'highest point'

It being his birthday, High Pike chose where he wanted to go for the day. His choice was Marseille, a place we have often planned to go to from here, but never quite made it.

A brilliant day. We wandered round the Vieux Port, watched the fish being sold straight from the boats, and then thought vaguely about walking up to the city’s highest point – the Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde. On the spur of the moment, and as we sighted a Number 60 bus with Notre Dame de la Garde on the front, we got on. It was full and we stood and hung on for dear life as the bus made its way up and up and up the steep, twisty roads. I suppose the words ‘highest point’ should have been a clue!

Anyway we got there and I wasn’t so much pleased to get out as concerned about how we got down again.

The views were stunning - 360° over Marseille and the surrounding hills. Here’s just a bit of it – needs to be seen large. You can see the boats in the Vieux Port and the two forts that protected the entrance. You can also see in the other port several cruise ships docked. No wonder the place was busy.

We did get down again – by a Number 60 and it was much easier, especially as we had a seat this time. Then we had a wonderful lunch, although at first we were spoilt for choice. I have never before seen so many restaurants/cafes in one place.

A great day and then someone gifted him full membership of Blip, as she did last year. And this same person bought him a new basket in which to bring the bread up from the village each morning. Now what better presents could a man want!!