Arne takes over the blogging, for now

Tuesday, April 15

Kristi and I are now in Narbonne. We left Barcelona by train Monday morning and picked up the car in Perpignan. Train had some issues (stopped dead on the track for about 20 min) so we were late and I had to call and move our appt to pick up the car – was a little stressful but ended up working out OK. Unfortunately the stress didn’t end there however.

Our car is a Citroen DS4 and uses diesel. It came with only enough fuel to go 80 km, so first order of business was to fill it. First place we saw was a self serve Esso station right off the highway. Stopped but it wouldn’t take my credit card. We then left and found another station – which had both self serve and pay after you pump (which we didn’t see until later). Tried self serve but it wouldn’t take my credit card. Had to drive around the block and then went to the pay after you pump side, but couldn’t figure out how to fill it (the nozzle wouldn’t fit). Had to ask another customer for help – who didn’t speak English, however was able to help. Turns out I was trying to put gas in it instead of diesel. In the US diesel is a green handle, here the diesel is a black handle and “essence” (gas) is green. So…………finally got it filled, at a cost of $92. Driving is expensive over here!     

Anyway, the car has GPS (in English) so we put in the address of our apt in Narbonne and took off. Once here we drove around and around and around on very small one-way streets trying to get there. Finally had to call the people that were to meet us at the apt and get help. We ended up finding out that what was once a road for cars in front of our apt is now pedestrian only (most of the time).

So…………..we finally made it to a parking garage right across the canal and to the apt.

Our apartment is on the 3rd floor

We have a great 3^rd floor apt in the old (Roman) part of town. Owned by an architect and wife from New York City. Updated in a very modern, austere style – not my choice but it works here, and everything is new.

Narbonne was established as a Roman colony in 118 BC as an important center for the main Roman road (Via Domitia) linking Italy to Spain. In the middle of town is an area where you can see part of the old road. We’re directly across the Canal de la Robine from Les Halles (an indoor market area opened in 1901), and also just a short walk from the Narbonne cathedral (which was started in 1272 but never finished). It sits on a site that was originally a Roman basilica in 313 right after Christianity was sanctioned.

The section of the old Roman Road they have preserved.  Pretty amazing!

The cloister of the cathedral

Inside the Cathedral -- it was 'closed' so all the figures were draped in purple cloth.

Outside the Cathedral in the garden area.

We walked through the city on Tuesday, and our plans are to take a few day trips by car and visit some of the medieval cities (eg – Carcassone), Cathar castles, and Abbeys in the Languedoc-Roussillon area. We’re here until Monday morning and then on to Uzes.

Unfortunately Kristi’s back has flared up, so we may have to rest a couple of days before venturing out. We’ll have to do the best we can.

Wednesday, April 16

Kristi rested her back and we made our plans for what sites we were going to visit. I went to the market and bought dinner (chicken and string beans) as well as some cheese and olives for Kristi.

Thursday, April 17

Called Travelex (we bought travel insurance) and told them that Kristi had back issues and needed to go the hospital. Got a case opened with them and then we walked to emergency at the Narbonne Centre Hospital. Got there about 11:30am. Communication (language) was an issue, however we managed to tell them that Kristi’s back was in spasm and filled out some paperwork. After 1-1/2 hours she was really starting to hurt so I went and asked how long it would be – they had misplaced the paperwork  :>(

Finally admitted to emergency at about 2pm, nurse came in and took vitals and then we waited for the doctor. He arrived at 3:15, communication was once again an issue however with the help of Google Translate we were able to understand each other reasonably well. He ordered an x-ray, which happened very quickly. X-ray showed nothing significant, so he gave us a prescription for anti-inflammatory, pain medication, and muscle relaxant. We managed to walk home, I went to the pharmacy and Kristi started taking meds at 5:30pm. She was in so much pain she was crying.

Friday, April 18

Rough night. Kristi’s still in pain and back is in intermittent spasm.

I made breakfast, and she was able to stand and eat (sitting hurts the most). She’s currently lying on the couch resting (drugs make her sleepy).  It’s 10:30am.

The drugs are not as effective as our drugs in the US.  The muscle relaxant doesn’t seem to help much, nor does the pain med.  Fortunately, we have some hydrocodone and will use  it tonight. 

Narbonne is turning out to be a bust.  Not sure what we will do, but will see how things are on Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday, April 19

Kristi is doing better and we walked to the Market today.  First time she's been outside at all since Thursday.  Back still sore but much better.  Took a few more photos of the area around the apartment.

Arne's wine

Mike - this is for you!  No photoshopping at all...

Statue for the fallen WWI and WWII soldiers in front of the market.

The Market - Les Halles (est. in 1901)  Open 7 days a week.  Sells just about everything - fresh (cheese, bread, pastries, fish, meats, flowers, wine, olives, desserts, pizza...etc.) 

From the side of the canal - view of the Archbishop's Palace on the left and Saint-Just-et-Saint-Pasteur Cathedral on the right