Aix-en-Provence 🇫🇷

Early in the morning, I continued my journey to the Provence after Lyon. My destination was a small quiet town near Marseille called Aix-en-Provence. Once I arrived in Aix, I immediately dropped off my backpack at my Couchsurfing host's place. Well, I must say this apartment is small and cluttered, but it's only for sleeping 😅. However, the host is really nice. It was then time for me to head into the city. There, I met up with one of my travel acquaintances who gave me a private tour of the city from a local's perspective. But first, we had coffee and exchanged life updates. When you haven't seen someone for a good 4 months, it can take a while. He then took me around the whole town, including the best croissant I've ever had. Strolling through the city gives you a true southern vacation feeling. All the houses are wonderfully yellow and there's always something happening, just as I remember vacations in the south from my childhood, even though I've never been to France directly. We spent the later afternoon in a park in the shade, enjoying our Sunday. In the evening, he wanted to show me the delicious French cuisine, and I genuinely enjoyed it. We then ended the evening together with a glass of wine. A little later in the evening, I headed back to my host's place. I thought the apartment was a bit small for 1, manageable for 2 nights for 2 people, but he pushed it further, and a friend of his also found accommodation for the night. Inside, it would have been a bit too cramped, so his friend took to the roof of the neighboring house. No, it wasn't a rooftop terrace but actually the roof of the house, which was easily accessible through the window. A deck chair was set up, and just like that, the sleeping arrangement was made. My host did explain that it was illegal, but I needn't worry as he would be moving out in 2 months, so he could do this without concern. We all chatted together for a bit, and then the three of us went to sleep. At 5 in the morning, the window above me opened, and he came in with his belongings. Shortly after, he waved goodbye and went out the door. I slept a few more hours before I set off again into the city to look for a good croissant for breakfast. Today, I ventured through the city again, this time with my camera, letting the French vibe wash over me once more. After a nap in the park, I met up again with Nacime. This time, we ended the evening with beer and a picnic in the park. After saying our goodbyes, I was treated to a private concert by my host back at home. There was everything from country to Irish indie, making for the perfect conclusion. Early in the morning, I then took the bus to Marseille and from there further into the south. 🫶🏼