Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Fairly Sunny France
Hi there folks. I'm temporarily in very sunny and pleasant Aix en Provence, France. I managed to get my way through france fairly well, no major dramas on my way to Marseille. Customs was easy and the train travel from Paris to Marseille was a breeze, the TGV is awesome but they do not call out the stops along the way so I had to pay attention, but I managed to get off at the right place, although the dude sitting next to me missed his stop because he had expected to hear them called out. Marseille is nice, very North African and Middle Eastern, which means that greasy kebabs and Doners are easy to find and not ery expensive, although stuff is more expensive over here than in Canada, especially soft drinks and juices, which are close to double what they cost in Canada, although Beer and Wine are cheaper here than back home. I met up with Simon and am currently in Aix, but am heading back to Marseille soon, where Simon and I plan to do some more cool stuff. He had to come back to deal with some French beurocracy matters. Did some walking today, we walked up a really long and steep hill to a huge cathedral, will post pictures later, it is super cool. The place I stayed last night and tonight is nice, the people running it are very helpful nd the bed was comfortable. Only bizarre thing about it is that although there is a bathroom in my room, there is no toilet in sid bathroom, the toilet is in a separate room across the hall, which is a tad annoying, but no biggie. Anywys ta-ta for now. from temporarily sunny Provence.
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2 comments:
Tom, if you are still in Aix (or even if you're back in Marseille, you'll find them...), try to get Câlissons d'Aix, it's a kind of candy, local delicacy famous around the globe. Not that it's amazing in any way but it's good and nice to try while you're up there. Also, it would make a nice give to bring back as boxes are small and will preserve...
Also, while you're around Provence, drink Rosé wine, that's what the area is all about... Great and cheap wines... For the rest, better wait until you get to another region.
I know you will go to Monaco to walk around the circuit (man it's an amazing trip, that's one of the things I'll remember forever!!!). Whatever people tell you, Monaco is not that expensive for a budget traveller. Same grocery stores you would find in France(there's a Casino supermarket in front of the marina), booze and kebabs just slightly more expensive... As long as you dont sleep there, you will be fine...
If you go to Monaco, why don't you stop in Menton, a city 10 minutes to the east by train. I worked at the hostel there (which should be closed during winter). It's a beautiful city by the French Riviera. The old village up the hill is really worth seeing. Apart from the old town, it's a fancy place for rich and fancy people, but for those who wish to remain anonymous... Not as glamourous as Saint-Tropez or Cannes... In Menton, the booze specialty is Citron de Menton, a lemon flavoured aperitif or digestif ranging between 15 and 30 %, very tasteful, similar to Italian Limoncello... You will find it easily around town or at Maison Nicolas, a chain of wine sellers that have fair prices, they have several locations around France including one in the lower downtown (modern town)in Menton.
And if you're in Menton, why not go 10 more minutes to the east, you'll be in Italy! Ventimiglia, or Vintimille as French people call it... It's your typical border town... lacks of a soul, but still gives you a good look at what the Italian side of the Riviera is like... Great duty-free shops, booze is FKING cheap, French go there very often to get liquor. Worth going, both for the booze and for seeing Italy in two hours round trip including shopping...
Finally, if you really want to push it through the Italian Riviera, go to San Remo... But it's like an hour or more from Monaco so I'd stick to Vintimille if I was in a hurry...
Anyway, have fun, I hope these hints will help you...
Take care,
Nic
Interesting comments from both you and Nic. I think Nelson mention something about Câlissons d'Aix being an interesting place to visit.
I am sure there others who will have useful hints.
Dad
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