Days 1,2 & 3 GETTING TO MARSEILLE, FRANCE

Sister and I flew to Marseille on the new 380, which had only been flying a couple of weeks before we flew. Much of our planning is already described on her blog, so I will refer you to her blog avelingsardineclass.blogspot.com/2011_07_01_archive.html  or for more on this day see, http://travelingsardineclass.blogspot.com/2011/07/close-plays-on-opening-day.html     for full detail. However, she did not include pictures of the A380,

nor of us landing in CDG airport in Paris. This is the picture for which I had my hand slapped (not literally) by the flight attendant. Who knew that using a camera was an electronic device, for which one is not supposed to use during landing? Takeoff and landing is shown upon a screen at the front of each cabin, from a camera on the plane's tail. It is pretty awesome.

Our impression of the A380 (we were in the upper cabin), is that is is QUIET and just seemed to float up on takeoff. For such a big plane, it was surprising. Naturally there is no extra leg space nor do the seats seem wider, although I think they are by 1 inch or so.

We stayed in Sabine's  B&B in Marseille, which was located downtown, behind a door which did not appear to contain several houses. Amazingly quiet considering that a busy street was not far away.


Sister at door to Sabines

Upon our arrival, the other early arrivees were ready for dinner, so we quickly changed our clothes and walked to a lebanese restaurant where we had a fine dinner with the new friends.

The next morning after breakfast,the other early arrivees took off for St. Cecile des Vignes, but we stayed behind with Beth to pick up Andrea that evening.

As sister as frequently taken "the little tourist trains" in visiting towns, we decided to head for the Marseille port to catch the little train.

While standing in line, all of a sudden, I turned around, and saw my wallet on the ground with sister's foot on it. A gypsy lady had pickpocketed me, and fortunately dropped my oversized wallet on the ground, a sister saw her do it. The woman had such gaul, that she continued to beg for money, even after having been caught stealing. After that incident, no more wallet and no more money in the purse.. We enjoyed the little train tour, had lunch at a great fish place, picked up Andrea and headed off to St. Cecile in time for a late dinner.



Early arrivees