Got up before dawn to hike across the Rhône River to the neighboring town, Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. Wanted to check out a famous antiques flea market there. The only disappointment of the morning was the theme of the market: “You Can’t Take it With You”. Found so many things I wanted to buy (this colorful two-sided enamel sign, so many stone garden pots, and all of these demijohns).

And some I didn’t – like this terrifying clown situation, who was only one of dozens of terrifying clown situations at the market. Alas, no suitcase room, and (more importantly), no wiggle room on suitcase weight.

My find of the day, however, was this antique sterling silver tastevin I picked up for €10. Someone had been using it as an ashtray, but it’ll clean up nicely. Score.

Walked back across the Rhône, and strolled through the covered farmers market in Avignon, Les Halles. Bought more radishes, more bread, more cheese, and these spectacular looking strawberries for dinner.

Stopped at the spirits store and picked up a bottle of fig liqueur. Successfully recreated the delicious fig and champagne aperitifs we had the other day. Found Ken a birthday tarte, and drank a toast to Ken’s birthday with the always spectacular Bollinger Grand Annee (2012).