Marseille Merveilleux

Haven't had much free time to post lately with all the different dramas at IIT. So, this is a post about the ancient port city of Marseille, which Jyotesh and I visited just two weeks into France. Thinking of Marseille, the first thing that comes to one's mind is boats. There were so many of them docked there that it was a treat for the eyes. I'd suggest anyone staying Lyon to put Marseille on the radar as it's pretty inexpensive to get there.

Being a trade-hub for centuries, the city has some flavor of Europe, Africa and Asia. True to the city's cosmopolitan spirit, we've heard our first stereotypical 'na-maas-te' from a random passerby here, for the first time after coming to France. Also, there was a movement going on in the central part of the city to gain international support for the state of Kurdistan. I wasn't sure where it is exactly, but the protest has had its impact as I can still recollect the slogan (even after an year):

'Solution, politique, pour le Kurdistan'
'Solution, politique, pour le Kurdistan'

Also, there's a fortress located on a small island close by. There isn't much interesting about the fortress except for the fact that it's located on an island and you'd be ferried to the island across the sea. Not much of a distance, but you'd have the cold sea breeze hitting at you and trying to topple the hat you've received from the boat company. Also, there's some connection between Alexandre Dumas and the fortress Chateau d'If if you're a fan.

 scuba diving!

Although the trip had only lasted for a day (as we wanted to avoid staying overnight and paying for a hotel), it was eventful. The le velo trip alongside the ocean, ferry to chateau d'if and Frioul islands, scuba diving, hitchhiking to basillica de notre dame, the old port area, eating  Bouillabase (not me), losing your way - being left with a dead phone - waiting for an hour at the entrance of Notre Dame - clicking pictures for random people - because Jyotesh would eventually visit the church (me). That's lots of adventure for a single day. We missed out on getting the view of sunset with the Calanques and the green Mediterranean in the background.

Tips for potential visitors:

1) You can get a 10 euro ticket from Lyon Perrache (or Paris Marna La Valle) to Marseille and vice-versa if you take Ouigo and plan ahead by a week or two

2) The velos of Marseille do not ask for any deposit or advance and you only need to pay the rent. 

3) Do not forget to try Bouillabase if you don't have problems with fish

4) The calanques are the beautiful looking creeks along the sea and would form an astounding view along with the sunlight as evident from google images and you might want to take a look at them if you have time

5) If you want to adventure, do try to go the opposite direction at Frioul and trek your way up instead of taking the road. Of course, we did that.

6) Heard stories that it's a notorious place in the night, so try to be careful and take care of your pockets

7) Anchors Aweigh!

Modern Art 

P.S.
I am Nitesh Bharadwaj Gundavarapu, an IIT Delhi undergrad and have recently been to INSA Lyon, France as an exchange student. This is my personal blog where I brag about my adventures whenever I find time. Despite my humble efforts at being honest, any exaggerations should be forgivable. Thanks!

How it all started..

I am the kind of person who hates personal blogs and never cares to read such. I sympathize with the sentiments of these authors but can't help ignoring them (sorry).

So, yeah, it's show off time!

The beginning:
It was a harsh winter in December followed by an equally cruel semester with loads of Power Electronics and Computer Architecture. We were a group of around 15 students who used to work 6-7 hours every night, since the beginning of time, building robots for a national level competition. Yeah, it's true, and we were utterly disastrous in the competition (no matter whoever disagrees). We brought down the flag of IIT Delhi and could not even reach semifinals despite being from an Indian ivy league. ROBOCON 2013 was for a period of a fortnight, out of which we might not have slept for 15 hours? Je ne sais pas. But, one thing I I am proud of, is that we've survived without internet for 15 days!!

The realization:
After the catastrophe, as we got down from the train, I realized that I've sent an application to the UGS for the exchange program. Further, I've realized that I had an interview that very day and that none of my friends cared to inform me. No wonder none got through :P. De plus, QC and debating "studs" were like gathering all the information they can from the successful seniors and had loads of material stocked in their rooms. I knew for sure that my chances were rien if I prepare then.

The luck:
The GD turned out to be an extempore. People had to choose topics of their choice and these were randomly distributed among the people again. Long story short, the only reason I got through was because two professors from batti department were in the committee and by grace of the flying spaghetti monster, I never had a personal fight with any of them. (though some good friends might say I was good at the extempore ;) )

This lucky story was followed by two other luckier events
1) Sorting of the passed students was based on CGPA. Many of my friends (Yatin) protested strongly but FSM hadn't answered their calls
2) The guy just above me in the ranking list (Saumya) chose some French village over INSA Lyon..Mayday!

I am new to blogging stuff and would hope some not-insane people would appreciate this. I am sure I do not have many less-interesting stories.

Sorry for the french phrases but can't help because I was showing off.
Thanks for reading through and constructive criticism is appreciated!