We went to the Red Bull Flugtag (flight day in German) on Sunday. It took us 3 hours (!!!) to get from the Gare Routière in Aix to the Plage du Prado in Marseille, where the event took place. The bus was 'plein', which is the French word (I learned) for full. After some time, we could better walk to the beach than stay in the hot bus, because there was a traffic jam.
The Flugtag wasn’t very interesting. I had seen a similar television program in the Netherlands, where people ‘fly’ with their ‘airplanes’ at the end of a road and then fall into the water (Ter Land, ter Zee en in de Lucht). I ate a panini close to the beach and I enjoyed the sun. At the end of the day, we planned to go another day to Marseille to see the Notre Dame on the hill of Marseille.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Le pont d'Avignon
Last Saturday, I went with a small group to Avignon. Luckily, we had a French friend who actually lived in the region. So, we didn’t have to go to the Tourist Office that day! I think Avignon is a beautiful city. There are many shops and older buildings. The most impressive building was the Palais des Papes, one of the highest gothic buildings in Europe. I also ate some delicious moules frites in a brasserie close to the Hotel de Ville of Avignon. The Pont d'Avignon was the main tourist attraction, I'd say. We didn't go up, but near the city wall you can be close to the famous bridge (see the slideshow). The only problem was that the first and last bus, which would take us back to Aix, was at 7.45 PM. Everyone was tired when we finally arrived at the Gare Routière.
I must say, that this city is in the top 3 of my ‘best cities visited in the South of France’ list. I really enjoyed this day and I had great company!
I must say, that this city is in the top 3 of my ‘best cities visited in the South of France’ list. I really enjoyed this day and I had great company!
Quick stop in Toulon
Last Wednesday, before I had to go to French class, I had found some time to go to Toulon by bus. It was hot and sunny, so the conditions were excellent for taking some pictures! The city center, with a Tourist Office close to the harbor, was quite small. Still, I could see some interesting buildings and I hoped to find many ‘trompes l’oeils’. These paintings are quite funny to see, because you see something, that isn’t there at all!* I enjoyed an ice cream in the shopping center and walked along the Provencal market in the city center. The Port d’Italie was quite small and I found a bookshop with all sorts of books. Unfortunately, I had to go back at noon to attend the French class in the afternoon.
* I put 2 pictures in the slideshow. The first trompe l’oeil, which I found just by walking around, was in Toulon.
The second one shows the popes of Avignon. The French friend who went with us to Avignon, had quite a hard time finding that one, because it’s hidden in the city center.
* I put 2 pictures in the slideshow. The first trompe l’oeil, which I found just by walking around, was in Toulon.
The second one shows the popes of Avignon. The French friend who went with us to Avignon, had quite a hard time finding that one, because it’s hidden in the city center.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Nice and Monaco
Warning: visiting 2 cities in 1 weekend can be exhausting!
I left the Gare Routière in Aix at 9 AM on a rainy Saturday. About 2 ½ hours later I arrived at the Gare Routière in Nice. I bought some delicious French food at the bakery next to it. Seeing the beach in the rain was very depressing. So my Asian friends and I decided to visit the old city. We ate socca, the (in)famous crêpe of Nice, and did some sightseeing. We had booked 2 rooms in a hostel near the train station of Nice named Hotel Pastoral. It was quite nice and I enjoyed the shower*. I ate a pizza in the evening at one of the restaurants near the Lafayette shopping center. We had to go to bed early, because the cathedral of Monaco was waiting for us!
We went by bus (only 1 euro) to Monaco from the Gare Routière in Nice. First, we went to the cathedral in Monaco-Ville, because the Monaco Boys Choir would sing in a service. The guard in front of the cathedral told us that we couldn’t visit the cathedral during the service. I waited outside on one of the benches**. Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III were married and buried in that cathedral. In front of the cathedral is a nice garden with a beautiful view over the Mediterranean Sea.
The change of the guards of the palace in Monaco-Ville was at 11.55 AM. I visited the cathedral and walked to the port of Monaco. I dreamed of a rich future, while I was seeing the yachts. The casino of Monte-Carlo was another tourist attraction. I said goodbye to the other international students and went back to Nice by bus. The bus to Aix was already waiting for me at the Gare Routière in Nice. At 8 PM I entered my room, ready to go to bed. I still have some blisters from the long walks in rainy Nice. They will remind me for a long time of the “Nice Weekend” in Nice and Monaco…
* I can’t regulate the temperature of the showers in Estelan. So it’s either too hot or too cold. I even woke up an hour earlier to enjoy the 20 minutes in the shower of the hostel!
** Unfortunately, I didn’t hear the Monaco Boys Choir (more men than boys) that well outside. But it was still a good decision, because many guided groups (in all languages) went by. I learned much about the cathedral, the parliament and the oceanic museum.
I left the Gare Routière in Aix at 9 AM on a rainy Saturday. About 2 ½ hours later I arrived at the Gare Routière in Nice. I bought some delicious French food at the bakery next to it. Seeing the beach in the rain was very depressing. So my Asian friends and I decided to visit the old city. We ate socca, the (in)famous crêpe of Nice, and did some sightseeing. We had booked 2 rooms in a hostel near the train station of Nice named Hotel Pastoral. It was quite nice and I enjoyed the shower*. I ate a pizza in the evening at one of the restaurants near the Lafayette shopping center. We had to go to bed early, because the cathedral of Monaco was waiting for us!
We went by bus (only 1 euro) to Monaco from the Gare Routière in Nice. First, we went to the cathedral in Monaco-Ville, because the Monaco Boys Choir would sing in a service. The guard in front of the cathedral told us that we couldn’t visit the cathedral during the service. I waited outside on one of the benches**. Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III were married and buried in that cathedral. In front of the cathedral is a nice garden with a beautiful view over the Mediterranean Sea.
The change of the guards of the palace in Monaco-Ville was at 11.55 AM. I visited the cathedral and walked to the port of Monaco. I dreamed of a rich future, while I was seeing the yachts. The casino of Monte-Carlo was another tourist attraction. I said goodbye to the other international students and went back to Nice by bus. The bus to Aix was already waiting for me at the Gare Routière in Nice. At 8 PM I entered my room, ready to go to bed. I still have some blisters from the long walks in rainy Nice. They will remind me for a long time of the “Nice Weekend” in Nice and Monaco…
* I can’t regulate the temperature of the showers in Estelan. So it’s either too hot or too cold. I even woke up an hour earlier to enjoy the 20 minutes in the shower of the hostel!
** Unfortunately, I didn’t hear the Monaco Boys Choir (more men than boys) that well outside. But it was still a good decision, because many guided groups (in all languages) went by. I learned much about the cathedral, the parliament and the oceanic museum.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
CAF and ASTI
They are both abbreviations of organizations I went to today, but they have a totally different purpose. The former is the Caisse d’Allocations Familiales, which can give me about 80 Euros per month for the room I’m renting in France. The latter is the Association de Solidarité avec les Travailleurs Immigrés, where I will do some volunteering work (hopefully) until December.
The CAF office of Aix is situated close to the highway A51. I already found it by accident during my walk on Sunday. After waiting 10 minutes in the entrance hall, I could go to the desk. A kind lady explained which forms (4 + 1 filled in by my cité universitaire) I had to fill in and which other documents I’d need to send. I finished the forms within 15 minutes, so it cost me less time than I expected. My exchange coordinator at the IAE had told me that I needed a ‘carte de séjour’ for the CAF. But the lady at the CAF said that I don’t have to, since I’m a European citizen. Otherwise, I had to fill in even more French forms...
Late in the afternoon, I went to the Maison des Associations* where the ASTI rents a room between 5 PM and 6:45 PM. I already met 2 people from this organization on a big fair** at the Cours Mirabeau last Sunday. I had decided in The Netherlands that I wanted to do some volunteering work. Most of all, I could get in contact with French people (not students) and see how a French organization works. Secondly, I couldn’t do paid work, because my Dutch health insurance wouldn’t allow me to do that. The 2 hours in the Maison des Associations were great. I helped children with English and some Maths. When I didn’t know a word in French, they were eager to help me. I think this is a great opportunity for me to learn French well, because I have to force myself to speak it all the time. So, next Monday I will return to my little “French class” and hopefully, they will let me in on Tuesday as well!
* It rained all day and I had to walk quite far, so I was glad that I took my summer / rain coat with me from The Netherlands.
** Sports clubs, music schools and other organizations from the Aix region presented themselves. There were dance, sports and music demonstrations. The atmosphere was great!
The CAF office of Aix is situated close to the highway A51. I already found it by accident during my walk on Sunday. After waiting 10 minutes in the entrance hall, I could go to the desk. A kind lady explained which forms (4 + 1 filled in by my cité universitaire) I had to fill in and which other documents I’d need to send. I finished the forms within 15 minutes, so it cost me less time than I expected. My exchange coordinator at the IAE had told me that I needed a ‘carte de séjour’ for the CAF. But the lady at the CAF said that I don’t have to, since I’m a European citizen. Otherwise, I had to fill in even more French forms...
Late in the afternoon, I went to the Maison des Associations* where the ASTI rents a room between 5 PM and 6:45 PM. I already met 2 people from this organization on a big fair** at the Cours Mirabeau last Sunday. I had decided in The Netherlands that I wanted to do some volunteering work. Most of all, I could get in contact with French people (not students) and see how a French organization works. Secondly, I couldn’t do paid work, because my Dutch health insurance wouldn’t allow me to do that. The 2 hours in the Maison des Associations were great. I helped children with English and some Maths. When I didn’t know a word in French, they were eager to help me. I think this is a great opportunity for me to learn French well, because I have to force myself to speak it all the time. So, next Monday I will return to my little “French class” and hopefully, they will let me in on Tuesday as well!
* It rained all day and I had to walk quite far, so I was glad that I took my summer / rain coat with me from The Netherlands.
** Sports clubs, music schools and other organizations from the Aix region presented themselves. There were dance, sports and music demonstrations. The atmosphere was great!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Feria in Arles
On Saturday, I went to a traditional festival in Arles. I decided to take the bus to Salon-de-Provence at around 11:00 AM and from there another bus to Arles. There was a fair in Salon-de-Provence where sports* and recreation organizations presented themselves.
The city center of Arles was quite crowded. There was a little market with Provencal products in front of the Hôtel de Ville (city hall). I went into a church named Saint Trophime. This former cathedral was built in the 11 and 12 centuries. On my way to the big amphitheatre I went by an old amphitheatre (much smaller). I saw Camargue horses at the Ville du Cheval, which was an event close to the big amphitheatre.
Many tourists come to the Feria du Riz, because there are bull fights in the amphitheatre. You had to pay at least 15.50 euros to get in. I stayed outside and saw a glimpse of the bull and the toreros in a small opening of the amphitheatre. In the evening, my friends told me that the bulls were eventually killed and dragged by 2 horses. I’m glad that I didn’t go!
Continuing my walk in the city center I saw many typical shops with Provencal products. The Rhône river lies in the north of the city center and I stayed there some time to relax. I went to the Espace Van Gogh near the Arlaten Museum. The Espace is a little garden surrounded by a yellow building. Van Gogh painted here the ‘Courtyard of the Hospital in Arles’ in 1889.
After a great sunny day, my friend and I said farewell to Arles and returned to the other Provencal city (without bull fights) called Aix.
* Many sports clubs had their trophies on the table (no information) to show how good they are!
The city center of Arles was quite crowded. There was a little market with Provencal products in front of the Hôtel de Ville (city hall). I went into a church named Saint Trophime. This former cathedral was built in the 11 and 12 centuries. On my way to the big amphitheatre I went by an old amphitheatre (much smaller). I saw Camargue horses at the Ville du Cheval, which was an event close to the big amphitheatre.
Many tourists come to the Feria du Riz, because there are bull fights in the amphitheatre. You had to pay at least 15.50 euros to get in. I stayed outside and saw a glimpse of the bull and the toreros in a small opening of the amphitheatre. In the evening, my friends told me that the bulls were eventually killed and dragged by 2 horses. I’m glad that I didn’t go!
Continuing my walk in the city center I saw many typical shops with Provencal products. The Rhône river lies in the north of the city center and I stayed there some time to relax. I went to the Espace Van Gogh near the Arlaten Museum. The Espace is a little garden surrounded by a yellow building. Van Gogh painted here the ‘Courtyard of the Hospital in Arles’ in 1889.
After a great sunny day, my friend and I said farewell to Arles and returned to the other Provencal city (without bull fights) called Aix.
* Many sports clubs had their trophies on the table (no information) to show how good they are!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Mountain Sainte-Victoire
Sainte-Victoire is a beautiful mountain near Aix. I heard from a student, who lives in the cité universitaire Cuques (I live in cité universitaire Estelan), that she could even see the mountain from her room.
With 3 other international students I went to the mountain by the navette ‘La Victorine’. It cost me only 2.20 euros for an ‘aller retour’, just like the normal buses from Aix-en-Bus. My monthly bus ticket wasn’t valid for this ride. Luckily, a German student, who knew the Sainte-Victoire mountain very well, told us where to get off the bus (Maison de Sainte-Victoire).
We walked for an hour. For me, it was an exhausting walk, because I’m not used to walk on a steep hill. I was very happy, when we finally reached the top of the hill on the south side of Sainte-Victoire, because we had a great view. We could see some mountains far away. There was a nuclear station or energy plant on the other side and we could see some paragliders flying near the top of the Sainte-Victoire.
Though we were surrounded by bushes, the ground was very dry and many rocks lay on the path. The mountain has a white or grey top (limestone) and a brown foot (clay). The highest point, where the Croix de la Provence is situated, is above 1000 meters!
I took some pictures from the walk and the view. Maybe I’ll go another time to Sainte-Victoire during this semester, when the view is even better.
One remark: I have much spare time right now, because my first course will start on 17 September. Therefore, the posts are kind of touristic. As soon as I attend my classes, I will post something about my experiences at IAE.
With 3 other international students I went to the mountain by the navette ‘La Victorine’. It cost me only 2.20 euros for an ‘aller retour’, just like the normal buses from Aix-en-Bus. My monthly bus ticket wasn’t valid for this ride. Luckily, a German student, who knew the Sainte-Victoire mountain very well, told us where to get off the bus (Maison de Sainte-Victoire).
We walked for an hour. For me, it was an exhausting walk, because I’m not used to walk on a steep hill. I was very happy, when we finally reached the top of the hill on the south side of Sainte-Victoire, because we had a great view. We could see some mountains far away. There was a nuclear station or energy plant on the other side and we could see some paragliders flying near the top of the Sainte-Victoire.
Though we were surrounded by bushes, the ground was very dry and many rocks lay on the path. The mountain has a white or grey top (limestone) and a brown foot (clay). The highest point, where the Croix de la Provence is situated, is above 1000 meters!
I took some pictures from the walk and the view. Maybe I’ll go another time to Sainte-Victoire during this semester, when the view is even better.
One remark: I have much spare time right now, because my first course will start on 17 September. Therefore, the posts are kind of touristic. As soon as I attend my classes, I will post something about my experiences at IAE.
My international network in Aix
I found national flags of the international students I have met. If you have time, tell me how many flags you can recognize.
To help you, here are the countries: The Netherlands, USA, Great-Britain, Dominican Republic, Germany, Belgium, France, Denmark, Sweden, Italy, Finland, Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Taiwan (Republic of China), China (People’s Republic of China), South-Korea, Vietnam, Nepal, Slovakia, Canada, Suisse, Nigeria, Poland, Czech-Republic, India, Greece, Bulgaria, Brazil and Mexico.
To help you, here are the countries: The Netherlands, USA, Great-Britain, Dominican Republic, Germany, Belgium, France, Denmark, Sweden, Italy, Finland, Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Taiwan (Republic of China), China (People’s Republic of China), South-Korea, Vietnam, Nepal, Slovakia, Canada, Suisse, Nigeria, Poland, Czech-Republic, India, Greece, Bulgaria, Brazil and Mexico.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Cassis
Today on the menu: Cassis. Our international group left late in the morning from Gare Routière. The lady in the information center had said that we had to change in Aubagne, but our Cartreize bus went directly to Cassis. Our group was very big; it’s always nice to get to know new international students. We weren’t the only people going to Cassis; the elderly probably went there for the wine.
Cassis is a village not far from Marseille at the Mediterranean Sea. It’s surrounded by big rocks. Therefore, the beaches aren’t very long and the view is - as anywhere I’ve been in the past 2 ½ weeks – great. I like mountains and any landscapes that are different from The Netherlands. Cassis has a little port, where I could see some nice yachts. Apparently, it was a special day in Cassis, because we saw many wine stands and a traditional music group in the center of the village. The atmosphere was wonderful, though it was a bit crowded. We lied on the beach (pebbles) near the little port. Many tanned people didn’t mind walking and swimming topless, which I found a little bit strange. The water was ice-cold for us, but the Finnish guys in our group loved it!
When we wanted to go back, the bus had already left to Aix (too early). I believe that the French buses don’t really care about the bus schedule, that’s my experience with the navettes of the Cartreize network. Luckily, a bus (2.70 euros) took us to Marseille. We had to go by subway (1.50 euros) to the famous Arc de triomphe of Marseille to catch the Cartreize bus to Aix. It took us 2 ½ hours to arrive at the Gare Routière and I was glad to be home.
Cassis is a village not far from Marseille at the Mediterranean Sea. It’s surrounded by big rocks. Therefore, the beaches aren’t very long and the view is - as anywhere I’ve been in the past 2 ½ weeks – great. I like mountains and any landscapes that are different from The Netherlands. Cassis has a little port, where I could see some nice yachts. Apparently, it was a special day in Cassis, because we saw many wine stands and a traditional music group in the center of the village. The atmosphere was wonderful, though it was a bit crowded. We lied on the beach (pebbles) near the little port. Many tanned people didn’t mind walking and swimming topless, which I found a little bit strange. The water was ice-cold for us, but the Finnish guys in our group loved it!
When we wanted to go back, the bus had already left to Aix (too early). I believe that the French buses don’t really care about the bus schedule, that’s my experience with the navettes of the Cartreize network. Luckily, a bus (2.70 euros) took us to Marseille. We had to go by subway (1.50 euros) to the famous Arc de triomphe of Marseille to catch the Cartreize bus to Aix. It took us 2 ½ hours to arrive at the Gare Routière and I was glad to be home.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Château d'If and Iles du Frioul
Because it was too windy on Saturday, we couldn’t take the boat to the Château d’If. That’s why we went last Sunday. It was a beautiful sunny day. We decided to meet at the Gare Routière (bus station). The bus ticket cost only 1 Euro in the weekend, because I had bought a Cartreize of 5 Euros. It’s ideal when you are under the age of 25.
The boat to Château d’If was already waiting for us in the port. Apparently, many tourists had the same idea. Château d’If is a former castle / prison and is situated on a big plateau of limestone. It has been the set of many movies about the Count of Monte Cristo and a former prisoner of Château d’If inspired Alexandre Dumas to write this story. As a European (discrimination?) student under the age of 25 I could get in for free. The prison wasn’t very interesting, but I enjoyed the view. I took some beautiful pictures of (the surroundings of) Marseille and the Iles du Frioul.
The boats that took us to Château d’If and Iles du Frioul, didn’t care about the timetable. One boat went too early, so we had to wait a little to get to the Iles du Frioul. The islands have a little port and there are many restaurants near this port. We saw the rest of the Islands in a small trolley car for 4 Euros. I could see the white-limestone rocks and palm trees. Moreover, the color of the water is wonderful! The boat trip to Château d’If and the Iles du Frioul cost me 15 Euros. It was definitely worth the money, because I won’t forget the memories I have of these amazing places.
The boat to Château d’If was already waiting for us in the port. Apparently, many tourists had the same idea. Château d’If is a former castle / prison and is situated on a big plateau of limestone. It has been the set of many movies about the Count of Monte Cristo and a former prisoner of Château d’If inspired Alexandre Dumas to write this story. As a European (discrimination?) student under the age of 25 I could get in for free. The prison wasn’t very interesting, but I enjoyed the view. I took some beautiful pictures of (the surroundings of) Marseille and the Iles du Frioul.
The boats that took us to Château d’If and Iles du Frioul, didn’t care about the timetable. One boat went too early, so we had to wait a little to get to the Iles du Frioul. The islands have a little port and there are many restaurants near this port. We saw the rest of the Islands in a small trolley car for 4 Euros. I could see the white-limestone rocks and palm trees. Moreover, the color of the water is wonderful! The boat trip to Château d’If and the Iles du Frioul cost me 15 Euros. It was definitely worth the money, because I won’t forget the memories I have of these amazing places.
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