Spices and burning tires

 

A bad night, but a pretty good day. We took our time this morning, dumped our suitcase at hotel reception and set off to explore another bit of the city.

Our first target was the area around the Marché des Capucins. Another hotch potch of narrow streets, widening for the market place.

This area has a very north African feel. Shops selling spices by the bucket load and halal stores. 

Via many a plane tree-lined street, we ended up at Parc Longchamp, with its fantastically grand and fountained entrance. The two wings of the building host the natural history and fine art museums respectively.

Heading back towards the hotel to retrieve our luggage, we had a pitstop for a bite and an alcohol-free beer. Joff is supposed to be avoiding alcohol, and I don't need to be rendered any more sleepy than I already am. Lovely and refreshing.

Luggage safely in hand we set off to walk the half hour to our bus stop for Cassis. We had allowed plenty of time to find it, so we hit a cafe nearby. It wasn't the most relaxing spot, as major works were underway to lay tramlines.

And then we started hearing the clown-like klaxons that pass for emergency sirens, and spotted a posse of a dozen riot police.

A road was closed, we heard some shouting, then the police wandered off. We shrugged and headed to the bus stop with 10 minutes to spare, to find a vaguely official-looking man who informed us that, due to a demonstration, the bus would now be leaving from somewhere else. This necessitated navigating a stop on the metro and asking a few people for help until we were confident that we'd found the right spot.

Luckily, the bus was running a little late, otherwise we'd have had an hour wait. And as we looked back from the steps of the bus, we could see dark plumes of smoke rising from the obligatory bonfire of tires. It turns out that taxi drivers are unhappy with how hospital transport jobs are calculated. Vive la révolution!

The journey was lovely, climbing out of the city eastwards, through the national park, a bit inland, but with good views of the coastline.

Another 10 minute walk from the bus saw us to our destination at 7 Avenue Maurice Jerminy. We're in a top (3rd) floor flat in a modern block with a glorious view of the sea, and to our left, Cassis.

We were met by twinkly owner Anna, who lovingly explained every quirk of her place and recommended where to go for the King of Bouillabaisses - definitely going to give that a try.

We're in a lovely quiet spot, a 5-10 minute walk above the harbour and centre. The flat seems larger than its size as both the living room and bedroom have French doors onto the balcony. I think we're facing east-ish, so we should enjoy a sunny breakfast.

Anna obviously lives here some of the time, so it's not bland and beige in its decor. It's got all sorts of weird and wonderful knick-knacks, and cupboards of stuff which we're asked not to touch.

As Joff had a scheduled online stress course at 7pm, we dropped into the town to quickly pick up essential supplies for the morning and a takeaway pizza. No energy for more, though it all looks charming and very suitable for bimbling.

After walking 25,000+ steps yesterday, and another 21,000+ today, we're ready for a slower day tomorrow.

Famous last words!

Em x