Avignon

 We had hoped to outrun the advertised storm . We were wrong.  So very wrong.

No matter. By chance, we met a couple of Grimsby trawlermen on leave, who, for the price of a pint were willing to lend us their protective gear.

And so, fully kitted out, (smelling faintly of haddock) and clutching homemade (and frankly useless) lightning conductors, we headed into town.

Avignon (almost inevitably a UNESCO site) is famous for, amongst other things, a bridge that sparked a song, and more contentiously, hosting several popes at the same time. (possibly pseudo-popes, who knows?)

Here's the bridge:

The sharper eyed viewer may have noticed that the bridge ends mid- river.....

(Early evidence of French  workshy-ness, and the willingness of the UNESCO team to be hoodwinked) 

And now we come on to the multi-Pope nonsense.  You may remember that I am the proud holder of a grade C religious studies 'O level' and yet there was absolutely NO mention of multiple popes in the syllabus.

 This was definitely a suspect concept and one I was keen to explore. 

No problem. We unexpectedly gained entrance to the former 'papal palace ' for no charge whatsoever.  (Another small victory)

Even centuries on, and in a torrential downpour, it ì Iwas an impressive space, and when combined with the ongoing art installation,it was certainly a force to be reckoned with.

Still, I doubt it would have impressed Sister Mary Edward....... 

(There again, so little did....)