Procession

If I think about it, I haven't come across many festivals since my arrival in France. Luckily I came across one days before I'm leaving Montpellier. Saint Roch is kind of like the guardian saint of the city and there was a procession to commermorate it. There's always something going on in the city but never have I seen so many locals participating.

The Perfect South of France Studio

My host mom and I decided to go visit one of her friends after shopping at the market which she has a beautiful little apartment that's so artistic and antique. I just had to show it because the way she arranges her things are amazing. Normally I really like simplistic minimalist houses but this was just gorgeous.

Assistant

Weekends is the time when French families spend time together but also a good time to go to the marchés that are held all over town. My host mom decided to go shopping at the marché so I decided to come along as a helper, although I just ended up being a photographer. I love watching the lively vendors and different kinds of fresh produce but guess I'm not much of a help at all..! My host mom has been busy with work lately so at least we got to talk a lot during shopping. Afterwards we headed to the other part of town to the antique market. Couldn't stay long as it was getting hot but should be able to find some treasures if you take a good look around for a few hours. The locals were taking a break by the coffee trucks in the shade and went on for the rest of their excursions.

Fresh fish

Host mom making her move

Wish Come True

People think that Montpellier is a beach city but in fact it's about 5-6km away so it's not like I can go to the beach everyday after class. There's actually no direct trainline that goes to the beach either (although there's a shuttle bus that goes directly from one of the tram lines). So even though I'm quite close to the beach, I never was able to reach to the sandy beaches. Since my host mother took one week off, she kindly offered me to take me to the beach one afternoon. There are actually many beaches along the coast but we decided to go to Le Grau de Loi as there's a pier and a nice market area to walk around.

First things first, the sandy beach, oh how I missed you!

We then headed to go get some chichis which are flat churros that you find around beach towns in the South of France. The flour base batter is fried and then dumped in sugar. My camera wasn't able to catch the scale of them but they're huge!

Freshly making chichis

Typical beachside food...waffles, donuts, and crepes. All easy finger foods that will fill you up after long hours swimming!

I know I'm not supposed to eat that much wheat (I'm sensitive) but... yum!

Host mom biting in

 As we walked around the pier with our chichis, I discovered that there's lots of nice boutiques. As being girls, we both ended up going shopping rather than enjoying the beach. Some things are just the same everywhere you go.. I ended up buying 2 dresses, 1 scarf, and a belt with my host mom helping me out. 

Fishermen coming back into the ports

fresh seafood

And one last surprise on our way back home... flamingos! Apparently this is the only place in France (and only one of a few in Europe) that you're able to see wild flamingos.

The reflection of the trees made the reservoir turn completely green, stunning

As I get near to my end date in Montpellier I cherish the friendship and bond that has bloomed with my host mother and I. Though we were total strangers before that don't even talk the same language, I'm just so thankful how we have been able to communicate and really come to understand each other. She even finishes my sentences and my host father always get mad that she doesn't let me talk. I'm just so thankful of her presence and her support throughout these weeks. I'm going to miss her when I leave.

Marseille Part 2

Day 2 of Marseille starts with a cup of joe (or as in French they call it un petit noir).
I set out to the fish market to the port... to bad I couldn't buy any fish to take back (my host father is a vegetarian).

I then set off to see the Island of If (Chateau d'If) where the Monte Cristo was based on... only to find out that the express boats to there were closed off that day. Reluctantly I headed off to the other island to Frioul (Ile de frioul) where it's a popular destination for local families to have picnics and enjoy swimming and fishing. I happened to sit next to a local big family on the boat in which the daughter was very interested in Japanese culture. We had a good exchange during the boat ride.

I then headed to the much lauded to MuCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilization) which was absolutely beautiful everything from the architecture to the exhibitions. They had a really interesting exhibition about the similarities and traditions of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity which has deep roots in the Mediterranean area as well. The museum is a definitely must go.

And a few more pictures to complete this whole trip. I had so much fun, I'll be back!