While heading to the Eiffel Tower, we were just a block away from it and suddenly there was a rush of about 100 police piling out of there vehicles with guns and shields rushing toward the tower. They didn't say anything to the public at all. So we figured out it must be to do with a demonstration protest. A little scary when you're not used to seeing things like this, never mind right beside you! We were told that this is quite a common thing that happens in Paris.
Then moving on to Provence and joining a group of people from other countries for a 6 day bike tour with a company called Explore. There were ten of us in the group plus our guides. Andrew and Erwin who where very knowledgeable and fun to be with. We stayed in unique and charming hotels and biked our way across the countryside of vineyards, poppies and various terrain. Through trails and winding hills we climbed our way to different villages that we were able to explore and stop for snacks and lunches. Our luggage was driven to each hotel so it was there when we arrived on our bikes.
One day we had a fabulous tour of a vineyard and winery where we were served a wonderful lunch with wine tasting, fresh vegetables and the most luscious strawberries I've ever tasted. While eating outside under the semi-covered patio area we experienced a flash flood of rain and hail that came down in torrents. Once it stopped we continued our bike ride that day but the rain began again and we all got extremely wet, we were able to huddle in a the cover of a bike shop for a bit until it settled down.
Another day we rode up a very long hill through the Dolomites and to a huge outdoor market in Gourd. All kinds of food items and a variety of jewelry, apparel and other items. We tried nougat candy and of course bought some amazing candied nuts. We bought some delicious food for a picnic lunch too!
All in all it was a fantastic way to see the country, making friends and enjoying new experiences that will last a lifetime.
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