Bonjour from Sete (pronounced: set)

Monday, February 12, 2024

This morning we are still on the Mediterranean coast and still in France - we are in the small fishing village of Sete. The sun is shining this morning and was shining on the town in such a way I was excited to capture it on camera.

Our excursion this morning took us to the medieval town of Aigues-Morte through the scenic Carmargue plains. King Louis IX of France, who was a Pius King, established this port to serve as an embarkation point for the Crusades and he initiated the construction of a tower (where he lived when he was there). We saw the church where he prayed prior to embarking on his crusades (although we only saw the outside as it’s under renovation). Today there are many towers and walls fortifying the city, although these walls were not built until 20 to 30 years after his death. King Louis IX is referred to as St. Louis (just like the St. Louis, MO at home). Also lots of shops and restaurants to enjoy.

This area is a natural reserve and is full of saltwater lagoons, marshes and farmland. At times it felt like driving towards Long Beach Island - flat land - marshes and water - wildlife - lots of flamingos!  Okay, the flamingos didn’t remind us of LBI. I tried to capture a few pictures but again, the bus was moving so they are out the best. But we saw lots and lots and lots of flamingos on our ride out and back.

France has pushed this area as a summer destination to keep people in France for their vacations instead of traveling onward to Spain. When we drove back via a different route, we went past many hotels and rental apartment buildings (dated, as they were built in the 1970’s) but you could imagine the crowds who come in the summer. We eventually drove along the Mediterranean with small dunes and walkways out to the water. I managed to capture a few pictures while driving along in the bus (so they may not be the sharpest but you will get the idea).

And here’s a canal lined with boats and houses and apartments.

Back at the ship by 1pm, we were able to get two loads of wash done, enjoy lunch, and I snuck off to the Spa thermal pool and steam room for one more dose of relaxation. Ed’s relaxation was a nap in the room. And my head cold is so much better - so happy for that!

We are going to a talk tonight on the history of Flamenco (since we will go to a show tomorrow night in Barcelona). Tonight’s speaker’s husband - Ray - was on our excursion today. He and his wife both work for Viking, giving history talks, etc. This cruise is her turn and he is along for the ride - although he looked very familiar to me. We discovered that he was a speaker on the Norway cruise we took in June 2021. Although he wasn’t sure he was on that cruise (as it’s hard to keep them straight) I reminded him of my memory of him. He was on an excursion with me (a hiking excursion on the Orkney or Shetland Islands - can’t remember which) and he fell during the hike. That triggered his memory so we were able to confirm that we’d seen each other before.

We are having dinner with Joy and Mark - a couple from Arkansas we have met - he and Ed hit it off with their stories and their curmudgeonly ways 🙄 (I hear you all laughing).

Tomorrow we arrive in Barcelona and have one more full day to enjoy the ship and excursions.

I see you are all going to get hit with a nor’easter! Sorry to miss it - always love a big blow! 

Be safe - see you all soon,

Betsy