Thursday, we arranged for Donal, our landlord to give us a tour around the area. He has a mini van and offers this service. He is Irish and has a wonderful gift of gab. He kept us entertained and well informed.We had no idea what a wonderful treat awaited us. We started in Marseilles' old port area.
We then went to the market area, where the smells, sights and people were colorful, vibrant and stimulating. Donal 
treated us to a North African sweet mint tea and pastries. Delicious!We then headed for the cathedral, Notre Dame de le Garde, pictured here. We had to climb quite a bit, since the church location was planned as a fort first. The view, the view, the view.
Niko was not allowed in the top area but when I suggested to Donal I stay behind, he said, "no way! Come, this is France!" The inside of the church is magnificent. See pictur
e.The weather was perfect and it showed the area to its finest perfection.
After the church we headed for Cassis- a town that was recommend to me by one of my old buddies from the park benches. What a jewel of a town! It is next to the water with quaint and inviting outdoor cafes. The color of the water was simply amazing.
For lunch, Donal suggested the specialty of the house, a seafood dish. Donal, Jeff and Cliff ordered it and when they brought the mussels bowl to Jeff, he immediately moved it to my pl
ace, saying: "this can't be for me, I have no idea how to eat it." He has expanded his horizons and can now shell mussels. We took a picture of this momentous occasion.For more pictures of this trip copy and past the following link:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=31095552&l=a599d24e08&id=1499168312
Dear Yvette and Jeffrey,
ReplyDeleteJovette Levine sent us your blog. She and I have been friends since high school. Stan and I are leaving for France on Sunday, but will only be in Provence for 4 nights. I didn't think we would have time to get in touch with you, but I was thrilled to see your pictures of Cassis. I was there about 15 years ago and loved it and we hope to get there and have boulliabaise. You must be having a wonderful time. We are not taking our dog, as our whole trip is only 15 days, but I am envious that you were brave enough to take your little guy with you.
Wishing you all the best,
Barbara and Stan