Exploring Ajaccio

Today was a grand day of walking the city and looking for gifts to bring home. It turned out to be a bank holiday, so many of the shops were closed (but never fear loved ones back home - not all shops). A beautiful sunny day with an ocean breeze to take the edge off. We went off on our own today, to meet back up for dinner later - although B and I ran into each other for a nice mid afternoon pizza and glass of rose. The people watching was tremendous, with a little taste below . . .

I'm not sure what this statue is about, but it is right along the walk into town, so thought I would include it. I thought it was a mermaid at first, but not so much upon closer inspection.

Also along the walk was a great group of old men playing Petanque.

There was a little car show of old French cars, mostly classic Citroen.

Never too far from the sea here. It is beautiful, and reminders are everywhere from sailboats tied up or floating out for a voyage, to fishing boats in front of churches.

In retrospect, the fact that so many people were out having a mid-day cafe with me should have provided a clue that there was a holiday. But, I was too busy enjoying.

After the cafe, I strolled through a great famers market that apparently runs every day of the week. For the amount of food and preparations to display, the fact that they run it every day is kind of amazing. I know where I would shop if we lived here . . . 

(Cheese)

(Cured meet)

(Dried fruit)

(Olives)

(Spices)

(Olives, and more olives)

(Sun dried tomatoes)

At the top of the square where they hold the farmers market was this memorial to the soldiers of France, sons and daughters of Corsica.

Did I mention they like Napoleon here?

B and I had a nice lunch on the port - she picked up a pirate flag to bring home.

Here is one of the good people watching moments during lunch. Old French guy in nice clothes with a Confederate US Civil War hat on. She is sporting a maroon jump suit with zippers along the shoulders on the shoulders, with one shoulder unzipped. He was pretty flirty. Also coming by were fisherman with bags of lobster and buckets of fish.

Some proof that I did, in fact, find gifts for home.

 One of the many churches in town. The art of the churches never ceases to amaze me. Always something beautiful, passionate, or peaceful.

An easy dinner with the full group now, at Cafe Napoleon, with literally every picture in the place of Napoleon. New guides for us - Clive and his son Craig. Clive in the red shirt, Criag in the blue up front. Clive actively races, so I'm super happy to be nice and fit this year - starting a business is awesome for free time to ride. I did a sneak attack with this photo, which is why everyone looks so happy!

Welcome to the land of pirates and Napoleon

Rawwwar!

(random street art bear, just wanted to share)

Today was a nice day of settling in, starting with a breakfast on the terrace (with home-made nutella),  exploring the city, then meeting up with old friends for dinner at the harbor. For as small as Corsica is, Ajaccio is a busy place - lots of scooters.

The view from the hotel's terrace is kind of amazing. The waves lap up right at the edge of the hotel. So peaceful and calm.

Walking along the waterfront from the hotel to the old city.

(we will climb those mountains at some point, and yes, that is snow at the top)

It isn't a vespa scooter, but a classic Bentley will do just fine.

It isn't a Bentley, but these little cars were perfect for James - if only they fit in my luggage.

At dinner tonight, our waitress informed us that our wine was not, in fact French, it was Coriscan. So, folks are a little attached to the island. Also attached to their pirate. Pirates, pirates everywhere.

Pirates . . . . and sausage. They love sausage. Ask B about pigs in a blanket sometime, also known as "chestnuts".

The old city is beautiful, similar in some ways to Nice, but unique in its own way. Perhaps equal parts necessity and pride, much of everything is local - Corsican food, clothes, jewelry, beer . . . 

Walking through a side-street, we stumbled upon an old library/museum. A couple lions guarding books from the 17th century.

We followed the "plan" well today (see what I did there? Plan. Get it)

Since Italy is just off to the East, I thought I should end the day with a Negroni. Then off to dinner with good friends. One more day to adjust to timezones, then on the bike!

Oh, and Woody Allen!