~~**~~Joy to the World~~**~~: 10 days in France

France, a country, that many girls will WOW when they hear them.

First comment is "So romantic."
Next question is "Did you went to Paris?"

When I answer NO, their face showed some signs of disappointment.

"You did shopping right?"

When I answer NO again, this time their face showed more signs of disappointment and some ??? ... Are you a girl? Are you crazy?

SIGH... ... I am quite disappointed too. Because my 10 days trip to France, the romantic country, is FOR WORK!!!

Yes, I did tour around and look at some places of interest. Indeed, they are beautiful, and so different from the typical landscape of Singapore. You judge for yourself.

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Chateau de Baux (Le Grand de la provence)

After dunno how many hours of flight (>12), I finally reach the Marsielle Airport. Lucky, our counterpart was there to receive me and my colleague, Joanne, in this foreign country far far away from Singapore.

It was surprising that he actually brought us around just after we got down the plane. Maybe we have been exclaiming in the car about how nice how nice the scenery.

Joanne (right) and me at the Chateau de Baux (Le Grand de la provence)

See the smiles on Joanne and me at the Chateau de Baux (Le Grand de la provence).

Do we look like we remember our long long flight just an hour ago?

Even though we never stay long to explore this place, it was already a bonus to me.

I thought I may not even have any chance to tour around France because it is WORK!

Pont Du Gard

But i must admit that I did some research on some of the places I should visit before I went to France.
(And i was lucky to visit some :P)

This place was rather highly recommended. It is used to channel water from one city to another some centuries ago. Till now, the architecture is a puzzle to me.
Pont Du Gard, you took my breath away...........

Les Arenes

The top on the list of my research is Les Arenes. Anyone who watches the movie " The Gladiator" before, you will find it familiar. This used to be the place when the warriors fight for their glory, slaves fight to survive, man fight with bulls etc.

Now, people hold concerts in here. Beware... it is really windy out there.

Q:Why is the fighting ground sand?
A: It is for a brutal reason: You use sand to hide the bloodshed.

Though I never witness any bull-fighting (it is seasonal), I was pretty glad that I din have a chance to see it. Maybe it will be quite an experience but i dunno. :-

Once again, the architecture and the history behind it is amazing.

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But, the feeling is kinda of weird when it is a work trip. You feel like relaxing and enjoying every moment of France, but at the back of your mind is the piles of worries and anxiety about your work in this new environment. I am sure the smart ones out there will understand. Do you? :P

For those who are interested in browsing through my photos,

http://pics-by-joy.fotopic.net

And if you have a minute or two, and i'm sure you have, tell me which version of my favourite photo you prefer