Old France New France

Old France New France

August 2016

We had a wonderful week visiting Provence tasting its delights, savoring views, and having a glimpse of this refined culture.  The house in itself was full of surprises, little corners, stairs leading to the roof, and a whole range of photos and albums of the owners. The kitchen was a world of its own, with a variety of olive oils, salts, and dishes.  The best part of the day for me was the mornings -- the extended breakfast pleasure and lively conversation after my morning run.  Initially, I only ran from one village to another, sometimes having a 'noisette' with locals before running back to the house.  Almost all my questions for directions back to the house from where I was ended with "courage madame" from the locals.  This always made me feel a little triumphant returning home safe and sound after battling the outside world!!! 

I did have the impression of a déjà-vu in Provence, it almost seemed as though I was in a movie.  Some things even looked familiar.  It was the France and the French I was brought up to admire and appreciate -- the courtesy, style, and impeccable gout.  

And then we went to Marseille!!! And that is when I realized that Provence was actually the Old France and that Marseille is the New France.  It was vibrant, dynamic, and volatile!  I sort of felt at home as it was more like the Middle East I know.  Everything looked like the Old France -- the architecture, the Cathedral, and the Old City -- but the people were of all races, colors, and dresses.  It was exciting and alive!  Could it be that I felt more at home?  Perhaps... It was a sort of Paris in the Mideast!

I saw couples -- white and black hands walking hand-in-hand; I saw Burkini-clad women walking hand-in-hand with modern-clad young men; I saw diversity, flash of colors, and heterogeneity.  And, for some reason that gave me hope for the future. 

It may not be the refined France and French we know but it seems to be the future and from the way we were treated with patience, kindness and an extremely helpful attitude from the young locals all the way on the "dangerous" road to the St Charles Gare, I would say that perhaps Marseille offers a new perspective on how a multicultural city can exist and even thrive. 

I am including a link to the "Je Suis Chez Moi" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsOqEhMumaw song we heard countless times that tells it all.

Tina