24 Oct 2023

Got about 3 hrs sleep... Always dodgy when you're worried about getting up/somewhere on time. Set my alarm for 3.30. Woke up at 3 so I just got up. Walked to the bus stop, bus came straight away, easy trip straight to the airport. I was so early there were only about 3 people there, all looking sleepy with bags, like me.

Flight was pretty quick and I slept a lot of the way. Caught the bus down to Vieux Port. I managed to buy my ticket in French and understand her questions and instructions. Felt good. 

Google took me down some back streets into the town centre and it was possibly not the kindest introduction to Marseille. Piles of rubbish, smell of piss, dog shit...Went past a cool looking sort of food market area that looked and smelled good. Intended to go back but never did.

Found a place to store my bag till check in - a woman with a small gifts/crafts type shop making some extra money. Found a little bakery and bought a baguette and a cafe au lait - all in French. Sat and ate there.

Walked up the hill to the Notre Dame de la Garde - a very nautically themed cathedral right on top of the hill overlooking the port. It was spectacularly decorated with strings of hangning boats, pictures of boats, bouys, gold and mosaics. It even had a working draw bridge. Amazing views.

Walked down a different way and picked up my bag. Met the host at the apartment and he showed me round and how to use things, went through the rules etc. I was pretty exhausted so found the nearest convenience store and bought some supplies. Went home and cooked a massive pot of pasta with tomatoey sauce, canned mushrooms, zucchini, tuna. Watched 'bodies' on Netflix, ate pasta and then half a tub of icecream. 

19,213 steps

12.91 km