France -Marseille- Day 2

27-05-2011

Actually saw the city of Marseille today.

Hiked and explored the Calanques in the morning. Limestone barefaced mountains on one side and water on the other gave it a very Cinque Terra feel but with very few people and gravel roads( ended up with very dusty feet). The sun stayed behind the clouds making it a very pleasant walk. Saw two men rock climbing as well, wish we had the courage to do the same. The cliffs ,the water and gloomy weather really bring the story of Monte Christo alive, it was based in Marseille, though in a Chateau on the other side of town.

Had a delicious lunch at Castellana, would love to try and make the sauce they had with the fish. Followed by desert and then really really bitter coffee. The waiter told us that he spoke " perfect English" and was there to help us.

Then another hike to Notre Dame. It is high up in the middle of town , making it an ideal position to view the whole town. All the buildings in town are similar in nature except for one tall, glass covered modern building in the port which sticks out like a sore thumb. The cathedral is pretty, looks relatively new. Saw a couple take a lot of pictures of each other , thought to ourselves their holiday must have just begun. Gave ourselves a mental shake to prevent us from becoming jaded travelers, took some pictures too.

Well one of the pictures finally made Jeevan realize that his hair is too long. Next stop was at a hair saloon. I have never watched Jeevan's hair being cut . As the lady only spoke French I got very worried when she went to work on his hair with the trimmer, literally hacking it all off. Looked good at the end, so could finally let the breath out that I had held throughout the cut. Funny thing was she could not speak or understand English but could sing along with the Grease Soundtrack.

Noticed a peculiar thing, a building had a large flowerbed on it's sidewall, the flowers were growing horizontally, parallel to the ground. I am not sure how they set it up.

Strolled along two main parks, passed a chateau. Climbed the fort area. Then hung around the port. The semi finals of rugby is on so saw massive numbers of people in yellow jerseys , cars with yellow flags and people with various noise making devices wandering the streets. Passed the hotel where the team were staying, police cars and bikes ready to escort them. One of the streets near the port had a party atmosphere, a beer stall had been set up outside, a man was on the roof of a bus stop. He had a trumpet and was encouraging the cheering. I hope they win.

Dinner consisted of Algerian pizza, fresh and tasty. On the news realized that the Monaco Grand Prix is on this Sunday and that is where we are heading. Subconsciously we must love crowds and instinctively get drawn there !

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