RWC in Marseille

 We made the 8:06 am departure from Part Dieu with time to spare after a very early pick up at the barge (very slightly delayed).  Train ride to Marseille was quick an efficient and we arrived right on time (gotta love European rail systems - when not on strike!).  Met Brother Matt and Denise at the Gare St. Charles who had arrived via bus after their train was cancelled due to a strike!  Thankfully, they were close enough and nimble enough to effect the change.  As is his wont, Brother Matt had some ideas about what to see in Marseille, so were were off on our self guided walking tour.  We wandered down via Vieux Port and up through the Panier where Myles found the most well hidden cafe imaginable (he is good at that!).  After topping up on stimulants, we continued up and over and down to the Cathedral Sainte Marie-Majeure by the marina entrance, a relatively modern (late nineteenth century) minor Basilica.  Around the modern architecture and up to the sky walk with a stop to bring our stimulants and depressants into a balance on the terrace.  Walked across the high bridge and proceeded to mis-navigate the labyrinthine sortie, but we eventually found our way back down to Vieux Port and strolled by Les Galinettes Chez Madie where were had been teased about a reservation for bouillabaisse, and ultimately denied.  Through the FanZone and along through the throngs we struggled to find a way to get to the Metro 2 leading to the Velodrome.  Once we had walked halfway there, we found the M2 station and were sardined (quite literally) into a coach.  We arrived in plenty of time to grab a Biere et Chien Chaud (with the beer, I negotiated a great ball cap from the Asahi biere pression vendor).

We were pleased to find our souvenir cups could be refilled by a walk about keg!  The festival grounds were great fun, particularly the unusual outdoor urinals (in front of God and everybody).  Into the stands, we located our great seats and the Wales v Argentina match ensued - what a game and an historic win for the Argies (29-17).

 I was relieved that the game wasn’t tied at full time and we five scurried out just before 80 minutes and hurried to the Metro.  Managed to get aboard without as much fuss (phew!) and made it back to Gare St. Charles in plenty of time for a Carl’s Jr. (how gauche).  The train back to Lyon was once more right on time and we made it to a pub in time to meet Ashton for most of the second half of the late game from Stade de France.  After bringing good luck to the Argies by wearing their colours in Marseille, I hoped for a repeat adorned with my Ireland jersey, not to be the outcome - sadly.  All Blacks pulled off the upset with a well won penalty to deny Ireland the try they needed to win.  A great contest, hugely disappointing to the Irish.  Uber back to the Barge seamless this time and we retired after a very long and eventful day!