We started out with a little hike into Les Calanques, the expansive cliffs and coastal mountains around Marseille. We got to a point high enough to take this great shot.
Tim and Stephanie wanted to venture up higher on the mountain, so I sat down to take in the view while they explored a little more.
Tim's view from atop the mountain.
Tim's self-portrait. After this, they tried to head up even higher, but some Scouts basically kicked us out. It was really dry and windy, so there was a danger alert due to the chance of fire.
Me and our friend Stephanie!
Can you find the cicada? It was really hard to spot them but they chirped constantly during the day!
After our hike, we did a little shopping and prepared ourselves a delicious lunch!
Salad with magret de canard (duck breast)! It was fabulous. Quack, quack.
After our late lunch, we drove east along the coast to find a vineyard or two for some wine tastings. Along the way there were spectacular views of Marseille.
The first vineyard we visited, Le Ferme Blanche, where they were known for their vin blanc.
It was good, so we bought a bottle! The man working there seemed pretty tired and not too talkative, so we went on our way to find a different vineyard.
Lovely vineyards!
Our special friends. Grapes!
Getting started on our dinner. Another food exploration: Marseille fish soup. We bought some already made from the store. It's common in France to find a lot of the traditional foods ready to eat or ready to cook in the grocery store.
You start the soup by layering toasts in your bowl, then smothering them with rouille,
a very garlicky mayonnaise. You'll notice my plate with avocado, tomato and baguette on it. Not being a fish fan, I made myself a little plate of things I know I'd love.
Tim pours in the soup. I did try some. It was...interesting. I thought it was very fishy. It's basically a bunch of fish in a tomato base that gets pureed together. The French generally don't like chunky soup. So it was hearty, and fishy. Tim thinks it'd be 'an acquired taste', but I don't think it'll ever be my cup-o-tea (or soup).
Ooh, hard not to be jealous! A place that was once close to "home". Miss you Stephanie! What a blessing your time together must have been :)
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