Sleepless in Marseille

In a trip of some stress and disappointment, Marseille has become another mistake. Not that it is without its charms, as we enjoyed a walk along the Old Port with thousands of others on Sunday afternoon. We also climbed up the old fort and MUCEM complex to enjoy views out to sea and across all parts of the city. The meal last night in an Asian influences restaurant above the port was also enjoyable.
The big mistake was booking a hotel in the port area, as the street noise, even on a Sunday night and into the wee hours of Monday morning was unbelievable. The streets around this area are generally smelly and unattractive as well. Unfortunately we have two nights to endure.
The result was another bad nights sleep and Gail returning to bed for a few hours. I walked around the area away from the port to find African and Arab quarters without much appeal apart from cheap shopping. Plans to take a boat outside the harbour were doomed as the wind picked up and dark clouds moved in. Things picked up late in the afternoon as we walked into the old town and sat a while over a chilled rose, watching the world go by. Another nice meal followed in a Brazilian inspired restaurant Aux Antipodes where we had long discussions with the owner/chef. Monday night  there were fewer drunks in our lane way so we caught up on a little sleep.