Day 28: Adios Spain, Bonjour France!

We were prepared for the long journey we had ahead of us today- but it actually didn't turn out to be that bad! We had to take 3 different trains to get from Barcelona to Marseille which was kind of nice because it broke up the day a little bit instead of sitting on one train, in one seat for the whole 8 hours! We also had some amazing scenery to make the ride so much more enjoyable! We passed by so many beautiful little seaside towns- Mom was writing down the names for her next vacation! We arrived in Marseille around 5:30 and found our hotel with BARELY any trouble! (We only had to ask a few people for directions and we didn't get lost once!) By the time we got settled into our room it was about dinner time so we headed out in search of some food. For a while it looked like it was going to be a repeat of last night (where everything was closed and we got stuck eating at a ghetto diner), but then we found this fabulous seafood restaurant! It was in the more touristy area of Vieux Port (which we were trying to avoid) but it turned out to be amazingly delicious (and authentic!) food at a crazy cheap price. We tried boullabaise which is a French specialty of fish stew. I know, doesn't sound very appetizing (I was a little scared at first) but it turned out to be delicious! I would describe it more as a variety of fish in a bowl with a little bit of broth poured over it (plus melted cheese on top!)
I dunno, the pic doesn't even do it justice! Once again, I think you will just have to come to France to try it for yourself! Ooh, and I can't forget about the amazing vanilla ice crea, I had for dessert! I know, you're thinking "Wow, vanilla ice cream, that's so boring"- but you have never tasted vanilla ice cream like this before- at least I hadn't! Mom and I already decided we are going back tomorrow night!

Love, Dianna

PS. How could I forget this?? The only downside of the restaurant (yet extremely hilarious): when I was coming out of the washroom (which was upstairs and completely deserted) a waiter started talking to me, asking where I was from, etc...he was was being so happy/friendly that he opened his arms for a hug so I obliged. Then he went in for a kiss- which I thought was going to be the two cheek "French-style" kiss- but nope, he went directly for the lips! So what did I do when this happened? The only thing I could do! (Well, I guess I could have slapped him...) I laughed it off and told him, "Wow, people are really friendly here in Marseille!" Let's just hope he is not there when we go back tomorrow...