Spring Break; a Novella by Amy: Part 3-Marseille

While we only spent one night in Marseille, it was kind of a big deal for me. Since I began studying French when I was 14 years old, I had a pen pal of sorts from Marseille. At the time when we first started talking, it was basic chit-chat about our lives, and helping eachother with fumble our way through eachothers native languages. After a while, Emilie became more of a friend and less of a penpal; we have now talked back and forth for almost 6 years(WOAH), have sent packages across oceans, and just a matter of days ago, we finally met in person.

Weeks before spring break, Emilie had offered to let Liana and I stay with her if we wanted to, so just for one night, we took her up on her offer. Now the French stereotype is that they hate Americans, that they’re cold and uninviting, and overly obsessed with fashion and being thin… Well I’d just like to say so far all of my experiences with the French have completely dismissed this stereotype for me. Upon arriving at the train station in Marseille Emilie, her sister Marina, and her mom were waiting for us. Before I could even fully take in my surroundings in the train station, Emilie was doing the bis (two cheek kiss) that the French love so much, which was quickly followed by her sister and mom.

Not only did her mom pick us up from the station, but she made sure everything and anything we needed while in Marseille was taken care of. We had meals made for us, and god forbid we offer to help make or clean anything up. The French hospitality was superb and all of those atrocious stereotypes need to be thrown out the window. Okay, I have gushed enough about how awesome Emilie and her family were/are...oh one more thing: Emilie will be working in Epcot (Disney world, Orlando) for a year starting in July, so if any of you go there, tell her hi from me, and take a picture with her!

Even though we were only in Marseille for about 24 hours, we managed to do a LOT of things in the city. Highlights:

-The vieux port (old port) : we wandered all around it taking in the view of boats, fresh fish market, delish candies, tourists, and even some crazy men swimming in the thoroughly cold water.

-Notre Dame de la Garde: a very beautiful cathedral that overlooks the city of Marseille atop a huge hill-mountain. The views from the top were incredible, the inside was immaculate, and I dare say this is my favorite cathedral so far…and trust me, if it’s one thing France isn’t lacking on, it’s cathedrals.

-the water: okay I know I've mentioned this already, but the water is sooo blue and clear and just amazing. I know Liana had to be annoyed with my poking her while on the ferry saying "Omg look! a fish! omg you can see the bottom! omg!" ..haha sorry Liana 

-petit train: the girls and I did a super duper touristy thing and hopped on the tourist train…literally. It took us the scenic way up the hill to Notre dame de la Garde, which again made for some interesting viewing sites. The French-English translations spoken on the train were also fairly amusing, oh you want an example? “here we have the Virgin and the kid” …uhm I believe you mean the Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus…yeah.

-Chateau d’IF: Anyone who has read or viewed (book/movie) the Count of Monte Cristo, knows that this island is where it is all based. We took a ferry to the island, and that in itself was wonderful (I normally am afraid of boats, but after facing a few fears last summer I now find them quite enjoyable…as long as I think no Titanic-like thoughts).. anyway, the Chateau was quite amazing, and I took probably wayyy too many pictures of it; but hey I’m a tourist I’m allowed to.