We went on a quick trip to Marseille to say Merry Christmas and exchange gifts with Sally, Hanna and Alma.
It is also World Cup final day. The guard announcement on the train reflected the enormity of the day – Je vous souhaite un très bonne journée et allez les bleus.
We met lovely Alma – who proudly showed off her first three teeth – and then had lunch at Sally’s. Afterwards we walked into Aix where people were getting ready for le grand match.
We also encountered a display of local dancing in the Christmas market.
But also lots and lots of football fans crowding in squares to get a view of the final.
The result was not looking good for all those hardy souls by the time we left Marseille. But then while on the train things took an interesting, incredible turn – then again and again.
I watched the shootout on my neighbour’s phone over his shoulder. Needless to say the train was quiet after that.
There’s always US/Mexico/Canada 2026.
Thrown to (the) Lyon 