Moments of Meaning: Marseilles

I sleepily walked into the dining room on the top floor of the cruise, piling my plate with anything that looked familiar. My brothers and parents were already sitting down, and my unbrushed hair and teeth were an obvious indication that I had pushed snooze one more time. The time change was still a challenge for me. I woke up instantly when I glanced at the view out the window behind them, having to grip my plate more tightly to make sure it wouldn't drop.

I still wasn't used to how blue the Mediterranean Sea was. Lakes in Canada were usually a dark almost black greenish blue, and the oceans I had seen were more of a turquoise. The Mediterranean Sea was truly blue, almost the exact same colour as my eyes. I'm not sure I'll ever get used to how beautiful it is.

Today we were arriving in Marseilles, the second of two stops in France. I was delighted that I could practice my French skills. France French made sense to me. It didn't sound like quacking or impossibly fast with outrageous contractions.

There were boats painted in many different colours, their tall masts stretching up without sails attached. I could see the rolling mountains in the distance and the terracotta roofs dotting them. I remember letting out an audible sigh.

My family chose to do a bus tour around the city which, ended in a grand Cathedral high up on a hill. It overlooked the whole city, and I remember it being incredibly windy standing on the steps that led up. The stone was white and there were huge arches that led into doorways and halls. I felt so small in comparison.

We toured the whole church, going up and down stairs, and if we dared to speak a word, it was in a hushed whisper. There were many statues and paintings of various saints and religious figures. I was raised roman catholic, but in the years leading up to this trip I had felt distant to this faith.

Standing in this church, I felt connected to something I had not in a long time. It was not the religion, but energy. I felt connectedness to the other visitors, to the past and the future of this church, and I felt profound emotion. I do not think I could place one emotion, just saturation.

I headed back down the stairs and into the main room of the church. Without thinking about it, I picked up a long wooden match and lit a tea light that sat amongst a group of other glowing lights. I walked back out to the courtyard to join my family, and was able to blame whipping wind for the tear forming in my eye.