Seriously.

Ok, I admit, I’m biased- I don’t like Canadians as a general rule.  I have met a few decent ones, a rare, occasional cool one, but overall Canaydia gets a thumbs down from me. 

This is mainly because of two things, one of which, is “The Rant” 83.7% of all Canadians, as soon as they find out they are talking to an American launch into “The Rant”. (I got this statistic from National Geographic, swear to god.)  Where they begin to compare America unfavorably with Canada.  If they are not speaking with an American they will compare whatever country they are currently in unfavorably with Canada.  Which, in my humble opinion, is an incredibly rude thing to do with someone you just met.  I also claim a monopoly on wingeing, thanks.

The second thing is the flags.  I think there must be some sort of Canadian law that requires all Canadians to wear at least one flag while traveling abroad.  The other day on the train there were four Canadians traveling together that had between them 9 visible flags.  (and the female member who would screech in the most annoying voice known to mankind ïs this our stop?!?” at every stop. for two hours.)  They didnt seem to get my joke of “so where are you guys from?”that I said as C and passed- the response was a flat-footed “uh, Canada.”

Anyway, with that rant out of the way I am writing from Marseilles, with C and I’s probe of France’s nether regions nearly complete.  After Carcassonne we went to Avignon then Arles and finally Marseilles.  I was worried that at one day each there wouldn’t be enough time but one day per town is just about right.  (Well Arles is more like a 3 hour town then a one day town, it is easily a morning trip from Avignon which is what we did)  The Roman Ruins in Arles are still quite impressive.  I was disappointed by the bridge in Avignon, or at least the song about the bridge.  At the center near the bridge they would have you believe that it is the best. song. ever.  Even better then Wierd Al’s “Eat it” which is clearly impossible.  The bridge itself and the nearby battlements are worth the trip for sure, however. 

Today C and I went by the Abby of St. Vincent that holds one of southern France’s black Madonnas, however there was not a single Freemason or Illuminatus to be found, damn that Dan Brown.

Tomorrow we head into Italy bidding France a fond farewell.  (Mostly a farewell to the wine and bread and cheese)  A short 11 hour hop over the border and we will be in Milan.