*post written by Vlad*

Bienvenue à France!

After an enjoyable visit in Rome, filled with lots of sight seeing and pasta, we landed in the city of Montpellier, France. Being France's eighth largest city (approx 275,000 inhabitants), we were looking forward to a smaller town feel and some much needed downtime. 

Montpellier holds a very special place in my heart as I had the opportunity to live and study here for a year; from 2000-2001. Not only was it a chance to experience a whole new life across the pond in a brand new culture, but it was a true chance to grow as a person. I was born and bred in Winnipeg, Canada and other than taking vacations around North America and the Philippines I did not travel to other countries. This was the first time I had ever lived on my own, let alone in a place where a different language was spoken. During my studies abroad, I was lucky to meet great friends from around the world, some of whom I am still close to today. Also, it was that momentous year away which opened up my eyes to the world and eventually led me to New York City, where I met my cousins Anthony and Cindy and needless to say - my beautiful wife Edyta. I was excited to show Edyta Montpellier and eager to see this lovely city 13 years later, and being the sweet wife that she is, Edyta was equally excited to see the city that means so much to me. 

After landing, we took a bus and tram to the city center, Place de la Comedie and walked the five minutes to the apartment we rented on our usual website airbnb.com. After leaving our backpacks we set out to explore the many side streets in town. Immediately we were taken in by the labyrinth of winding streets in the city center which contained a nice mix of shops, bars, cafés and restaurants. One thing I noticed right away was the increase of commerce from 13 years ago. There were many more busy cafés and bars, not just in the main squares, but also the side streets. Wandering about the tiny streets, I realized that as a young student, I did not fully appreciate the architecture of this charming city when I was here years ago. The sight of quaint apartments with the intricate French balconies (which Edyta called "lace balconies" because they look so delicate) lining the streets next to buildings with elaborate detail in their facades was very pleasing to the eye. I was glad to be back. 

Needing a snack we managed to locate the small sandwich shop I used to frequent years ago. Not only were the sandwiches delicious, but they were basically the same price. To complete the French meal, we also got a baguette, croissant, fruits and veggies and duck while grocery shopping. 

Two days after landing, Edyta and I set off on a walk to visit Les Escholiers which is where I lived during my school year abroad. The walk from town took about 35 min down Avenue de Lodeve. The new tram on this street would have come in handy years ago when I was a lazy student. After a few pics outside of my old home, we headed north to Ecole Supérieure de Commerce (what a cocky name), my old business school. It was closed but we did manage to see a few students moving in to the newly built residences beside the school. 

For a little break we took a day trip to the neighboring city of Nimes, about 30min east of Montpellier by train. The main attraction of this city was the colosseum in the middle of town. Unlike the one in Rome, this colosseum is still used today for events such as concerts, festivals and the odd bullfight. We broke for lunch beside another Roman structure, the Maison Carree temple, which dates back to 16 BC. 

Fun fact: the material used to make jeans originated from the town of Nimes. Denim = de Nimes (of Nimes). Mind blown! Side fun fact: the ever stylish material corduroy also originated in France. Corduroy = corde du roi = cord of the king. 

We also managed to see other sighs such as the Peyrou, Arc de Triumph (much smaller version of the Parisian one), and Antigon with its modern architecture along the river.

All in all, I was grateful to return to Montpellier to relive some old memories and show Edyta this quaint southern French town. 

Prochain arrêt, Paris! 

Map of our flight. 

Shortly before landing in Montpellier, we flew over red fields. I think they are cranberry fields. Place de la Comedie is the main focal point in the city.  We loved the architecture of the buildings surrounding Place de la Comedie as they reminded us of Edyta's favorite building in our old neighborhood in NYC, the Ansonia.  French love their carousels and rightfully so. They add charm and playfulness to city scenery.  Trams in Montpellier are very colorful. One of the tram designs (not pictured here) was done by famous designer Christian Lacroix (line 3).  We kept returning to Place de la Comedie. It looked exceptionally charming in the evening.   On the roof of Le Corum conference center.  View from the top of Le Corum.  Montpellier has its own triumphal arch called Porte du Peyrou. Recreating one of my old photos that I took in the same spot 14 years ago.  My old student residence Les Escholiers. 

My old business school.  Breakfasts in Europe are not always healthy but they sure are delicious! Almond and chocolate croissants.  French dessertFrench dessert One of the best desserts we indulged in during our trip - pear souffle  Local market where you could buy all kids of meat.  Browsing a French bookstore was a fun morning activity. The store had an English book section where I got a John Grisham book while Edyta was glued to the stationery and tiny notebooks section.   Another beautiful building with lace like balconies.  Fountain at the Place Zeus in Antigone.  Antigone - residential neighborhood with newly developed buildings. 

Edyta ventured out on the town alone and enjoyed getting lost in a maze of old streets with interesting shops. Poor girl can't really shop (because we travel with backpacks) so she only "feeds her eyes" (her words).  Card shop. They have cards for any occasion.  Funky store display.  Bike art. We spotted similar ones in a few other places. 

 The French love their vespas and bikes. Lively bar/cafe scene.  I dont't recall these streets being so busy 14 years ago. 

Last night in Montpellier - we opted for some soup and fish.

Day Trip to Nimes, France 

The main attraction of Nimes is the Roman coliseum called Arena of Nimes. It is estimated to have been built around 70 AD and is still in use. Fun fact: Depeche Mode performed here three times, most recently in 2013.   

 Arena of Nimes. The Maison Carree is another spot worth visiting while in Nimes. It dates back to 16 BC.  The building reminded us of the Greek Parthenon.  Beautiful columns with intricate details.  One of the squares with cafes and restaurants in Nimes. Wandering the streets of Nimes.  Crocodile fountain - the symbol of Nimes.