TBT: MARSEILLE(S) WITH /WO THE 'S' AT THE END

Life has deterred me from finishing my French summer adventure last July but why not use TBT: Throw Back Thursdays for  finishing that journey with you. 

Last told we were celebrating my birthday in Sault, Provence, continuing the gastronomic adventure toasting champagne while viewing the lavender fields below. The next morning we headed southward for Marseille, Jim's hometown for our next destination. 

A hired driver drove us to the closest train station and we hopped aboard a commuter train to catch the fast speed train in Avignon to Marseille giving us more time to see this port city. 

I would be remiss to omit mentioning my favorite bathroom stall in France in the  Avignon train station no less. It was well worth the fee to use the facilities. What a goodbye to the lavender region!

The high speed train ride south had us in Marseille, the second largest city in France in a little more than a hour.  The first order of business was to take in the city view from the train station. About 850,000 people call Marseille home. 

Atop the city sits Notre Dame de la Garde.  We were content to just take in the architecture from afar and enjoy the bustle of this Mediterranean port by foot. We were all cathredal'ed and museum'ed out by our previous full week and a half.

Most Marseilles streets have inclines and the calves (not small cows) got a great workout. 

View from Jim's 3rd flr apt./ was that 4?

Yes, those are a lot of stairs ...

Since we were a bit early for our nearby hotel check in,  we dropped off our bags at Jim's studio apartment, and headed out to do some local gourmet grocery shopping for lunch.  


During the heat of the day the streets were empty but our stomachs dictated otherwise. 


First stop was for fruit
and olives in a very tiny store, followed
by the infamous Bataille upscale deli... 

 Gorgeous, n'est pas?  It was great to eat at Jim's place as it seemed like forever since we sat around a table without a waiter. After a yummy lunch of cheeses and desserts, we checked into the conveniently located modern hotel (only 2 blocks away) called Mama Shelter. Contemporary, clean and unusual. 
'Wasn't sure what to expect by the name and the 'unusual' were


the Tweetie and Darth Vader masks hung in the room.  Go figure. Role playing? Hmmm.

Anyhow, down time before hitting the pavement again. Sally, I learned, is a champion nap taker, sets her alarm and uses 20 minutes like a charm before the next trek.

Jim showed us his 'hood and daily walk where he has worked as an opera singer for the past 30 years at the present Opéra Municipal de Marseille, built in 1924 with a seating of 1,800. It features a classic urn-shaped auditorium, three rings of boxes, two balconies and a gallery. 

The Opera house is closed for the season but we had an 'in' to take a look around and enjoy the art deco/  interior...






En route to the waterfront one stop included the impressive modern city library where books are automatically scanned in when you return them...

We also perused the Arab market quickly being the only 2 women in a sea of men. 

And we  joined a more co-ed group at the French version of the Chicago Bean

under a giant mirrored canopy with views of the harbor and  ferris wheel...

Restaurants, cafes and bars abound in the harbor district. Dinner was at an Algerian restaurant with a bit of big city excitement. An outside dining patron had left his cell phone lying on the table while he was eating and a youth had lifted it.  A chase ensued as the fit seventy year old male caught up with the young thief who sprayed the phone's owner with mace. The patron returned without his phone and burning eyes. It could happen anywhere. Probably a good reminder to keep one's valuables out of sight.

Many choices for ice cream lovers...

Even full bellies couldn't deter my traveling companions from Italian gelato for dessert before an uphill 20 minute walk back to the hotel. Okay, I must add one more memorable big city moment were rats sharing those sidewalks with us scurrying back and forth amidst the shadows. Ratatouille, were these your friends? :)

Jim had ensured we made the most of our first day in Marseille. Stay tuned for day 2 in Marseille(s) next TBT.