Spent some time deciding where we wanted to go and how to get there. The train and bus service here are really wonderful, but to see many of the smaller towns it made sense to us to rent a car for a few days and travel through the countryside stopping where we want for as long as we want.
We reserved a car for tomorrow and will venture down southeast to see some of the coastal towns we passed on our cruise. Fortunately, the owners of our apartment have a garage a few blocks away. Parking is very scarce here especially in and near the centre ville.
Went for a long walk and then returned in time for John to watch St. Germain play Marseille. Watched for 15 minutes and then it went to subscription. Just cruel! Poor John! We rented the 2005 series of "Dr. Who" on ITunes and watched it a bit. It is Max's favorite show and it's always fun to get inside the 12 year old's world.
John had a sudden inspiration to try and find the game on YouTube. While the game was not on yet, we did discover that they have full episodes of just about any TV show you would want to watch. We have enjoyed watching "Inspector Morse", "Poirot", "Jeeves and Wooster", and even "Ozzie and Harriet". Who knew!
Friday, November 1, 2013
OOPS!
Sunday, October 27, 2013
In France daylight savings time ended last night! I had next weekend on my calendar, forgetting of course that we change time a little later in the US. Missed church! But had a nice relaxing day here in Aix.
In France daylight savings time ended last night! I had next weekend on my calendar, forgetting of course that we change time a little later in the US. Missed church! But had a nice relaxing day here in Aix.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Marseille!
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...
...and I was up early because of...
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.
Our last day of class! Yay! John was up early to finish his last homework assignment...
 |
| Did Mine Last Night! Snap! |
 |
| 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 23, 2013
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.
Monday, October 21, 2013
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.
Had dinner at the apartment this evening. We were both so tired after class. No big plans tonight!
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 |
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.
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 |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)