Now in Marseille after another take off at dawn from Heathrow.
The border policeman at the airport checked my passport (heavily stamped) and replied to my « Bonjour » with « Bienvenu à Marseille Monsieur John », we then had a few words of banter, all of which I thought was unusually warm.
The window of the piano shop in Cours Julien has a striking display featuring a Pleyel instrument with a wonderful case. There’s a note commending its warm tone. And the nearest supermarket has plenty of salad, unlike the UK.
Weather a bit sad grey and stormy but a good few degrees higher than London.
So just when I was feeling good about Marseille I turned the corner to our apartement block to find the front door has been vandalised, also the letter boxes inside. CCTV shows it was courier delivery man in a white van. Someone is dealing with the door, and the glass has been replaced with timber for the time being. Not great at any time but especially not after the hassles of international travel.
Oh well, the favourite boulangerie had, as usual, many tempting patisseries. I chatted with the joint owner asking why everywhere is so calm, not many people around. She was very clear that those who can are out on the ski slopes.
Thinking of which, I enjoyed my salad of Fourme D'Ambert cheese and nuts from Grenoble with a glass of a fine Abymes, an unusual wine from Savoie. Fragrant and tasting grapefruit and lemon with a hint of mountain herbs.
Welcome back to Marseille!
