Tales of Gina the Wandering Gypsy: Marseille, France, August 2013

I went to Marseille with no preconceived ideas of what it was like, in fact I had no idea what it was like - I didn't even Google tourist attractions! I went to visit my dear friend, Melissa, and I knew she would make the best plans for us! Of course I was right! Melissa miraculously had time off work during the days I was there - she had not asked for time off, it just happened to be like that! So I was so lucky to have her company the whole time! We stayed in her friend Marion's apartment and we all had a terrific time! It was special for me to be staying in an all girls apartment, after living so long with a family, it was like being at camp! Laughing, dancing, singing, being silly. I loved every minute!

We listened to music, watched TV, played knucklebones, and leaned out the window to hear a couple arguing and breaking plates. We ate hamburgers at the beach on the rocks at sunset looking out at the Mediterranean sea, we took a spin on Marseille's open air ferris wheel, ate huge sticks of cotton candy (called barbapapa which means 'dad's beard').

I got to meet many of Melissa's friends, even the family she nanny's for! We had fresh authentic Pain Au Chocolat from the bakery down the road, swam in crystal clear waters and walked for miles! One day we met Melissa's good friend Virginia and had lunch at the port. Later, we met another friend and drove to the nearby small coastal town of Cassis, which was beautiful and quaint.

Melissa took me all over the city. We went to all the major sites and historical buildings, including the Notre Dame cathedral that overlooks the city and bears scars from WWII attacks. She showed me the neighborhood L'Estaque where she grew up and the little marina where her grandmother (who couldn't swim) taught her to swim. We ate chichi (fried dough covered in sugar and nutella), panisses (savoury version of chichi but in a different shape), and navette biscuits (all of which are Marseille specialities!).

I was really sad to leave Marseille and Melissa because I had an incredible time. I loved the sightseeing but most of all, I loved reconnecting with my friend in her home environment! Seeing the way she lives, the places she loves and making new friends. What a blessing! More pictures to come.