Fish stew? ...No, Merci.

I'd rather lick Nutella off my Spork anyday!


Marseille is the birthplace of the interesting dish known as Bouillabaisse, a variety of fish stew or soup. Yummy? Wouldn't know.. I didn't have the guts to try it! I wish I could say I did just for the purpose of this blog, but it just did not appeal to me, in any way. I did get close, even found a restaurant that would serve it to me, as you often need to reserve 1-2 days in advance, but I backed out and opted for microwave Carbonara. 


Bouillabaisse is a fish based soup made from a variety of cooked fish, shellfish, vegetables and different spices like garlic, basil, saffron and orange peels. Interested?


I guess way back in the day, when Bouillabaisse was founded in the port city Marseille, fishermen would come home and rather than cooking the expensive fish, they would use the more common, bony fish they couldn't use in restaurants and boil them in sea water with garlic and other spices. Even more appealing now.. :P


Even so, I cannot say it isn't good, because I honestly don't know. But to try some authentic Bouillabaisse, head on down to Marseille. As for the rest of the city, it is very pretty. Not too much there, The Notre Dame, some other churches, and a breathtaking view for sure. 

I was only planning on a quick visit in Marseille, 2 sleeps and an early getaway, but I really liked the hostel at my first arrival, and quickly booked an extra night before I even knew what was in the city. I would say one day is good to see everything you need to see. I ended up spending my days walking around, sitting in the sun for hours, and learning the Australian versions of a few card games. 


From Marseille today, I took the train a little further down the southern coast to Nice. They were right- Nice is very Nice. The sun was shining, the palm trees are back! And there is certainly no snow here. Have not seen much yet, but wandered down to the so-called pebbly beaches where I found rocks, not pebbles. Smooth rocks I guess but still, very large pebbles. 

One of the best parts of travelling in this way, is seeing the countryside out the window of a train. I mean unfortunately sometimes you get a horrible seat where a kid sticks his lollipop in your hair and his grandmothers teeth fall in your lap, but when you look beyond those things and check out the country side, it really is quite beautiful. Even if (along my recent route) you just see the inside of the mountains, with a quick flash of the Sea every now and then, you find yourself staring at your reflection until the little flash of daylight comes back. Yes- the train can stink, but just as often it smells alright.


Heading to Italy next, not 100% sure where yet. Any suggestions?


Food to eat before I leave France:
NO Bouillabaisse
Crepes
and Vin Chaud... thats up for debate. 


As for now, back to my Nutella! Bonsoir :)
shannon xx