Our cultural journey continued this Saturday as we took a train to Avignon, filled with excitement to explore this historic city. We were particularly eager to visit the Palais des Papes and the famous Pont Saint Bénézet, iconic landmarks that we had learned about in our preparations. However, our plans took an unexpected turn when a sudden rainstorm hit the city, forcing us to rethink our itinerary.
Although we couldn’t visit the inside of the palace or the bridge as planned, we didn’t let the weather dampen our spirits. Instead, we saw this as an opportunity to engage with the local culture in a different way. We spent time exploring the local markets, where we practiced our French with vendors and learned about the region’s famous lavender products. These interactions gave us a unique chance to deepen our language skills and connect with the daily life of Avignon’s residents, turning a challenging situation into a valuable cultural exchange experience.
The train journey itself offered stunning views of the French countryside, adding to the richness of the day. Despite the rain, we still appreciated the charm of Avignon, taking in the beautiful architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Even though our original plans had to be adjusted, the experience allowed us to immerse ourselves in the local culture and continue our language learning in unexpected ways.
As we returned from Avignon, we reflected on how adapting to the unexpected can often lead to the most memorable cultural exchanges and learning opportunities. The lavender souvenirs we brought back with us will serve as a fragrant reminder of the day’s adventures.
