Southbound journey Spring 2004

29^th April 2004

Weather: Heavy Raining

The weather in Netherlands is not good, and we are just betting on the weather in Marseilles/Provence. It was in fact a very pleasant flight with Basiq air, the experience was delighted with seat allocation and most importantly the passengers were all nicely behaved. It is a complete picture compare to the last trip to Nice with Easy Jet.

Out pouring rain welcomed us when we arrived in Marseilles Provence airport with welcoming us. We stuck ed at the airport for a while as it was too wet to collect our rented car. However after the long waiting and the continuous rain, we decided to go ahead to Citer and get our car. Again, we were given a better car compared to what I have booked in advance.

The journey from airport to Cassis was rather smooth; everything is just fine apart from the rain. We just realize Marseilles is a really big city, too big that we began to back off. Perhaps we will just by-passed even the idea of shopping in Marseilles.

We are certainly in the Provencal area. The journey was not just a flat straight road, but up and down and also winding. We can clearly noticed the changes in the landscape and the unique orange color houses. All the houses are of same beige orange color! I wonder why there is no variation in colors? Perhaps is the effort to keep the look.

As we approaching Cassis, we see the grapes terraces and also the huge, high rock that was fierce into steep 90 degree to the sea. It was as if something had happen and caused that sudden cut off. Cassis is a little village among the valley.

30^th April 2004

Weather: Unsteady, heavy raining in the morning, sunshine in the afternoon

Weather is still not too good. It was unpredictable, with heavy grey cloud and over cast rain. We set off to the Cassis town, wanting to experience the Provencal lifestyle by strolling around the Friday market. However I was a bit disappointed with the market, both in terms of the weather, the size and above all it is a very tourist market. I suppose this should be meant for the local but it appear to be a lot more expensive than the supermarket that we visited.

The rain out poured mercilessly again. We have no choice but to run into a café for shelter. However it is yet another disappointment as the cappuccino came with massive amount of crème and it cost a fortune. The services were bad as if they don’t border with the too many customers that they could get.

While sitting now in the apartment, I looked over the hills from our balcony with an oval shade. The color of the sky changes over times. At times it was cover by the heavy cloud, other times it was raining with grey cloud and occasionally I see the sun pierced through the layer of cloud and shine through.

Despite of the weather, it is a wonderful scene that I am able to sit back and relax. At least it is out of the ordinary life of Holland. That’s made a lot of different to me. I do appreciate the different and am really thankful for the ‘luxury’ to be able to have the glimpse of the hill. These are the rock, the firm foundation. I don’t really know how much the Romans have done to this place but I am sincerely thankful for this moment of serenity.

Toulon – as I expected, not much disappointment as there is not much expectation in the first place.

Route de Cretes

Father I think we really amazed by Your creation. The mighty mountainary routes is something that we don’t expect it to be. Scary, fear of death, the mightiness of the mountains, protection by the Lord, fear of unknown, narrow escape.

1^st May 2004

Weather: Sunny ALL day

Avignon

Palais du Papes, imagine how the popes lived their lives in Southern France. The concrete palace is situated next to Rhone river, strategically facing the entire area. I tried to imagine how they lived in the Romans time. If I referred to my diary – My conversation wth God, I knew that I will be back to this place again with the one I love. Today You have brought this desire to the past.

St. Remy en Provence – small village, the road to St. Remy is very special. The trees along the way accompanied us in its blossom green. In search of Vincent Van Gogh, following the footsteps of Van Gogh.

Carmague

It was like an endless drive, all the way to the mash land. White horses. Flat lands.

St. Maries-de-la-Mer – it is a place of mixed culture. It is very hard to describe the feeling. It is just not ‘french’ at all. Cheap holiday destination.

2^nd May 2004

Weather: Heavy Rain in morning, Dry sunset in Cassis

St. Tropez

D93 scenic but was very long winding road. The view along Cavalaire-sur-Mer was superb. Weather turned very bad and wet as soon as we arrived. St. Tropez lost its charm and color in contrast with the rain. I was rather disappointed. There are plenty of inner courts and surprised inner courtyards. It reminded me of Luxembourg where I was often thrilled by new discoveries. The harbour is over docked by luxury and huge yatchs. Each comes in its own style and decoration. It is like a show must go on and the owner is afraid if his yatch doesn’t get notice. The cafés along the harbour are real disaster. No real element of elegancy and didn’t put up with the fame of St. Tropez. It was flooded by tourist due to the rain.

On the way back, the rain was heavy again. To avoid D93, we drove pass Ste-Maxime which I find is more charming than St. Tropez. Right after Ste-Maxime, we went through the shadow and valley of death. It was as if death was there before. The dark clouds were covering the entire valley with its rain. The area was full of dark and black trees mostly barren without leaves. I suspect there was forest fire before although I didn’t utter this feeling. Deep in my heart I sensed that death was there before. I did notice some colourful flowers were offered at certain spots perhaps to those who died.

Thankfully for Psalm 23, ye thou I walked through the valley of death, I shall not be afraid, for the Lord is with me.

Sun set in Cassis

Sipping my Rosé and truly enjoyed the sunset view of the port. Cassis is a down-to-earth port city, unlike St. Tropez full of the pretentious rich people and famous or anyone that trying to be part of it. Cassis is a friendly village, so comfortable that only the real people (mostly french) that know how to enjoy life are here. If Cassis is a way of life then St. Tropez is just putting up a show. Nothing is genuine as if the book ‘No money, No honey’ comes to play….

3^rd May 2004

Aix-en-Provence

This university town is another disappointment. It doesn’t appeal to me much as described in the guidebook.

Marseilles

As expected, Marseilles is a very dusty, polluted and dirty city. Live up to the standard of the 2^nd largest city of France with along side with all the impact that gives to this place.

Cassis

Dinner at Chez Gilbert, I think I have tasted the grimp of Bouillabaisse. The thick fish soup based.

Yum!!~~Yum!!!