Blogging Through France: Day 1

I’m Going To France Today!

Check in time 4:10, and I got to the airport at 4:08. Thank you Dottie!  There were only five people in line ahead of me.  The plane was not full, so I asked to change my seat.  I was assigned an aisle seat in Row 15.  Awesome…second row from the door!  I was thinking “quick exit.”

Going through Security was a breeze. I had one hour until boarding.  I sat down and Skyped my friend, Gene, who asked me to call before we boarded.  We talked for a half-hour.  It cost nine cents per minute Skyping using logan wifi… so under $3.00 total.

On the plane it became clear that I was the only passenger in the row of three seats.  That was a first. Now I could  really spread out. The plane left on schedule and we landed in Paris at 6:50 am.  I quickly walked from Terminal 2E to Terminal 2F.  I was thinking this is going so smoothly.    Got my passport stamped in a few minutes.  And continued to the Security check with my carry-on luggage.  Of course I forgot to take my computer out of my carry-on luggage.  Now I needed a full body pat down. The best sex I’ve had in a month :).

I checked the flight monitors and it read Gate 27 for Marseille.

I was there in 10 minutes.  I felt like a pro breezing through the airport. The early flight to Marseille was still boarding.  It was 7:15 am and my flight was to board at 8:00 am.

I went to the ladies room to freshen up and picked up a magazine, and returned to Gate 27.  I was reading a few articles when I looked up and noticed there was no plane at this gate.  They had changed the gate to Gate 30.  Luckily the article was not that mesmerizing.  We boarded a little late, 8:20.  And, I was feeling really good about this flight to Marseille after what happened last year.  (Read my blog…Fly Me To The Moon or Marseille..

 

My joy was short-lived as I sat on the plane for one hour before we took off.  It seems there was a strike in Marseille and we couldn’t take off until we got the ok.  We still don’t know what they were striking about.  I was told the pilot said this when we first boarded, but, of course, he was speaking in French.  I felt so frustrated.

I was hoping Gene figured out what happened as he was picking me  up at the airport.  I was glad I chose comfortable clothes over my pencil skirt and heels.

 

 

We arrived 40 minutes late (11:00 am), but I found my luggage at baggage claim within minutes.  Gene found me first which was really nice.  He came up behind me and surprised me with a big hug.  He said I didn’t even flinch.  I told him guys always come up to me and hug me when I’m at baggage claim.

It felt so great to be in Marseille.  The sun was shining, it was 80 degrees.  Life was feeling very good. We drove through Marseille, the Vieux Port area is undergoing a major renovation with added greenery and parks.  It’s striking with it’s old city charm.  And, being on the water makes it a “major attraction.”

It was noon and we were both hungry.  Gene drove to a pretty restaurant on the water called Ruhl.  Seafood is their specialty as well as their service and views.  I took pictures of the Sole Meuniere, my dish, and the Misto Fritto, Gene’s.  I couldn’t resist the chocolate mousse for dessert.  We had our Rose wine from Cassis, delicieuse.  I took some pictures to share with you.

 

 

We drove back to Seguret where I had a special table set for me with little wrapped gifts of candles, soaps, writing journal and cards.  Very sweet and thoughtful.  I was drawn in immediately by the beauty of this historic village. I went onto his Terrace.  It was a little cool out, maybe 60 degrees.

 

 

I unpacked and we walked to his “Cave” (a studio apt that he is building out one street below).  I would say it is 600 square feet, and coming along nicely.

Then we got hungry again.  This time setting the table in front of the fireplace, we had wine (Gigondas), cheese, foie gras, tomatoes, and crusty bread.   Ahhh! What’s better than that?  A perfect ending to a perfect day.  Well, almost, but do you really think I’m going to write about that (maybe after a few more wines)?

 

Wish you could be with me.  I’m going to be experimenting with slideshows and maybe U-tube videos.  This is going to be fun!!!

Love,

Dee