[A] Cassis- 29 May 2010

On Sunday, we went to Cassis, a town on the French Riviera (famous for the liqueur of the same name) and enjoyed a day at the beach. Cassis is about an hour's bus ride from Aix to the southeast.

We began the trip with a coastline tour, traveling in and out of coves, viewing remote beaches, winding throughout ragged Mediterranean cliffs. I made the mistake of sitting at the front of the boat and, having swiftly dismissed the suggestion to bring a jacket to the beach town, I nearly froze as I was pummeled by water, but it was enjoyable. The views were incredible.

After returning to Cassis, Brian, Laura, and I got some sandwiches to take out (including my first croque monsieur) and sat near the docks to eat them. We then wandered towards the rocks at bottom of the cliff (described at one point as the largest in France?) and relaxed, took in the sea and sun.

I decided to walk into town to explore a little bit, and chanced upon an art market of all local work. It was surprisingly good quality, but stylistically it was bit from Cezanne and Matisse pretty heavily. Considering the context, I'm fine with that. After another ten minutes of walking, I sat down to have a coffee at the small harbor. Our day there was drawing to an end.

I went back out and joined the group on a platform near the rocks on which I had been, and after a dip in the water I finished Calvino's Palomar (in Italian) and prepared to board the bus. While waiting, I discussed the possibility (in French) of my moving from the beginner class to the intermediate. Mmd. Monchal seemed convinced, and put me in French 103. I am the only student in that class, and I have two professors. Life is grand.

Ciao,
A