When we were in France last September, my aunt took me to one of the Puyricard shops in Marseille. It was at the end of the two week European holiday and I had already sampled and bought chocolate in Germany and Belgium so I only selected a handful of chocolates, even though the shop had […]
Château d’If & Frioul Islands
A boat ride to either Chateau d’If or to the Frioul Islands and entrance fee to Chateau d’If are complimentary with the City Pass. But it’s an extra 5 euros if you want to go to both locations though I’m not sure anyone actually checked our tickets. It was lovely, but our visit was rushed […]
Crazy Marseille Streets
I wouldn’t want to drive in the city of Marseille. In fact I wouldn’t know how. On the other hand, if I ever wanted a fearless driver, I would pick a Marseillian. The streets are narrow, are often one-way (but who cares right?), and the lanes change ever so randomly some with dead-ends. There appears […]
Marseille: an assorted array of pictures
Rooftop view of Marseille, 5th arrondissement Carpets out to hang A modern day house on top of an ancient appearing building on the left Human statue in Vieux Port The day’s catch in Vieux Port Imagine fish this fresh every day Various shipping vessels Noailles: “colourful markets that make you feel like you are […]
Marseille: Pesky Gypsy Women
This narrative was previously part of a post. But I figured it deserved its own post so here goes. -0-0-0-0-0-0- Upon arrival to Marseille, we took a taxi to our rented apartment on Rue de la Republique. We were supposed to meet the owner at 11 am but he was running late. For whatever reason, […]
Calanques of Marseille
The Massif des Calanques from Marseille to Cassis are a 20 km long series of cliffs with narrow inlets and a rugged coast. In the travel world, they are a not-to-miss when visiting the south of France. These looming limestone cliffs are often called Mediterranean fjords, but they were not created by glaciers but rather […]
Marseille: Palais de Longchamp
The Palais Longchamp was bult in 1839 in conjunction with a canal to address the city’s longstanding water problem! Can you believe that? This amazing splendiferous structure and park was constructed to celebrate precious water. When we visited the waterfall was not running. On the right wing is the Natural History Museum. The left wing […]
A la plage de Saint Cyr-sur-Mer (Beach day!)
Green crystal water and a sandy shallow beach awaited us at Saint Cyr-sur-Mer. Its Thursday and our aunt has decided to drive us about 30 minutes to what she considers the nicest closest beach. Pas mal! We took the motorway towards Toulon… …to arrive at la plage… …where the sailboats were out at sea… …and […]
Marseille: Abbey of St. Victor
Official website This fortress like abbey dates to the late 5th century. History has it that the then bishop of Aix, Lazarus, brought a monk, John Cassian, to France. Jean Cassien is said to be the founder of this monastery, built to honor matyr and local soldier, Saint Victor, executed in 290 AD. Picture […]
Marseille: Notre-Dame de la Garde
This basilica is situated at the highest natural point in Marseille, south of the Old Port. It is refered to as la bonne mère (the good mother) by locals as it overlooks the city. Foundation began in 1853 on a hill that was already important as a look-out point and a place of worship. The […]
A lover of mangoes. A woman - smart, without pretense, lefthanded, Afropolitan - navigating this thing called life. An unapologetic believer in social justice and karma. Choosing to radiate positive energy and be true to myself. Here, my musings.