Marseille

Just back from our holiday in Marseille. It was about 20ºC every day. Marseille is the 2013 City of Culture, it's a lovely place, but with a bit of a reputation unfortunately. The thing is, it's probably not much different from any other city, you wander into the wrong place, things happen.

We rented an appart-hotel for our stay. We like to get a feel what a place is like to live in. The room was small, but nice. The kitchen area was fully equipped, so we just had to buy food. The bed was really comfortable for me, but the pillows were a bit crap. Ricardo didn't sleep well and was glad to get home to his own bed.

There are some spectacular views from the top of the hill where there is the Notre Dame de la Garde basilica. From the Med at the left to the mountains to the right. Amazing place. There were quite a few stairs, which I climbed, not knowing that there was a lift for the disabled. I did manage them though, so I was pleased.

The basilica is really set up for visitors, a cafe (which was closed, as were the toilets), 2 gift shops and some drinks machines. I don't think I've been to a church like it, ok, most have gift shops.

We seemed to spend a lot of time at the Vieux Port. The old port seems to be the centre of things. There were always a lot of people around and there was a market on the Sunday.

It was a great holiday, the couple of the days that I wasn't able to get out, Ricardo went out for a wander himself and brought back food and wine.

It is on our list of places we'd like to retire to (along with Lyon), but we need to go a few times more to see how much we like it.

Anyway, back to business and courses, I'd better get on.

Talk soon

Love & hugs
Angela
xxx