Sat 12 Jul 2008
We’ve been away for a week visiting Corsica although it looked like we were in Paris if you were reading my blog. Almost every American when I mention Corsica wants to know where it is. It is a French island in the Mediterranian between France and Italy. Directly south of it is Sardenia which is Italian. Being so strategically located it has been invaded and settled by many nations and invaders. It was once occupied by Genoa in Italy back when various cities there had there own little kingdoms and navies and there are signs of their occupation here in towers overlooking the sea and some of the architecture. Most French people said, when I told then we were going to Corisica, “We are too!” It is a very popular place for both French and Italians for vacations especially along the beach.
Anyway, we loved Corsica. It is a delightful place which reminded me a lot of Provence but with many of the villages overlooking the sea plus, it hasn’t been overbuilt like most places with ocean views and beaches so it has a nice feeling.
We took our car across on a huge ferry from Toulong to Ajaccio. It was an overnight trip.
They put these stickers on the back window every car that takes the ferry and you see cars bearing them all over the island. We’ve left ours on the car-sort of a nice souviner.
Here is a view from the harbor of the city of Calvi, the first place we stayed, which we really liked.
A sculpture of Christopher Columbus. There are some who believe that he might have been born in Calvi. It is true that he was Italian and his parents were from Genoa so it is possible but not likely from what I read.
A pretty church in Calvi.
There was music and dancing in the evenings on the beach. Here is a view of a young guy wearing those low pants that I just don’t understand. And, by the way, Maurice and I were probably the oldest people on that beach but we had fun anyway.
A view from a cafe where we ate on the beach. I loved the pink against the blue of the water.
More to come on our trip.
July 13th, 2008 at 1:09 am
“Here is a view of a young guy wearing those low pants that I just don’t understand.” ROFLOL!! xxxxxx
July 13th, 2008 at 10:44 am
How dreamy! I’ve always wanted to visit Corsica.
July 13th, 2008 at 11:11 am
Wow another trip….you are lucky..http://enseignedegersaint.typepad.fr/provence/2008/07/souvenirs-de-vacances.html?cid=122159502#comments Was in Corsica this week as well…:-)
July 14th, 2008 at 2:31 am
I knew someone from Corsica at one time who lived in a house [quite elegant from the photos] built into a cliff with no front door at the street level, and winding chiseled stone stairs that led upstairs to a massive carved door with iron studs. The place was over 1,000 years old and very quirky from the photos. That’s the way I’ve imagined Corsica since — until seeing your photos, which look like a picturesque but also modern Mediterranean tourist venue.
Would love to see Corsica, but having spent years working in Italy and listening to all the local legends, my husband swears it still has pirates and you can be abducted and sold. I can’t imagine anybody who would buy two relatively useless retired people in shorts, but nonetheless he’s convinced.
July 14th, 2008 at 9:44 am
I put a comment on Le Petit Cabinets blog that you had been as well,
I had just read yours and then hers, so funny.
July 14th, 2008 at 10:18 am
Well, aren’t you just the little sneaky jet-setter….opps! Make that “ferry” setter.
This looked delightful. Our son’s girlfriend, Veronique, was just telling me last week how much she loved visiting Corsica. It’s been added to the list…lol
But yup…gotta agree….those pants have GOT to go!
July 14th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
It does look delightful! Do I remember my history correctly that Napoleon was from Corsica?? I’m looking forward to seeing more of your Corsican vacation…
July 14th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Now I’m really concerned that you won’t be in Provence when I come - you gallivant so much lucky devil you!!! Loved hearing about Corsica but doubt I’ll ever make it there - thanks for sharing this interesting trip Linda.
Will write soon and tell you the dates when I’ll be nearby in Oct.
Enjoy life - Mary.
July 15th, 2008 at 1:55 am
I really must visit Corsica because Michel’s family on his father’s side is from there.
I’ve always heard that Corsica is crime-ridden, problematic with rebellious people and mafia. It’s great to know that you had a good experience there. I expected to see shanties with bullet holes. This really proves that before judging a place, one should always visit first.
July 15th, 2008 at 4:32 am
I’ve always wanted to go there; maybe next time . . .