Nîmes, France

Nimes Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct

Nimes.  (Neem).  A strange city.  It had a very Spanish feel for a French city.  Bizarre. The city derives its name from that of a spring in the Roman village. The contemporary coat of arms of the city of Nîmes includes a crocodile chained to a palm tree with the inscription COLNEM, for Colonia Nemausus, meaning the 'colony' or 'settlement' of Nemausus, the local Celtic god of the Volcae Arecomici. Veterans of the Roman legions who had served Julius Caesar in his Nile campaigns, at the end of fifteen years of soldiering, were given plots of land to cultivate on the plain of Nîmes. The city was located on the Via Domitia, a Roman road constructed in 118 BC which connected Italy to Spain.
                                    
I sit under an old olive tree which is around 500 years old.  The morning starts off cool, but warms quickly by the early afternoon.  Birders, students, and general tourists visit this beautiful city.  By the afternoon, it becomes a little hot and people start jumping into the nearby river.  It is one of my favorite places to visit while I'm in France. 

While at the Coloseum in Nîmes, I spot a cat.  I love cats.  So I took his picture.  But the Coloseum will evoke images of bullfights or Roman Gladiators fighting one another.   But I just love the Spanish feel of this town.  The French rail system passes through this town and it's a great place to stop and visit.  You shouldn't miss this highlight.  Do your visit to the Coloseum earlier as it gets rather hot during the afternoon. Definitely bring sunblock.

Regrets?  None.  But I will say that I wish I had a better camera during this trip.  When you think of France, this is one of the cities that appears on postcards or in magazines.  Flowers, outside cafes, really lovely shops, and fresh seafood restaurants are some of the attractions here. 

This trip was a lot of fun and I wish I could've spent more time here.  I could have easily gotten lost in photography for several days.  This pic was taken back in 2005 when pink was in:)  I'm standing with our friend and guide Alex.  She really had a heart of gold.

I placed these pics of shops here because they really are cool looking. Plus we get to see the French and their addiction to dogs!!!  Dogs really live the life in this most excellent country!

Of course, I found a shop with my name on it and couldn't resist the photo opt.

Arena of Nîmes(This pic courtesy of Wiki)

Built around 70 AD, it was remodeled in 1863 to serve as a bullring. The Arenas of Nimes is the site of two annual bullfights, and it is also used for other public events.

Whether it's sipping on a coffee or going on an adventure, this city will surely delight.  French tip for my American friends.  Remember to watch your voice levels in France.  We tend to talk loudly and if you watch the French, note how you can barely hear their conversations.  Also note how they don't always sit facing each other at a cafe, but out....facing the sidewalks or streets watching people walk by.  Life is good.  Sure it has it's challenges and sad moments, but it's during times like these that I am reminded how life affirming travel can be.  Take a risk.  Leave your comfort zones.  It doesn't matter if it's international or local, travel can make you feel like you can soar to new heights.  It's just how we approach it all:)  More on France soon.....