Marseille Part Deux

We stayed at Hotel Lutetia for 2 Nights. The afternoon we were dropped off by Ninou and Maxime, we grabbed some lunch at a Kebab joint, we got free Mint Tea (which I LOVE), and had lunch in the Vieux Port ("Old Port"). We decided that we wanted to take a boat trip to the Calanques, but they were fully booked for the next 2 days. The girl at the desk was nice enough to tell us that we could take a bus there instead, for cheaper and at our leisure. We realized that this was a better (and cheaper) option, and decided we would do that the next day.

So, for that day, we got ferry tickets to the Island of Frioul, via the Island of If, which is where the legendary Count of Monte Christo's (fiction) was emprisoned.

We snorkeled in very cold water, but enjoyed it. We had a romantic walk around the Island, and after deciding not to eat dinner on the island, we caught the ferry back to the mainland.

I spotted a Couscous Restaurant on the way back to our 2-Star Hotel, so we got takeaway from there. We again got free Mint Tea, this one was more delicious, and they also had Corne De Gazelle (Gazelle Horn), a traditional dessert that I really like. Despite my appearance, the young girl behind the counter, covered with a veil over her hair, was very friendly and non-Judgemental. This was really nice, considering most people look at me condescendingly, just like they would someone they assume is trying to pickpocket them, or a middle-eastern person they would assume is a terrorist (narrow-minded people). It was refreshing to see this entire family treat me as family. The food was inexpensive and delicious!

We watched some tv while eating dinner, and I found my childhood favourite TV show, Fort Boyard! I couldn't believe it was still on the air, but I was so happy. This prompted me to decide that I wanted to visit it while in France, wherever it was. ( It turns out we will be nearby in August!)

The next day, we walked to the Vieux Port, grabbed some croissants for breakfast on the way, and checked out the local fish market. They had some crazy looking fish! Lotte, the one that looks like a monster, is delicious! There were also eels and other interesting fish. It was a bit sad to see, but the fish were so fresh, they were still alive...

Afterwards, we hopped on the bus! After a 30 or so Minute bus ride and a relatively long walk in the heat, to one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen, the Calanques!

Look, a starfishie!!!

The walk back was PUNISHING. Over 2 hours, uphill, in hot sunlight beating down on your back. All in all though, totally worth it! Recommended to anyone visiting Marseille. But I'd suggest taking the boat if you can afford it.  =]

Be back soon with a post about....Venezia, Italia! Ciao!

Allez l'OM!- Marseille, France

Sorry for the lack of posting the last few days, friends, once again we have ended up in a hostel with the internet down...

After we left Valbonne, We headed to Another new city in France, Marseille! We caught the train and met Maxime, my godmother's Father, and his partner, Ninou. I had met Maxime before, but not Ninou. It was a real pleasure! The apartment had a fabulous view of the beach from the top of a hill. They have a cat named Napoleon who was missing a leg, and he was adorable! For all you cat lovers out there, there's a bonus! Ninou is a cat lover like me, and she takes care of about 8 cats around the building, most wild but a couple abandoned. She has had a few of them de-sexed ( the ones she could catch) which is a nice gesture. Here are some photos of our lovely time with Maxime and Ninou! Enjoy =]

Socrates <3

Ninou!

My honey wrote me this in the sand =]

Suction

Whoooaaa

From Left: Ninou, Myself, Maxime

Maxime, Ninou, Dave

The View from the place

This fish seriously almost killed me! I swallowed a bone =[

We had a delicious dinner at the club of the housing committee, Thanks again Maxime and Ninou!

Napoleon, my dear

After spending the night there, we got a hostel/hotel room in the heart of the Old Port area that was really lovely. So that this post isn't too image-heavy, I'll put the second half of Marseille in the next entry ( sorry to those that had trouble with the last one about the south of France, when Time permits I'll break it up =])

Paris Je T'aime, Part 2

Here are some more photos from our time in Paris!

We did the Catacombes, which I have wanted to do for many many years, and finally did. It is probably the coolest place I have EVER been to! It's thousands of bones, deep underground, as well as scultpures, wells, and tombs. It's not very expensive (8 euro for adults, under 26 4 Euro). The employees are nice, but make SURE you show up well before their 5pm closing time, as the last group allowed in is at 4pm, and there is always a line. We got there in the pouring rain in the middle of the week and waited over an hour and a half, not sure if we would make it in. Luckily, we did, and it was well worth the wait in the cold rain! To get here, take Metro line 6 to Denfert Rochereau, Line 4 Denfert Rochereau, or the RER B toward Robinson OR Saint-Remi Les Chevreuse to Denfert Rochereau. It's ON the Roundabout, and the entrance faces a big Lion Statue. Here are some photos:

It's a well!

Lots of Tunnels

Stop: This is the Empire of Death

Jolly Roger and I

Stoked, as usual haha

Talking and drinking with my Uncle at an awesome restaurant in Paris

Dave's first experience with Escargots!

 Notre Dame is a lovely place to visit. This is also free, unless you want to go up to the top. Honestly, the only place I want to pay to go "up" and see a nice view is the Eiffel Tower. Anyway, to Get to Notre Dame, You take the RER B to St-Michel Notre Dame.

Notre Dame de Paris, loving the weather that day, makes for a dramatic scene!

 To get to la Grande Arche de La Defense, take the RER A Toward Cergy, Poissy, or St. Germain en Laye to La Defense. There are a couple of Malls (aka Shopping Centers) in the station at that stop if you are looking to do some shopping while in Paris, although I recommend Champs Elysees or Les Galleries Lafayette for shopping.

La Grande Arche de La Defense

We found a big Thumb!

Those of you reading that know me, know that I have a special place in my heart for Disneyland. So, naturally, I went to Disneyland Paris for the first time, as well as the park next door, Walt Disney Studios. This was SO fun!!! The roller coasters are faster, and there are more rides with loops, which I have grown to love. Honestly, It's a must-do in Paris! Take the RER A to Marne-La Vallee, which is the stop ONLY for Disneyland, so it's easy to find =]

Showing the La love in front of the Eiffel Tower. To get here, take the Metro line 6 to Bir Hakeim, or RER line C to Chamos de Mars Tour Eiffel. To go up, it cost us 13 Euros Each to get all the way up to the top by Elevator. I'm afraid of heights, to There was no way I was going to take the stairs! I can't remember for sure, but there may have been a student discount or under 25 discount. Be sure to go a little bit before sundown, because seeing it twinkle every hour on the hour at night is a MUST.

I'm silly, I know.

I want to mention that I saw My Theatre Teacher from Elementary school twice along with her partner twice, but somehow forgot to take photos BOTH times!! How silly of me. We were just having too much fun! We went to a show the first time, and had a drink in a Pub the second. I have known Caroline since I was a little girl, and I'm so glad we have kept in touch over all this time. She is such a fun person! We look forward to seeing them both again when we return, and this time I promise we will take photos! Thanks again Caroline!

We also got to see a girl I used to babysit, Simone. I feel so old seeing her at 18 years old! She's doing an internship in Paris and going to an Ivy League school, I couldn't be more proud of her! We also forgot to take pictures because we only saw each other for about half an hour for a quick lunch. It was great to catch up though!

After 2 weeks in Paris, we were off to Nice from the Orly Airport to Cote D'azur Airport to hang out with our Buddy Alex!

Paris, Je T'aime! Part 1

Sorry again for the delay in blog posts, friends. I have had no internet connection for most of our travels in Italia. Today, I'm going to tell you about the time we spent in Paris. First off, the most important part, was that after 7 years, I finally got to see my Grandma and my Uncle!! Here are some photos from hangouts with my mom's side of the family:

Cherish every moment!

Off to the Markets

To get to the Markets in St Germain En Laye, Take the RER A to St. Germain En Laye, They are Friday Mornings. Least Expensive and Most Delicious Crepe in Paris are here!

Arc De Triomphe. I showed Dave the Champs-Elysees that day, which reminded us both of the NOFX song, which we sang while we were there, for good form.

To Get to the Champs Elysees and L'Arc De Triomphe, Take the RER A Towards Cergy, Poissy, or St. Germain en Laye to Charles de Gaulle Etoile.

Toulouse Rugby fans

I have missed this girl for so long! Last time I saw Emilie was in 2007 (I think) for her cousin's wedding which I attended. Now she has a precious baby boy! It was a quick catch-up, but I look forward to seeing her again when we go back to Paris.

My dear friend Emilie and her little boy Joseph!

It's been a long time!

Next is the Malmaison, built under the instruction of Napoleon Bonaparte for his wife Josphine, a nice little chateau surrounded by gardens. It's free entry the first sundy of every month, which I think is the best time to go, as honestly I probably wouldn't pay to get in for this one. Good one for people traveling on a budget! To get here, you want to Take the RER A towards St. Germain En Laye, get off at Rueil Malmaison, and either walk by following the signs, or take 2 buses ( we walked to save the money).

Statue of Josephine de Beauharnais at La Malmaison

La Malmaison

The Statue I'm named after, Diane Chasseresse ( The Huntress)

One day, we went to do something I've always wanted to do in Paris. The Pere LaChaise Cemetary! Many celebrities are buried there, such as Oscar Wilde, Jean de la Fontaine, Edith Piaf, Jim Morrisson, and many many others. For Kitty lovers, this is a good spot! The cats love the warm stone, and I'm sure there are plenty of rats around too...(Ick) There are many beautiful sculptures, crypts, and grave stones. Best of all this is 100% free! To get here, you take the Metro line 3 towards Gallieni, or Line 2 to Nation. enjoy!

Look Familiar?? =]

Kitty friend named Duchess at the Pere Lachaise Cemetary

For Zombie fans!

Oscar Wilde <3

Another kitty friend keeping someone company

Edith Piaf <3 The Pink Carnation was from me

Where's Dee??

Jim Morrisson

While in Paris, we celebrated my step-cousin Elisa's birthday! It was good times, seeing them after 7 years!

My Awesome Uncle Dadou

From Left: My Aunt Martine, Me, Dave, Dadou, and step-cousin Elisa, on her birthday

Stay tuned for more photos of Paris! (I'm trying to break up the posts so they aren't too image-heavy)