Marseille France

#Marseille_France

As we enter the Port of Marseille we can see why its the largest in France plus the second biggest on the Mediterranean Sea
It just oozes culture with a rich history dating back with the founding from the Greek settlers in 600 BC

KeyTip; no need for paid tours here as everything is very walkable

You cannot help but notice as we enter the harbor the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde overlooking the port
This Neo-Byzantine design was started in 1853 on an old site that once had a fort (1524) using its foundations for the base of the construction that was overlooking the harbor

For many centuries because of its Maritime History and connection to the sea for its immense  economic importance
 Part of the church has a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary
as she was considered a protector and guide for sailors especially during storms or difficult voyages

There are a diverse range of architectural buildings to see while walking the streets

The French (in this case through street art) love to protest or debate
Liberty of expression is a cornerstone of a democratic lifestyle which is critical thinking to be able to analyze, evaluate and challenge the status quo

Did you know the number 59 can represent personal freedom and humanitarianism
Probably the person living here does not know that 😂 but i took the picture anyway

I am sure the city placed these butterflies in the trees lining the streets as it commonly symbolizes hope, transformation and rebirth (the life cycle from caterpillar to winged adult)

Marseille is the oldest City in France plus enjoys over 2900 hours of sunshine per year making it the most in the country hence one of the most visited by tourists

Was told by my barista (after showing the photo) this is what is known as Old Medicine of Marseille which refers to the practice of Crinas of Marseilles

It would be a 1st century physician who used astrological knowledge to apply it to his patients for meal times and determining diets

                                      Found the area of one of seven factories (1660) that produced 20,000 tons of                                                                                              soap annually

                                         The paste then was made by mixing beechwood ash and goats tallow which                                                         besides washing clothes, dye hair red it was recognized as having                                                                                   certain medicinal properties

                              KeyTip; to present day, Marseille Soap are marketed as such, but the name/brand is                                                                                       not protected so beware

                                            The first thing to do is look at the color of the soap; if red, pink, yellow                                                                            or blue they are knock offs

                                            Marseille Soaps are either green (made from olive oil) or white (peanut                                                                                           oil, palm & copa)

                                                        There is your shopping tip for today jajajajjaja 😅

On the streets looking for the location of the first public cafe dating back in 1671 in the Exchange neighborhood

The city is renowned for its diverse and multicultural population which was the result of centuries of immigration from around the Mediterranean, Africa and other parts of Europe

 

This is the Panier District (oldest part of the city)
Known for its narrow streets, colorful houses and great atmosphere while sitting at the cafes

Time to head back to the Mediterranean as in Marseille you are considered at the crossroads of Northern Africa, Southern Europe plus Western Asia
So many options to keep exploring this amazing place we call Earth