Poor Little Arena: Another great haircut

Les Arenes in Nimes is a well conserved remnant of the Roman Empire, built in 1st century A.D. Initially, it is believed to have held 24,000 spectators.  Currently it is used for cultural events and a site tourists pay to see.  This morning we paid a visit. As has become habitual we were astonished all day at the number of children on field trips, and not just at historic sites; although maybe everything here is a historic site. Below you see a field trip at the arena.

I find the arena to be a very odd mix. On the one hand it is a colossus of a stone structure from ancient times and still in good enough shape for multi-usage. On the other it is partially covered with ugly scaffold supported wooden bench seating. What came to mind when I walked in and saw this was the photos from the USA’s old west where the government attempted to “civilize’ Native Americans by dressing them up in suits, or people who take beautiful wooden antique furniture and paint it.

Another interesting characteristic of the structure is the size of many of the steps. My understanding is that the Romans were a smaller in stature people than what we have in the modern world. Yet, many of the steps were so big they came up to my knee when I stood against them, a little tricky to navigate. Below are four more focused in pictures on some of the details.  Look at the pictures and see what you feel.

Then compare the arena to the grace of the Maison Carree, another 1st century A.D. temple. Both of the structures are on the periphery of Old Nimes, surrounded by walkways, shops and eateries.

It is becoming habitual for Sheila to get a haircut when we stay in a city for a while as we travel. This afternoon she had a haircut, and the string of excellent haircuts is intact (and it keeps getting shorter).

The French appear to love their cafes. They are well attended in the city center, and people seem to be in no hurry to abandon their seats once they have sat. They take their time with their food and drink and conversation. We already don’t drink much beer, but after sampling two beers today we may be drinking less beer. We asked at a few places and dark beers appear to be null and void. The two beers we tried lack the depth, hops and bite we appreciate. That is actually fine, because the wine is so incredibly cheap in stores. We can buy good bottles for the same price and at times even lower than the cost of a glass of wine in a cafe.

A final discovery, Les Halles. It is similar in content to a Mexican Mercado. Les Halles has produce, meat, fish, sauce, cheese, grains in beans in bulk, bakery vendors and more in an indoor mall setting. The produce is over the top beautiful, the fish fresh. The mall is bright spacious and lively. It is two blocks from our temporary home. Had another home cooked meal tonight with great fresh ingredients. We love our location!

Off to the town of Arles tomorrow (think Vincent Van Gogh) and what is reportedly the best Saturday produce market around.