Went by Annie's to say goodbye as I leave soon for California. She doesn't like when I leave, but she understands.
I realized yesterday that before Annie was six years old she had traveled the world… She was born in the USA. When she was two years old her family moved back to Greece. Shortly there after Turkey invaded Greece- Annie's family fled to France. Annie arrived in Marseille when she was five years old. She remembers women carrying large flat baskets with fish on their head.
That reminded me of a post I wrote nearly seven years ago:
The fish monger sat waiting for the next customer in her black plastic apron and worn true rubber boots.
The port where she worked could not anchor her, casting a weak smile as if her thoughts swam in waters far from Marseille.
Rhythmic like the coming and going of the waves were her actions…weighing, scaling and chopping fish.
Her voice tender like a siren, seemed misplaced when she called out, "C'est à vous!?"
….Though in her eyes I saw the depth of the ocean breaking before my feet,
tangled seaweed made smooth by a gentle hand.
I asked her if I could take her photo…
We never know where we might find a pearl.
Notes:
Photo: A Fishmonger in Marseille playing a role in a Marcel Pagnol's "Maurice" . Have you ever seen someone and felt like you knew them before?
Le Diable Meridien (a favorite shop in Marseille.
Eating Picnic en Ville, 40 rue Montgrand, Marseille.
Where to go, what to see in Marseille.
What to fit in with the Locals and go on a picnic?
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