TBT:SO FERRY CROSS THE ....

If you finished the title in your mind "Ferry Cross the Mercy," you mistakenly assumed I was referring to the Beatles hit but it was the  Mediterranean we needed to cross in order to go southeast from Marseille to Corse (Corsica), an island which is one of France's 18 regions.  One could take a plane but the ferry was the better option per Sally's brother Jim. A grand idea indeed. It would be our floating hotel for the evening.

Sally's preference for a cab was also a wise convenient decision from our hotel to go to the ferry landing, assuming the taxi driver knew which pier we needed. Well, there was some uncertainty and as soon as we hit rush hour traffic, discussion about the quickest way ensued. Oops, changing lanes to circumvent the back upped cars made us miss our exit. Uh oh. Then, a good mile later, in front of police, the driver made a U turn. I wondered if we were going to get pulled over. Nope, maybe they were in disbelief/ had different worries/maybe it was no big deal???

This time we saw a port terminal and Jim insisted the driver pull over and let us out. It was the correct building bearing the name of the ferry line.  Once checked in and through security, we boarded a bus which once full whisked us to the correct ferry where we would board. Whew, we had made it to our overnight transport to Corsica with time to spare. 

We dropped our luggage off at our room and sought out the lounge where we claimed a table to enjoy a bon voyage drink while other passengers arrived. Many had sleeping bags and pillows with them. They would be sleeping wherever they found a space, not just in  this lounge. Hallways, floor lobbies, etc... I was certainly grateful for a bed.

As we pulled away from the pier we joined others outside on deck to experience our departure from the Marseille harbor to the open sea. It was very blustery to say the least.  

The flying flag on deck was Corsican, a Moor's head in black with a white kerchief above his eyes on a white background. Later readings would inform me that the1755  original version of that kerchief was a blindfold. The kerchief was raised above the eyes to signify liberation of the Corsican people. Once the island belonged to Italy and was sold to France as a debt to Genoa. A revolt ensued but the island remained in French hands.

 Back to the view...

Passengers toasted the journey

Dinner in the dining room's two sittings was filled by mostly reservations so we chose the snack bar for dinner where pizza and sandwiches hit the spot.





We enjoyed a lovely sunset end to our day.

We would awake in the morning in  Ajeccio, Corsica. 

TBC next TBT as we finish the last leg of our French adventure in Corsica...