FIN

Well, it all ended with a crepe on Cours Mirabeau.... but more about my last day in Aix later. let me rewind it a couple weeks and catch you guys up on a few things.

So, staying at that vineyard definitely was awesome! it has made it into my top 8 experiences here. I mean everything we could see from their front porch was part of their vineyard. 7km long! and they produce over a million litres of wine per season. Our time there started with a great meal at the auberge. by law this type of restaurant has to produce 80% of everything served on site (chickens, vegetables, wine...) and it was so good. After this long meal we got a private 2,5 hour tour of the vineyard. With us was the owner and the 2 chief field managers. we learned all sorts of cool stuff from all the types of wild flowers that were in bloom to how they can control the amount of grapes the vines produce. For dinner we had some great chicken curry, and to finish the night we watch the final match of the euro cup (Manchester vs. Barcelone) the next day we woke up and rode bikes out to the other side of the vineyard and went swimming for a while. then lunch and back into St. Maximin. Int the village there is a huge church. and in the church they have got the sarcophagus of Mary Magdalene. so that was really cool to see.

We did make it up the mountain the next day, and we came down to relax in my friend's pool for the afternoon. later that weekend we went to cassis and the beach there was quite amazing (as always). and my friend finally headed out for Switzerland on Monday

so over the next we i just hung out with friends and did some fun pool chilling. and then last weekend i went to Martigues on my own for a day trip. There is a huge sandy beach outside of the ville. it was such a great site to see. and after 3 hours on the beach i went back to the ville and discovered it. there is so much history there. and the museums are free and very cool! i loved it. great day trip, and i would recommend it to anyone.

on Sunday we had a huge goodbye party for the pastor of the church here. i got there early to help set up and cook chicken for 100 guests. it turned into quite the blow out. and i was able to say goodbye to a lot of people as well. it was bitter sweet (like this whole last week). It has been a string of little get togethers and goodbyes. I keep telling myself that i will see these great people again, but i know it won't be soon for all of them who are staying in France. the ones who are coming to America might be more possible to visit. And i have had to say goodbye too ll the places here and the lifestyle which i love. this place has truly changed me. I climbed up St. Victoire on Wednesday and i spent the night at the top to do some reflecting and clearing out my mind. It was such a good experience. there were actually a group of french people up there that i get to connect with. It was a great way to say thanks for all i have been given here. And i woke up early and hiked down a new way. It was all great!

Today was my last official day of my Experience here (the next 10 days will be 'vacation' with my family here). So i ended it all with a big day of packing cleaning, having a few conversations in french, and then i got a sandwich with the first friend i made here. and i went to a movie with a couple of my newest friends made here. what a way to close the circle on my time here. we also had crepes on the cours while live jazz was playing in the background. I have loved it all! no regrets with my choice to come here for a year. I will see you guys Stateside soon!!!