Chilling at the Beach
Today is a day of spontaneity, as I set off for the Cote d’Azur in the morning, ending up in Marseille. On the Prado promenade, I gaze at the sun setting behind the castle of If, enjoying the moment and the atmosphere of the sea. Experiences like this remind me that sometimes the best decisions are made on instinct, even if the day doesn’t go according to plan.
started from the idea that I wanted to go to a beach where I wouldn’t freeze in the mystical wind. I decided to head for Marseille, my destination was the Riviera. At two in the afternoon, I realised that my 6am wake-up call had turned into a two-hour train ride in the afternoon. So there was no point in continuing to St Tropez on another train, so I stayed in Marseille. This proved to be a good idea in the end, as the wild winds here had softened into a summer breeze.
I chose Borély beach because it has one of the biggest breakwaters, which always makes for a pleasant environment. I even bought fruit juice, olives, bread and salami in Crau. In a town where you can always get fresh fruit, quality meat products and warm bread, these make the perfect combination for a great snack. Yes, it’s just below the threshold of temptation that the smell of the sea is still dazzling today. Sky blue and silver from the sun waves back in the foam behind the floats. Fishermen sat on the rocks, and on the flatter stretch, beachgoers sunbathed, some of us dipping into the relatively cold water. The air temperature had dropped to +26 degrees and the water was no warmer than a Lake Balaton in June.
At the Prado beach, while bathing in the sunset lights, I scooped into a good value gnocchi platter. In the early afternoon, on a whim, I booked a room in a student hostel, although a night outdoors would have been nice. After unloading my bag in the room I shared with three Moroccans, I discovered a hip-hop concert in the downtown square. Although I’m not a fan of this style, I did acknowledge that the girl who sang and her dancers were skilled. Afterwards, a rapper boy performed, who must have good music because a lot of people were listening, but after five minutes I went down to the quayside instead.
I sat on the stones for an hour, watching the still water and the quiet boats. Finally I slept on a bunk bed – still more comfortable than hovering over the stones.
Marseille, Sunday 15 September 2024
