Ibis Marseille Gare St Charles

... it doesn't matter with the wide range of accents our country has anyway (scowne or scon? It's only scon once you've eaten it...). I'm finding Contemporary French History really interesting, especially as, for once, it's not about the French Revolution. The seminars should really help my written French too, but unfortunately us 'étrangers' stick out like a sore thumb when she calls out the register : Sharrlot Tooowinszend. And I know what you're thinking, a register ...

... yesterday, Saturday, and it is cooler but still nice. The trip here was spectacular with many olive groves and big mountains. Today we went on a tour to Les Beax - another medieval town with a castle - poor Graham and on his birthday too. Then we went winetasting and to the premier olive oil producers in France. The Mistrql was blowing on the tour and it was very cold but warmer back here in the camp. Tomorrow we explore Aix on foot then we go to Avignon.

... my traveler’s scurvy, so I’m feeling better internally, enlightened if not illuminated.

The only problem is WiFi. I change rooms but still no WiFi, even from a place that advertises it on the door, same with the café. This is getting frustrating. If you don’t have it, don’t advertise it. I really don’t want to have to badger anyone over it, but I’m running out of options ...

... will probably get tossed with pasta one night. So far the highlight of this morning’s shopping trip was some amazing local grapes that are like little flavor bombs of violet juice in the mouth. We've never had anything like them.

When we got back and unpacked I realized that the basil sauce got left on the pasta counter. Grrrrr. The proprietress was distracted and I was juggling bags, camera and money and we both missed it. So back we went before heading ...

... where Africa meets Europe, but indeed where Saharan Africa meets sub-Saharan Africa. If the Arab is the main foreign influence, still you’re as likely to encounter a black African in traditional dress here as you are in many parts of Africa, and that makes it pretty special, many varied peoples bound by the French language, and others by Islamic culture. All I need is some WiFi and you can count me in, for a week at least. (to be continued...)

... to go along with this one. The one he is looking at is:

- just over 50 meters long

· equipped with a large landing pad and lights to allow for nighttime landings with the helicopter

· accommodates 12 more crew, but in larger quarters

· accommodates 6-8 more guests

· a large gym aboard

· a large salon for massage, beauty treatments, etc.

· a large garage ...

... we found a local restaurant well-known for its seafood, and we all tried some kind of bouillabaisse or specialty fish. Rob shared a huge loup (sea bass) that was baked in a crust of salt. Once peeled and deboned, the fish completely filled both plates. I had a special tasting menu of fish soup and bouillabaisse, with a selection of three local fish and mussels. The bouillabaisse came with two sauces, an aioli, and a red mayonnaise--both of which are dunked in the ...

... I think he has got the message that I am not interested and he puts out his hand to shake. So thinking this will get rid of him I shake his hand. Then he swaps hands and wants to shake with his left hand. I really don't want to spend all day shaking his hand but not knowing the local customs I shake hands with him with my left hand. Then while holding my left hand he starts soccer tackling me. He has his left leg between my leg and is shaking his leg ...

... its dirty, you'll get robbed! Strangely, I felt quite at ease in Marseille. Of course after driving around in France (and the borders of Italy), if you have survived that, you have already done what most french do not do!! I began by driving to the Notre Dame de la Garde. This beautiful cathedral is situated on a mount that overlooks the city with an amazing statue of Mary looking out on the harbor. Once up there, its just ...