Marseille!

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Finally have the time to see some sights!  We decided to take the train to Marseille this morning.  The Aix Centre Station os a lovely 10 minute walk from our apartment.  Along the way we passed the Calissons factory.  Beautiful!

Calissons Factory and Tea Room

Calissons are the little "smile" shaped candies that are made from almond and fruit paste. They have been made in Provence - particularly in Aix - since around the mid 15th century. The are packaged beautifully and lavishly which I believe is their greatest appeal.

The train to trip to Marseille is about forty minutes. We arrived to perfect provencal skies and views of the Mediterranean.

Trying to Find the Way to the Port

View from the train station to the port:

We were able to walk from the station to the seaside, passing many beautiful buildings, busy cafe's, and lovely churches.

Marseille's "Brown Palace"

France's Most Beautiful Starbuck's

Add caption

Wandered around the port, drooling over the beautiful sailboats and yachts.  Very vital area. Lots of people milling about and many children.  Definitely a strong north-African influence.

Had another wonderful lunch by the sea:

Then decided to take a cruise from Marseille to Cassis to view the coast and the calanques (fjords).  Spectacular trip!

Our Boat - the Helios

Marseille from the Sea

Jet Skier "Surfing" in the Wake

Tall Limestone Cliffs 

One the way back to the train station we ran into the "Bison of Health".

e

We are planning a return visit to see the new cultural center and visit the Notre Dame de la Garde cathedral.  Much too much to see in one day.

Ecole est Terminer!

Friday, October 25, 2013

Our last day of class! Yay!  John was up early to finish his last homework assignment...

Did Mine Last Night! Snap!

...and I was up early because of...

The Birds

It is hard to tell from this photo.  It is a view outside the kitchen window. There are thousands of rooks living in the trees that line the Cours.  They are huge and they are noisy. It is really like listening to the soundtrack of the opening credits for "The Birds".  EXACTLY the same sound. 

French class was really wonderful.  We made some good friends and had a really great time.  Since I was in the Level 1 class (kind of like pre-school), we did a lot of work with listening and pronunciation. We did role playing exercises (LOVED being the waiter!), played board games (my team was Les Femmes Formidables!) and laughed a lot.  Our two instructors were incredible.  I can't imagine having the patience they had with our group of beginners. I learned some very practical French while John's class focused on grammar. I think I had more fun, but I am sure he learned a lot more. 

Wednesday, October 24, 2013

Not much to report.  Our classes are pretty intense and we are tired at the end of the day.  Went for a walk this evening and then picked up something for dinner.  Shopping for food is so different here.  Three shops for one meal and we could have stopped at another but it was closed.  Two more days and then we will be able do a little sightseeing.  John would like to visit Marseille and I am longing to see the sea.

First Day of School

Monday, October 21, 2013

Well, today began our first day of a week long French course.  It was really fun and we met some very nice people from all over the world. I am in the beginner's class, of course, and John is in the intermediate.  He has to prepare a 10 minute presentation for Thursday's class.  Can't imagine! I am nervous for him!

There is a beautiful park just up the street from the school.  A nice place to catch your breath during the breaks.

House on the Edge of the Park

Had dinner at the apartment this evening.  We were both so tired after class.  No big plans tonight!

St. Jean-de-Malte

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Went to our favorite church today for Mass - St. Jean-de-Malte. It is about a three minute walk from our apartment.  Frere Daniel Bourgeois is still pastor and the choir now has a beautiful new organ to accompany it.  They were in the fund raising stage when we were here last two years ago.

St. Jean-de-Malte

October 19-21, 2013

Had a great weekend just relaxing and walking around the centre ville.  The weather has been fabulous.  Seventy degrees and mostly sunny. Visited a few of the local street markets.

The Meat Market

Mushrooms 

The Produce of Provence

Just Another Rue

The Flowers are Amazing!

Friday, October 18, 2013

Our first day in Aix.  Heavenly!  Slept late and then went grocery shopping at the Monoprix.  After putting away our supplies we decided to take a break fro lunch at one of our favorite restaurants:

For our "foody" friends (especially Nevin, Kelly and Chris) we have to include photos of our entrees.  You will love this!

A Simple Tomato/Mozzarella Salad

Green Salad Wrapped in Cucumber

Many more photos to come! Getting too old for wine at lunch.  Back to the apartment for a nap.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Exchanging cold and damp London for sunny and warm Provence today.  Made it to the airport via tube and the flight to Marseille went remarkably well.  Way too warmly dressed for the south of France.  Shed our coats and scarves and took the bus to Aix.  The town has changed quite a bit from two tears ago.  The first change we encountered was that the bus from the airport no longer drops you conveniently at the foot of the Cours Mirabeau,rather at the police station on the outskirts of town.  After a little adjustment, arrived at the apartment just 10 minutes late and "voila!" all the trials and tribulations of the journey melted away.  What a great location!  Right at the head of the Cours with incredible views and all the sights and sounds of this remarkable town at our fingertips.

Our Building -We are right at the Tippy Top

The apartment is lovely and incredibly spacious compared with our close quarters in Paris.

Entryway

My Kitchen

View from the Master Bedroom

View of St. John de Malte from LR

October 16, 2013 (A Sad Day)

Can't believe the time has come for Max to return to the USA.  We have so much enjoyed our time together.  At twelve this might be the last time he enjoys spending any significant time with his grandparents (as it should be). We are just so grateful to have had this time to share with him and let him see the world beyond Lakewood, Colorado. Bon Voyage Max!

Going...

...going...

...gone!

They wouldn't let us go to the gate with him so he had to find his way on his own.  So proud he was able to navigate Heathrow (which isn't easy!).  He's a great great kid!  Many tears shed (shedding even now as I am writing this entry!).

October 15, 2013 (Late Evening)

Little surprise for Max AND John.  Was able to score reservations at L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon for after the theatre.  Check out the website.  It is fabulous!  Only counter seating, but very French and very chic.  Best meal I've EVER had in London!

John Reacting to Prices - and Max just having Fun

The Decor

The Entree

A wonderful evening!

October 15, 2013 (Evening)

After Buckingham Palace we found a wonderful little pub for lunch.  The boys decided to head for the Tower of London, and I chose to return to the flat for a little rest. It is very hard to surprise Max, but we had one more little one for him.  Over the summer his Honor Society Class read "And Then There Were None" by Agatha Christie and he was hooked.  We managed to get tickets to "The Mousetrap" and did our best to keep it a secret.  We told him we had reservations at a famous London restaurant and he was literally flabbergasted when we arrived at the theatre. It was such a thrill!

Crisps before the Show

St. Martin's Theatre is so small and so totally charming. John and I had seen the play about ten years ago, but this production was superb.  It has been running for 61 years and still draws the crowds.  Couldn't have asked for a better evening.

Mimi and Max

St, Martin's Theatre

October 15, 2013

Our last full day in London.  Max wanted to see the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace so off we went.  It was surprising to us that there were so many tourists in London in the middle of October.  We were able to view the spectacle from across the street, but Max's fantasy of making a guardsman laugh was unfulfilled.

Buckingham Palace

Max at Buckingham Palace