We had hardly started work by the time our Toussaints vacation began. While many students, teachers, and assistants rushed out of town for les vacances, I stayed behind in Aix–partially because we still haven’t been paid yet and my savings account “CAN’T TOUCH THIS” is sobbing, and partially because I’ve spent the past month filling out boring bureaucratic paperwork instead of exploring my city.
But Marseille is only a half-hour bus ride from Aix, and with my cartreize it’s only 1€ each way. I fell in love with Marseille when I visited a few years ago with NYU, and upon returning it’s easy to see why. I’ve always loved being near the water, and the Mediterranean is infinitely better than anything I’ve ever seen in America. Plus, the city itself is so colorful, with artwork popping up where you least expect it.
Yesterday, for our “vacances,” I tagged along with my friend Jill who teaches English to adults in Marseille. After we stopped to get her photocopies made, the city was ours! Though we mostly just wandered around in our shoes that were most definitely not made for wandering, I did get some pretty pretty pictures…an easy feat when the city is so beautiful–even with the winds blowing strong (fall has seemingly finally hit Provence). Expect more pictures once our paychecks come in and we splurge on some bouillabaisse 🙂
Tomorrow, I leave for a very short trip to Paris with my best friend Jennie and her family. I am so looking forward to showing them–and returning to–my favorite place in the world! Bon vacances à tous et toutes 🙂
Sounds and looks great. Have fun in Paris. Love. P