If you've read this, read it again....it's different

View from the train to Genova

Think we had breakfast somewhere there??

Graffiti....oh the graffiti!!!

The Streets of Marseilles

Mode du Jour

Skip, a bar for you!!

Great equus sculpture!

not equus, a giraffe made of books!

Hi everyone.

I wrote the following on the train yesterday. I'll put photos in later. Internet access is a little sporadic. Breakfast beckons........

Now, where was I........ Marseilles. Once again we used our feet and wandered the streets to soak up the atmosphere. As I said, there is a lot of dinginess in Marseilles and not a lot of prettiness. We booked our train ticket to Genova and kept wandering, finally finding a precinct that looked like the arty farty area. This area also is home to the African contingent and the shops are facinating; spices, dates, nuts, handicraft.....but once again, dingy, sorry. Am I sounding like an elitist westerner????........

Unfortunately, due to the public holiday, most things weren't open but the odd shop and bar provided enough to entertain. We eventually got lost and had to ask directions, which is difficult when you don't know much of the language. It's ok though, I figure if you get really lost you just hail a taxi and ask to be dropped at your hotel. I'm reading a book about three UN workers (thanks Suey, must get that back to you...) and one recounts asking directions in Haiti, to which he receives 'the usual wave in the general direction'. That's exactly how it is....no help at all.

Try going to the toilet in France, it's also not easy. Apparently the government has taken away a lot of the old pissoires, consequently most cities have a definite aroma of piss! Some have been replaced with the automatic opening ones, like downtown Taree. During our jaunt yesterday, Tim successfully used one of these but as I went in and proceeded, the door suddenly opened again! Luckily I didn't have my jeans down....yet. I tried again but no, the door kept opening. I could write a whole blog about toilets but I'll save you........

'Motorbike' transport is de rigeur in France. Mostly scooters of course but also many mid size Triumphs and Jap bikes. This consequently makes me think of Kim. He would have loved this (not that I think I could travel with him, ha ha). There is the odd Harley but it is a novelty. Riders are very cavalier and their moves between the traffic occasionally make you wince in anticipation.

Currently we are on the train from Marseilles to Nice. It is traveling right alone the coast and is just how you imagine the French Riveira to be.

Go Jessica Watson!!!