Mum's last week with us

Mum’s last week with us in Marseille and the weather is scorching……I think she is wishing she had headed home on the 8^th July as was her original plan - temp in the 30s each and every day…….still the plan is for a cruisey last week.

Lots of time has been spent down at the port swimming in the harbour which is just 5 minutes’ walk from our apartment to swimming.  Not really an area you are meant to swim, but lots of swimmers and so close - perfect for us! 

When we arrived home it was semi-final time in Euro 2016 and France was playing Germany in Marseille.  Karl and I headed up to Le Panier bar/restaurant area and met up with JC (Karl’s work colleague) and family to watch the game - very exciting especially when France scored not only once but twice to secure their place in the final.  It is their first win against Germany in a competition game for over 20 years - wahoo.  After the game was crazy, there was tooting, yelling and fireworks (we think) through the early hours of the morning - not so good for those of us who want sleep!

France were then in the final against Portugal in Paris.  Mum and I went up to Le Panier to watch the game and the atmosphere was great, although the French were nervous! Unfortunately they lost 1-0 in extra time - it was a very quiet night in Vieux Port. 

Monday was washing day for the sheets and the towels - off to the laundromat we go…………….easy peasy to do these things there as we only have a wee washing machine and our clothes line is a clothes horse in the lounge - not so good for the bigger stuff. Also a good opportunity to get some school work done! 

Tuesday we took the boat from Vieux Port to Point Rouge as mum was adamant she was going to go for a swim in the Mediterranean - and she did! Point Rouge is perfect for her as it is only about waste deep for about 100mtres out to sea! Safe and sound! 

We headed early afternoon as Connor and I had a haircut - Connor decided that Marseille was not the right place for long hair and I decided I had better get my haircut while mum was still here and I could get it done in peace while she looked after the boys.  Mission accomplished! 

Down at the port we saw two of Karl's favourite things - the view of Notre Dame cathedral and Heineken - and a picture of them together!

Tuesday night Karl and I headed out for our last date night for the trip! Great dinner down in Vieux Port - and great entertainment on our way with a great busker who was really worth stopping for.  He was a great singer and for his second song that we were there for he sung “Hotel California” - one of Luke’s favourites - and he did it great.  We did comment that if Dean had been with us, dinner would probably not happen and we would be getting a dozen beers and sitting down to listen to the busker for the evening! He really was good.

Wednesday and mums last day - we decided to head to Castellane Market.   First however, as it was slightly cooler, we thought we would take the boys to the park for a play.  As the boys met up with some other kids the park took longer than we thought and so by the time we got to the market they were packing up - oh well! 

 Connor's "kiwi cap" was getting a bit small, so he brought a new one!

Then we were homeward bound and off to have Haagen-Dazs for afternoon tea.  Mum was keen to take them there after the drama we had going there the last time.  The boys were being naughty and ended up losing the treat of Haagen-Dazs while mum and I had ours - the boys coped well with this, but mum not so much! 

We then headed home, mucked around until it was dinner time when we headed out to Pasta Lala, our favourite restaurant just down the road.  The wind has really picked up and it was super windy as we sat at the restaurant holding our glasses so they did not get blown away.  Meal was fab as usual - great last night with mum. 

On mum arrival she had a photo with the boys - and here is the one just before she leaves......
8 weeks later!

After two months over here with us I asked mum was her top five things were:

WAS MEANT TO BE TOP FIVE, but she needed six:-  

Marseille

Cassis

Staying in a castle

Barcelona

French Tennis Open

Ireland

“Awesome time, great being with the family”

Farewell mum - see you in 7 weeks.