This corner of Provence became a winter wonderland before our very eyes yesterday. Around 6 am the pretty white flakes began to fall and by 7 accumulation had begun. What ensued is indeed a rarity in this part of the world....one Aixois said this last happened in 1996, another said sometime in the '80's. No matter that exact date, there were many who experienced their first blizzard of a life time yesterday. Today, Aix is snuggly blanketed in white and the city resembles one of her many sister town up north in the Alps. All is silent here-no buses are running, few cars have ventured out and schools are closed. Yes, I have some quiet time to catch up on the blog!!Sarah's school "recommended" she not attend yesterday so we had nothing to do but go out and enjoy the rare experience! By 9 am, the snow was really starting to accumulate so bundled up and went out. We all agreed, a snowstorm is different in a city than what we're used to in the country. Last night, Sarah said, "I really enjoyed the snow here in Aix today! It was definitely the first time I ever went sledding through a crosswalk or had a snowball fight during a "walk/green" light!" She met up with one of her buddies at La Rotonde where they made a snowman. Then they proceeded to go all over town giggling, sledding and throwing snowballs at people's faces....on billboards that is!
Nick and I walked through town together enjoying the winter scenery. Here we are on the Cours Mirabeau....
The little side alleys were picturesque...
We met up with Hilary to go for a photo walk around the town. We started up on a rooftop apartment where we found the whole town truly blanketed...
Back at ground level, we visited many town landmarks beginning with the Hotel de Ville and it's Plaza...
Next, we made our way toward the Eglise de la Madeline and the Palais de Justice...
Benevolent Roi Rene looked cold but regal as we passed him on the Cours...
A visit to one of my favorites, Les Quatre Dauphins, found the four little dolphins hardly recognizable!
Walking back to our flat, it was clear it would be days before these cars or their owners would be going anywhere! Don't think there is any snow removal equipment in Aix whatsoever, only the hand shovel and the broom! Looks like we're going to be snowed in for a while...or a few days, who knows!?!
A la prochaine!
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