Lancer la Vache!!!!

Okay, so we didn't launch any cows this past weekend, but Joshua was able to launch a water ball from a catapult as we finally made it out to the Château des Baux and the Carrières de Lumières.  It was an amazing adventure, and my only regret is that we didn't find it sooner, so we could go back and enjoy it over and over again!!! 

Joshua is on the far side, in the red t-shirt.  He pulled the rope, which in turn pulled the pin.  He also got dubbed a knight after he helped!

The drive out to Baux de Provence is relatively flat, with vineyards and orchards along the roadside.  The, all of sudden, these hills (the Alpilles) appear in front of you.  From the direction we approached from, you could see a row of rocks--cliffs, really--and built into them was a ruin of a castle.  You could see how the castle had once stood strong, but overtime, nature had gotten the best of it.  

We continued on past the Chateau, on roads carved out of the Alpilles, to the Carrières des Lumières.  The caves were once a quarry, and it is spellbinding to walk into them.  You enter through a grand rock face, and walk through a swinging door.  Nothing prepares you for the vastness once you enter!!!  The cave is in darkness, with classical music playing, and a light show projected upon the walls.  Paintings of Van Gogh and Gauguin fill the walls, and the floors.  I will admit, I had a few tears come to my eyes in the first moments of being in the  cave, as the astounding beauty washed over me.  I know the video on the website will not do it justice, but really, click on the link above and watch it.  


We continued our day by next wandering back up towards the Chateau.  We entered through a pedestrian only village, with quaint shops, and restaurants.  It is these little villages that I love--cobblestone streets winding as you climb the hill, gorgeous views as you look out over the village walls, some buildings in ruin, and so many little paths to follow.  


 We entered into the castle and made our way towards the Catapult launching.  The boys were amazed by the size of the catapults, which we looked at while waiting for the activity to begin.  Once the show started, the performers asked for some "petits enfants" to help--Joshua's hand shot up and he was picked!!!

We wandered through the ruins of what was once a grand château, with the boys wandering into many nooks and crannies, and proclaiming "I am sure this was the dungeon" or "this is where they must have made the weapons".  Really, we have 3 experts on castles.....

  

Joshua was also able to partake in the shooting of a bow.  How could any little boy not fall in love with this Château???  

 And to end of tour of the castle, we joined in on a duel (and discussion of medieval weapons...).  Nathan and Joshua both got to help out this time, with Noah saying, "When will I be big enough???"  Nathan was given an axe-type weapon twice his size, and Joshua a club that he could barely hold up it weighed so much.  I worried for their safety the entire time they were up there, as they weapons looked like they could really hurt someone, even in it was just by accident.....


 Both boys got "knighted" again at the end, and I wish I had videoed this part!!!  Nathan was asked to step out from the line, and kneel down in front of one of the performers.  He held his axe up straight, and kneeled down, resting his forehead on his weapon.  He looked truly humbled to be receiving this great honour!!!  
 Joshua approached next, and while down on one knee, attempted to hold his mace up tall--it just wasn't possible and it kept falling to the crowd.  Of course, this got giggles from the entire crowd, and Joshua just shrugged, grinned, and finally laid it on the ground beside him...Seriously, between the two of them.....I was one proud mamma!

As you may have noticed, our Mr Jacob was absent!  He was out for a weekend of camping with the Scouts!  We are very proud of Jacob for setting out on these overnight adventures, where it is a full weekend of French, and new foods......