Photos and text by Corey Amaro:
An afternoon in Arles, walking aimless along the streets. Popping into museums, churches, galleries, shops, cafes… enjoying whatever catches one's eye. Stopping to look closer, then to read a sign, maybe imagining what is behind the garden gate.
Arles is a perfect combination of history, culture, a touch of touristic attraction, local flair, it walks the fine line of being hip without losing its hop. It isn't all cleaned up like a modern day Disneyland, it is authentic which is rare these days to find in a village, especially one that attracts tourism. In French they say… "Dans son jus" which means: As is.
I hope Arles keeps it true flavor.
The sign above the cafe said, "Boissons" which means: Drinks.
Hanging on the shop's door the classic sign reads:
Open, ten until twelve. Then two until six-thirty.
Closed on Sunday. The following sign said:
"Sold here:
Sausages of Arles and Bull sausages for five euro and fifty cents.
Small sausage snack one euro and fifty cents.
(Note: The arena was across the street where a bull fight was taking place. I looked at the sign, 'bull sausage', at that moment a cheer went up, the sword, the black bull, the red cape, daring against the odds, "With those mighty legs rise, fly Taureau over the wall!" Instead its horns lay rest and blood shed… sausage.
I lost my appetite.
Hotel Nord Pinus. Classic.
Pink petunias on the patio.
If you like Fatima's door hand knockers as much as I do… then Arles is a must.
The sign reads: "Round and Charming: Specializes in large women sizes."
Proof that too many chocolate eclairs do add up.
Provencales shirts, made in Arles, starting at thirty-five euro. The original French cowboy from Camargue.
Colorful, floral printed cotton, the new in thing.
Through the garden gate, I saw several olive oil jars and Anduze vases! Lemons, oranges grew abundantly. A haven. Like it use to be… a protected garden, a worn true rusty garden bench, citrus growing, vines climbing, and large Anduze vases not standing chic in some hallway in some far off house.
Oh France, you charming thing. You stole my heart — how dare you!
The soul of a place has a way of getting under my skin.
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Yesterday's guessing game was far too easy! I am going to have to search deep to trick you!
The winners are:
Gina with the most creative answer, and the correct answer goes to Carol L.
Thanls for playing! Please send me your addresses so I can send you a gift.
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