Interesting day yesterday with 2 quite different stops. First, The Cathedrale D’ Images – a multi media slide show with classical music in a huge disused underground quarry, at les Baux en Provence, where bauxite was first discovered in 1822. A different theme is chosen each year and images are projected simultaneously onto various walls, floor and ceiling spaces giving an incredible 3D effect. This years’ theme is Van Gogh. Mark counted about 40 different projectors but quite hard to count in the dark! The space is cavernous and you wander at leisure not sure where to look to see it all at the same time. Show lasts 30 minutes and runs continuously.
Then, a visit at Nimes to the best preserved of all the remaining (200) Roman arena. One of the 20 largest – seating 24,000, the outer facade 21m high and inside 2 huge tiers with 60 arcades. I was much amused by the name of the many exits and passageway areas called vomitories – designed to keep the plebs from mixing with the patricians! I could imagine what else occurred there maybe. Listened to an audioguide on a self-paced tour of the arena – very impressive – could not listen to all the info unless you stayed ½ day at least! Also static displays of costume and equipment and videos of the action! The arena is still used for events, which is incredible – would be deemed a health and safety hazard in NZ I’m sure – no handrails on very high steep levels, very slippery uneven marble slabs, trip dangers etc – no doubt we would have to sign up prior to entry and to being responsible for undertaking a hazardous visit in NZ! However, great to see this and imagine the torrid spectacles of the past.
Staying for the next 2 nights near Avingnon.
