Marseille

My first trip out of Grenoble.. 2 nights in Marseille~ =)

Bought the 12-25 which is actually for young people. It gives us 25%/50% discount for train rides at certain hours. If you are travelling a lot across the provinces in France, this is a must buy.

Took the bus (coach) to Valence before we took the TGV (bullet train) to Marseille.
Marseille is a port and has a large number of Muslims. From what my other friends told me, it is because the port is near other Muslim countries. That also explains the large number of kerbab, sandwich and pizza shops around.

When Charlene, John and I reached there, it was already dark. The rest who are there since morning came to the train station (la gare) to pick us up. It was moderately cold but still bearable. We walked towards Vieux Port and met up with the rest at the hotel St Louis.

Took a long walk (which include lots of photos) to our hotel. Our hotel is very nice for 20Euros per night. It is a 2 star hotel but the decorations and bed were of high quality. It even has a BATH TUBE! =P Pardon me, it is quite difficult to find a bath tube here =P ..

Had my first sandwich for dinner. I must say that the fries are awesome and the price is alright (2.50 Euros for 1).. We even had another sandwich for lunch the next day (but from diff shop). It is kind of difficult to find something around 2Euro price, full and nice. In chinese is Want it cheap, Want it fresh and Want it nice. But well, this is the best that we can find!

The next day was a full excursion day. We head to one of the Chateau to watch sun rise and the city. It was magnificent. =)

We are not able to make it for Chateau d'if as the wind is too strong for the boat to sail so we just go to Palais Longchamp. This palace was also magnificently built. The structure, architecture were wonderful.

After which we took bus 21 and headed towards a nature reserve (Luminy station). Walked up to a mini peak and took some good photos. The wind was very strong and we had to be very careful with our belongings. After which we went all the way down to the beach.. The seawater was magnificiently clear and blue. Took lots of photos (not in my camera sadly). Will have to wait for the others to upload them!

Headed back to the main town and had a fine, awesome seafood dinner. It cost 20.50Euros for one person but it is a definite must try. I had it before on the Island of Fouille (also in marseille.. it is an offshore island). The meal consists of 1/2 large crab, many mussels, prawns, clams, etc. The prawns were very juicy! It just "melts" in the mouth =P

The rest of them headed to Avignon the next day but I took the train back to Grenoble as I have been there before. It was snowing for the first time (that I have seen) in Grenoble (city). =)