in Aix. From there it is a short walk to Cours Mirabeau, the train station, and the old town.

It took us less than 30 minutes to get to the AIX bus station. Something to keep in mind: 

Firstly, short walk isn’t that short when you walk with luggage on rough and narrow streets, especially when you are tired.

Secondly, I would probably select the hotel by the public transportation to avoid the walking with luggage.

Thirdly, the sign of Bus Station, Train Station or even TGV station is not necessarily visible.

Fourthly, learning how to read the time table is fun!

Bus Time Table

First meal in France

We booked a ‘luxury’ room at Hotel du Globe. Luxury is meant by the air-conditioner, LCD Tv and private bathroom. The room is small and the bathroom is tiny. I could barely turn around in the bathroom. Oh, forgot to mention about the lift. It holds only 3 people without luggage. I almost kissed the wall in order to load two people and two luggages into the lift. At that moment, I really felt lucky living in the US with over-needed spaces, something we have taken for granted. 

Can you tell what are they? Room Keys!

After slept for 2 hours, we were ready to check out the old town and have dinner. We followed the direction and walked into the old town. The streets are narrow and walls are full with history. I do like walking on the stone-surfaced streets and it really made me think of my hometown and the childhood with lots of running on the spaces among houses. I loved the wine bucket tables along the walls. Oh, I smelt the sweetness. A corner bakery looked old and dark but the smell was so good. 

Narrow Street

Fruit Tarts

Handcrafts

Windows of Hotel de Ville

Sculptures around the town

Cathedral St Sauveur

Entrance of Ville - Old Town 

Streetside Bar

Forum

 

Provencal Seafood Fusion

World Famous Butter Snails

 The first dinner we had was at an open seating restaurant right by the forum. We were fooled by the friendly waiter who can speak English and the seafood fusion was so horrible. I already had a review on TripAdvisor for this restaurant - Chez Laurette.

What a long day! I fell into sleep right after my head touched the pillow!

Europe Impression - Summary

The idea of going to Europe was from the irresistible package deal at Travezoo – 999 dollars includes airfare and accommodation to Ireland. After I was told Ireland couldn't really represent Europe in terms of the culture and history, I changed my mind and decided to go to my dream destination – Provence, France. Using Provence as the center point, Bavaria German and Interlaken Switzerland were taken into the route. It was a unforgettable fun trip and I really had great time. What I put down here are my personal experiences and feelings from my own perspective. I am not going to take any responsibility on anything in my article that make you unhappy or the incorrect/inaccurate/outdated information :). However, your friendly comments are more than welcome!

Summary of the trip

Travel Date: 9/14/2012 -9/26/2012

Travel Route: Denver-Philadelphia-Brussels-Marseille-AIX-Arles-Avignon-Geneva-Evian les Bains-Interlaken-Luzern-Ulm-Munich- Fussen-Munich-Philadelphia-Denver

Trip Planning Reference: Rick Steves' Best In Europe

Hotel Booking: www.booking.com

Airline: US Airways

Europe Railway Pass: 5 days 3 countries (6 days would have been a better option for our trip). To maximum the benefit of the EuRail Pass, it is better to select a hub to stay then the pass to travel around the surrounding areas. We ended up staying at different hotel every day so mostly of the days, we only used the pass to travel from one place to another place - kind of a waste. But using the pass did save us some time and gave us much comfortable first class seating. Do keep in mind there are many routes require reservation, which means extra expenses and efforts.  During the time we traveled, I personally don’t think the reservation was necessary but I believe it could be a complete different story during the peak season. One more thing, don't forget to validate the pass at any ticket office/counter before you start using it.

Luggage: 1 carry-on and 1 day trip backpack. It is always a good idea to pack light! 

Clothing: layers are highly recommended. T-shirt and Jeans for mostly of the time but sweater and jacket (waterproof jacket is very useful, otherwise umbrella) were essential at night in the mountain area, e.g. Interlaken.

Currency: EURO, Swiss Franc

Cash: Keep it minimal to pay for small items only

Credit Card: Visa card without foreign transaction fee. Ask to be charged in the local currency

Paper Map: Not necessary. Free maps are easily attained at the local tourist offices and hotels. However, you do need to know how to get to the tourist office or hotel first. You can easily download maps to the smart phone or Ipad from the websites.

Most helpful resource: Tourist offices and hotel front desk   

Phone: smart phone with international text message package. Used Skype for free phone calls

WiFi: most hotels/Hostels provide free WiFi. The most expensive WiFi we paid was 9 Euro for 12 hours in Ulm.

Must have item: Power Adapter Converter for all electronics you own

Taxi: the charge is usually a flat rate within the city area. Otherwise it will be calculated with a fee meter in the car.  

Tips: Not necessary unless you really like the service. Taxes are included in the price although you would see the break down on the receipt. It usually takes longer to be served at the restaurants because of the no-tip tradition? 

Farewell, my friend!

A friend of mine, T is moving away to pursue a better future in her career. She told me that was a difficult decision since she really like living in Colorado. I can't agree more and I am sure I will be as sad as her when I have to leave this beautiful state. What I can do is to continue exploring the area and keep recording the amazing views.

Sad to see another friend moving away :(. I made an Apple Chiffon Cake, T's favorite cake for her and wish her luck on her new journey. Made with low sugar and reduced oil - Isn't the healthy life style and food part of the Colorado spirit, is it?

I was driving to work and found a great view at a neighborhood so I took a picture of it. It came out very nice with an unexpected shape of the lake!

Shrine Pass Trail - Best wildflowers viewing spot in Colorado

Update on 8/3/2014

I went on this trail again and now I really understand why this trail is called "best flower viewing area". The flowers are all over the hills and by the trail. You can see yellow, purple, orange, pink, red, white, blue different colors. It is just amazing and breath-taking! 

Aug 19th 2012 - Shrine Pass

This trial is a little bit far away from Denver Metro. Exit 190 on I70 W then turn left to Shrine Pass Road follow for other couple miles dirt road to get to the trail head.

There are facilities at the trail head and the parking lot is relatively small for the peak season. So we were surprise when seeing a few parking spot available at around 10am.

This hike is about 5 miles round trip and family friendly. A great meadow view appeared right after passing the bushes at the beginning of the trail. The bliss was so great. On the way hiking up hill, there were a group of sheep can be seen in the distant to form a beautiful nature photo.    

I was so excited before going to this hike. I have seen somebody’s pictures taken at this area with the blooming wildflowers. So I was looking for the breath-taken flower fields but didn't even  see anything impressive. The hope to see the flower fields was broken when we finally got to  the summit. No flowers at all - What a disappointment! We figured the reason why the flowers were all gone earlier than other years is the drought Colorado has been suffering this Summer. 

Well, a wildflower hike turned out to be a no-flower-at-all hike. However, the view on the summit is still stunning. I will have to come back here next year! 

Rocky Mountain National Park - Glacier Gorge Trail

Alberta Falls

Direction to the trail head from Denver: Take US 36 all the way to west. Be sure to make a left when you see a gift shop called Indian Village when you pass the main street in Estes Park. Follow the sign to RMNP to get to Meadow Beaver Entrance.   Make a left onto Bear Road and keep driving for a few miles until you see the sign of Glacier Gorge. Bear Road is currently under re-construction and is close between 9 – 4.  Many times, the park closes some trails or roads for varying reasons, It is better to call the park ahead of the time to make sure the trail you are going is open.

The total length of this trail is 4.5 miles with the destination at Sky Pond. There are many scenic stops along this trail so if you don’t want to go all way down, it is still a very nice hike. Our hike was delayed 30 minutes at 9:30am because the shuttle to the trailhead was too busy to carry everybody right before the closure of Bear Road. The trail was pretty busy between the trailhead and Alberta falls. 

Smokes from the wild fires in Fort Collins

We saw the heavy smoke caused by the wildfire in Fort Collins. I have heard about Produe Canyon where the wildfires are burning is the great mountain getaway. Hopefully the fire will be under the control soon.

 

 A stream coming down from the mountain along with the hiking trail creates a great view. Wildflowers grow very well by the stream. Two girls were having picnic on the big rock here. What a great engagement between the human being and the nature.

The next stop is called the Loch. It is a big lake with snowy mountains around it. Very windy by the lake so if you want to take a picture of yourself, be carefully not to lose your hat.

The loch

Everything here is nice except the giant mosquitoes. I didn't realize mosquitoes could survive in the mountains at above 9000 feet. It is highly recommended to bring a bugs spray with you.

After passing the loch, continue hiking for another 1 mile, you would get to Timberline falls. In order to get close to the falls, you will need to climb with your hand. It is not the most difficult part of this hike. From Timberline to Sky Pond is. I wasn't comfortable enough to give a try so I turned around after taking pictures and lunch break in front of the falls. The funny thing was a guy asked me to be his model so he could focus on me then quickly took my spot over for a self-portrait for himself. He said he would need this for his Facebook.  I guess, because of the facebook, people are becoming more creative and more aware of what are happening around them.  

Timberline Falls

Rocks to climb for Sky Pond

'I need a great Facebook picture!'

The way back wasn't pleasant as the way up because the sun was pretty strong and hot around the noon. On my way exit the park, I was told US36 to Estes Park was closed because of  new wildfire in Estes Park. I felt so sad about all these fires. This summer has been so dry and hot...please give us some rains!

I took US34 instead and sat in the traffic for about  30 minutes. Got home exhausted!