On a picture-perfect weather day, after a stunningly beautiful drive over mountains and through villages, we arrived yesterday afternoon in this city which dates from about 200 B.C. (It is built on several hot springs, which the Romans loved.)Our hotel (St. Christophe) sits adjacent to the signature fountain (pictured left)... Aix (pronounced "ecks") is often called the city of 1,000 fountains.
The main street, Cours Mirabeau, runs
from this fountain. This was "where it was at" in the 16th and 17th Centuries, with large homes and prestigious shops ... now cafes and galleries. In the center of the picture you will see a Roman fountain of hot mineral water still running (pictured right)!Today, another bright clear one, we ventured into the old city where we happened on the weekly farmers' market (pictured left). The produce and fish were fresh and aromatic... we c
ame back with some great tomatoes, which we are enjoying as I write. We stopped in the square for lunch at a delightful cafe (where we enjoyed delicious pasta) that also gave us a bird's-eye view of them tearing down the market and cleaning it up. (It is really is fascinating to watch other people work....)Random musings: I have continued to read and learn about Taize, believing that there is something truly extraordinary there to which I am supposed to pay attention. For those who have dreamed about what Christian unity might look like, there it is in action. If you are interested, Google "taize" on YouTube or just a general search and see for yourself.
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