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September 29, 2006

In Paris

Just a quick post to let you know we're in Paris and we're having a great time doing touristy stuff as well as hanging out with friends and family. It still feels like summer here which means returning to San Francisco in a few days will be even harder.

Before coming to Paris, we also got to spend some time in Marseille, had some drinks in La Plaine. In Paris, we've met some friends at La Fusee, a small bar on the Rue St Martin near the Reaumur-Sebastopol metro stop. Yesterday we did the bateaux mouches which I've done many times but still love doing. Voila voila.

Hope all is well with you, Helene

Posted by insideoutmag at 12:27 AM | Comments (0)

September 19, 2006

From Marseille to Manosque

Hi, I'm back, this time I'm in Manosque in the Alpes de Haute Provence area. I took the train from Marseille, it was a local TER train which was nice because it stopped in places I know very well. Having grown up in Istres (near Marseille) and gone to college in Aix-en-Provence, it feels great to be here because I have such good memories. On the way to Manosque, the train stopped in Aix and from the train I could see the apartment I used to live in with two friends, one whose house I just left earlier today and the other who now lives close to Manosque which is why I'm here.

I'm writing this post from a primary school my friend is teaching at, the teachers were nice enough to give me access to the computer room where I could get Internet access. Although this isn't the typical backpacker-type of trip since I'm staying with friends and know the area pretty well (well apart for Manosque which I know nothing about), it's nice to be traveling and have time to read and think.

Ok onto practical stuff. If you're traveling to France any time soon, check out IDTGV.fr, you'll find all the good deals for TGV trips. This Thursday at noon, they are selling 5 euros tickets to a bunch of destinations in France. You better be on your computer the time it starts and act quick though, they go fast. Also, even if you buy your ticket at the last minute, let the agent know if you're a student or under 25, most times you can get a discount.

Cool Tea House to Check Out in Marseille

My friend and I had tea in a very cool place yesterday that I recommend you check out when in Marseille. It's in the La Plaine neighborhood, an area full of cool little restaurants and artists' studios. The place we went to is called Shambhala.

It's a restaurant with colorful carpets and drapes from floor to ceiling with cushions on the floor (before going in to the restaurant part, you'll need to take off your shoes and leave them on a shelf).

There are tons of teas to choose from as well as sweet and salty tarts. Jessyca chose the chocolate and coconut tart with a royal herbal tea and I had the chocolate and pear tart with mint tea served with pine nuts (which Jessyca tells me is the Tunisian way to serve it). The front of the restaurant is actually a store that sell ethnic wares and accessories including incense, clothes and jewelry. To give you an idea on price, we paid about 13 euros total.

Shambhala
40 rue des trois freres Barthelemy
13006 Marseille
04.91.47.68.03

Ok that's all for now, Helene

Posted by insideoutmag at 07:00 AM | Comments (0)

September 16, 2006

In France

Hi, just a quick note to let you know that I'm in France. I flew from San Francisco to New York then to Paris yesterday. I got on the TGV train at the airport station and took the train down to Marseille. I'm having a great time hanging out with friends and will be doing that for a few days before I head to Manosque, Aix and then my hometown, Istres. Josh will be joining me in a few days, I'll try to post once in a while and let you know what's happening.

Helene

Posted by insideoutmag at 03:46 PM | Comments (0)