Corsica - 09/(03-10)/08

Corsica (Corse) is south of Nice, north of Sardinia, and a région of France (!), even though the people speak Corsu and like vendettas. I did not just say that.

2008-10-23T05:39:50Z

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Corsica (Corse) is south of Nice, north of Sardinia, and a région of France (!), even though the people speak Corsu and like vendettas. I did not just say that.

The island is 183 by 83 km. We drove about 900 kilometers, as shown. We took a train from Ajacciu (Ajaccio) (N) to Corti (Corte) (M) and back.

2008-11-09T05:41:34Z

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The island is 183 by 83 km. We drove about 900 kilometers, as shown. We took a train from Ajacciu (Ajaccio) (N) to Corti (Corte) (M) and back.

My first look at Corsica on the flight from Paris. This is, of course, the west side of the island.

2008-10-21T12:25:01Z

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My first look at Corsica on the flight from Paris. This is, of course, the west side of the island.

I think this is Ajacciu Airport.

2008-10-21T13:34:04Z

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I think this is Ajacciu Airport.

One of the many "Punta".

2008-10-21T12:25:01Z

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One of the many "Punta".

Afra's photo

2008-10-21T12:25:01Z

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The roads are mostly made of switchbacks.

2008-10-21T12:32:45Z

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The roads are mostly made of switchbacks.

Day 1 (Porto-Vecchio, Palombaggia, Pantano): From Figari Airport, Laure took me to a Casa del Mar resort in Porto-Vecchio for lunch. This is the view down to the lunch patio.

2008-10-22T09:22:58Z

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Day 1 (Porto-Vecchio, Palombaggia, Pantano): From Figari Airport, Laure took me to a Casa del Mar resort in Porto-Vecchio for lunch. This is the view down to the lunch patio.

Negative edge pools are very much in fashion in Corsica. Yes, I looked it up.

2008-10-21T12:32:45Z

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Negative edge pools are very much in fashion in Corsica. Yes, I looked it up.

Laure at the patio.

2008-10-22T04:47:12Z

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Laure at the patio.

A light lunch of raw fish.

2008-10-21T13:50:17Z

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A light lunch of raw fish.

Afra's photo

2008-10-21T12:27:56Z

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I'm on one hour of sleep after flying to Paris, changing airports in morning rush hour, and a 3 hour layover as Air France wouldn't let me on an earlier flight because it didn't feel like it ...

2008-10-21T13:59:02Z

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I'm on one hour of sleep after flying to Paris, changing airports in morning rush hour, and a 3 hour layover as Air France wouldn't let me on an earlier flight because it didn't feel like it ...

Afra's photo

2008-10-21T12:25:01Z

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Afra's photo

2008-10-21T12:33:10Z

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Inside hall of the resort. You can see the lizard footprints on the floor, couch, and wall.

2008-10-21T13:37:14Z

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Inside hall of the resort. You can see the lizard footprints on the floor, couch, and wall.

The tomatoes reminded me of Santorini.

2008-10-21T13:37:35Z

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The tomatoes reminded me of Santorini.

Palombaggia beach. Laure points out where we are on the map. You can see Figari in the center (airport) and Bonifacio in the south.

2008-10-21T13:59:40Z

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Palombaggia beach. Laure points out where we are on the map. You can see Figari in the center (airport) and Bonifacio in the south.

Cork trees. Cork is a product of Corsica.

2008-10-21T13:59:53Z

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Cork trees. Cork is a product of Corsica.

Afra's photo

2008-10-21T12:25:01Z

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This is only one portion of the beach, which is secluded.

2008-10-21T12:39:31Z

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This is only one portion of the beach, which is secluded.

The beach reminded me of California beaches, especially the rocky northern coasts.

2008-10-21T12:39:31Z

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The beach reminded me of California beaches, especially the rocky northern coasts.

En route to Laure's village. Not bad for a first day!

2008-10-22T08:28:35Z

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En route to Laure's village. Not bad for a first day!

Pantano (A) is pronounced Pan-tan, with accent on the second syllable. It is, like most Corsican villages, inland up in the hills in order to avoid pirate attacks.

2008-11-08T02:06:54Z

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Pantano (A) is pronounced Pan-tan, with accent on the second syllable. It is, like most Corsican villages, inland up in the hills in order to avoid pirate attacks.

"A" marks the spot. Pantano and Tirolo are currently not on speaking terms due to an old rivalry surrounding the local church. I overlayed the Satellite image with the roads to point out ho ...

2008-11-08T02:08:40Z

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"A" marks the spot. Pantano and Tirolo are currently not on speaking terms due to an old rivalry surrounding the local church. I overlayed the Satellite image with the roads to point out ho ...

Pantano. Laure's family lives in the village's first house (circled above), built by the village founders 12 generations ago (late 18th century). The founding household was named Stromboni, ...

2008-11-08T05:20:26Z

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Pantano. Laure's family lives in the village's first house (circled above), built by the village founders 12 generations ago (late 18th century). The founding household was named Stromboni, ...

The village square

2008-10-21T13:11:42Z

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The village square

A view of the house. The first level, facing South and the garden, was where the first two rooms were built in the late 18th century. Two levels were added in the 19th century and the side ...

2008-11-08T05:20:45Z

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A view of the house. The first level, facing South and the garden, was where the first two rooms were built in the late 18th century. Two levels were added in the 19th century and the side ...

View from the window to some Marcellesi land.

2008-10-21T14:00:47Z

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View from the window to some Marcellesi land.

A view up to Tirolo's chapel -- which they like to call a 'church' out of envy for Pantano's real church. :-)

2008-11-08T02:12:08Z

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A view up to Tirolo's chapel -- which they like to call a 'church' out of envy for Pantano's real church. :-)

The stray cats were being fed by Laure in spite of her allergies, which made them congregate around the house.

2008-11-08T02:12:50Z

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The stray cats were being fed by Laure in spite of her allergies, which made them congregate around the house.

Afra's photo

2008-10-21T14:00:47Z

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First lunch: some sort of tabbouleh salad and ham (just bought from the butcher who makes village visits.)

2008-11-08T05:21:10Z

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First lunch: some sort of tabbouleh salad and ham (just bought from the butcher who makes village visits.)

View out the main room. The walls are at least 2 feet thick everywhere. Laure's dad painted the painting on the wall.

2008-11-08T02:13:35Z

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View out the main room. The walls are at least 2 feet thick everywhere. Laure's dad painted the painting on the wall.

Françoise and Laure. The former acted as a free alarm clock by standing outside her door every morning and uttering obscenities at the top of her voice in Corsu.

2008-11-09T05:43:50Z

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Françoise and Laure. The former acted as a free alarm clock by standing outside her door every morning and uttering obscenities at the top of her voice in Corsu.

Day 2 (Propriano, Sartè): Going to Propriano

2008-10-22T09:22:58Z

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Day 2 (Propriano, Sartè): Going to Propriano

Rosa was washed away here in the 1993 floods.

2008-10-21T13:34:05Z

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Rosa was washed away here in the 1993 floods.

The floods destroyed most bridges because the rocks knocked out the pillars. This 14th century Genoese arch bridge survived... It only lost a few stones and was restored with the help of Al ...

2008-11-08T02:14:25Z

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The floods destroyed most bridges because the rocks knocked out the pillars. This 14th century Genoese arch bridge survived... It only lost a few stones and was restored with the help of Al ...

View from bridge

2008-10-21T13:12:09Z

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View from bridge

A brave soul jumps from the bridge.

2008-10-22T10:28:32Z

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A brave soul jumps from the bridge.

Afra's photo

2008-10-21T12:25:02Z

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Notice the water is not very deep down here.

2008-10-21T13:42:49Z

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Notice the water is not very deep down here.

Alluvial sediments? Or leftovers from the renovation of the bridge? [Caption modified by Laure]

2008-11-08T05:21:40Z

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Alluvial sediments? Or leftovers from the renovation of the bridge? [Caption modified by Laure]

Sartè (Sartène) in the distance (we'll come back to it.)

2008-10-21T13:34:05Z

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Sartè (Sartène) in the distance (we'll come back to it.)

Church in Propriano

2008-10-21T13:34:05Z

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Church in Propriano

Afra's photo

2008-10-21T12:25:02Z

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Catenacciu : Cross and Chains. On Good Friday, an anonymous penitent, chosen by the parish priest from volunteers, is covered in a red robe and cowl and carries the cross through town, whil ...

2008-11-08T02:15:52Z

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Catenacciu : Cross and Chains. On Good Friday, an anonymous penitent, chosen by the parish priest from volunteers, is covered in a red robe and cowl and carries the cross through town, whil ...

Afra's photo

2008-10-21T12:25:02Z

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Propriano beach. We swam from the cove on the lower left corner to the lighthouse.

2008-12-29T04:36:12Z

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Propriano beach. We swam from the cove on the lower left corner to the lighthouse.

Afra's photo

2008-10-21T12:25:02Z

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Afra's photo

2008-10-21T12:25:02Z

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A live critter

2008-10-21T13:34:05Z

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A live critter

A La Meridionale boat arriving from Marseille

2008-10-21T13:44:08Z

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A La Meridionale boat arriving from Marseille

The port

2008-10-21T13:34:05Z

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The port

This fisherman refuses to sell his house.

2008-10-21T13:44:26Z

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This fisherman refuses to sell his house.

Laure has the ability to sync her blinks with the camera shutter. Or does Afra have the ability to sync the camera shutter with Laure's blinks? [Caption modified by Laure]

2008-11-08T05:22:19Z

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Laure has the ability to sync her blinks with the camera shutter. Or does Afra have the ability to sync the camera shutter with Laure's blinks? [Caption modified by Laure]

Coffee heaven

2008-10-21T13:34:05Z

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Coffee heaven

Up to Sartène, "the most Corsican of Corsican cities."

2008-11-08T02:16:53Z

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Up to Sartène, "the most Corsican of Corsican cities."

Laure with Pasquale Paoli, who won Corsican independence from the Genoese in 1755, but lost it to Louis XV in 1769.

2008-10-21T13:34:05Z

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Laure with Pasquale Paoli, who won Corsican independence from the Genoese in 1755, but lost it to Louis XV in 1769.

Afra's photo

2008-10-21T12:25:02Z

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Afra's photo

2008-10-21T12:25:02Z

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Afra's photo

2008-10-21T12:25:02Z

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View of the valley from Sartène

2008-10-21T13:34:05Z

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View of the valley from Sartène

When bathrooms finally arrived to Corsica, they were often "attached" to buildings like this. In the villages, you might still go freestyle in the backyard.

2008-10-21T13:34:05Z

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When bathrooms finally arrived to Corsica, they were often "attached" to buildings like this. In the villages, you might still go freestyle in the backyard.

Afra's photo

2008-10-21T12:25:02Z

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Corsican "limonade" (lemon soda) and Pietra beer, which is made with chestnut flour. The glass features a drawing of the island.

2008-11-08T02:17:51Z

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Corsican "limonade" (lemon soda) and Pietra beer, which is made with chestnut flour. The glass features a drawing of the island.

Savory pastry

2008-10-21T13:34:05Z

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Savory pastry

Day 3 (Pantano, Bunifaziu): One cat eating from a bowl makes the food more attractive to another cat, hence the feeding frenzy.

2008-10-22T09:22:58Z

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Day 3 (Pantano, Bunifaziu): One cat eating from a bowl makes the food more attractive to another cat, hence the feeding frenzy.

Herbs at the window

2008-10-21T13:34:05Z

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Herbs at the window

View across the street

2008-10-21T13:34:05Z

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View across the street

Most of the island is arid, but some places look tropical.

2008-10-22T09:22:58Z

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Most of the island is arid, but some places look tropical.

Prime real estate is often covered with graves.

2008-10-21T13:45:54Z

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Prime real estate is often covered with graves.

View of Sartène (on route to Bunifazio)

2008-10-21T13:34:05Z

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View of Sartène (on route to Bunifazio)

View of Roccapina beach, which I didn't get to swim in...

2008-10-21T13:34:05Z

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View of Roccapina beach, which I didn't get to swim in...

But got to view through my telezoom.

2008-10-21T13:34:05Z

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But got to view through my telezoom.

The crowned lion

2008-10-22T04:28:30Z

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The crowned lion

And the Genoese tower. The towers were defensive measures and would announce the arrival of pirates using fire.

2008-10-22T09:22:58Z

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And the Genoese tower. The towers were defensive measures and would announce the arrival of pirates using fire.

Bunifaziu (Bonfacio) port, with a view of the citadel.

2008-10-22T10:31:06Z

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Bunifaziu (Bonfacio) port, with a view of the citadel.

Bunifaziu was built by the Genoese. As if things weren't complicated enough, it has its own language and considers itself separate from Corsica.

2008-10-22T10:30:39Z

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Bunifaziu was built by the Genoese. As if things weren't complicated enough, it has its own language and considers itself separate from Corsica.

Bunifaziu is mostly composed of this type of rock.

2008-10-22T10:31:13Z

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Bunifaziu is mostly composed of this type of rock.

We took a one hour boat trip.

2008-10-22T04:29:18Z

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We took a one hour boat trip.

Old defensive measures

2008-10-22T04:47:12Z

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Old defensive measures

Opening to the Strait of Bonifacio, and the Mediterranean sea. A boat arriving from nearby Sardinia.

2008-11-08T02:18:27Z

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Opening to the Strait of Bonifacio, and the Mediterranean sea. A boat arriving from nearby Sardinia.

Afra's photo

2008-10-21T12:25:02Z

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Sardinia in the distance

2008-10-22T04:47:12Z

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Sardinia in the distance

The Madonetta

2008-10-22T04:47:12Z

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The Madonetta

Going into the cave

2008-10-22T04:47:12Z

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Going into the cave

Afra's photo

2008-10-21T12:25:02Z

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The skylight...

2008-10-22T04:47:12Z

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The skylight...

is shaped like Corsica (Of corsica!)

2008-10-22T04:47:13Z

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is shaped like Corsica (Of corsica!)

This cove was used by pirates

2008-10-22T04:47:13Z

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This cove was used by pirates

Afra's photo

2008-10-21T12:25:02Z

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Napoleon's hat

2008-10-22T04:47:13Z

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Napoleon's hat

Escalier du Roi d'Aragon (King of Aragon's stairway). The myth states that the 187 steps were built in a single night by Aragonese troops in 1420.

2008-10-22T04:47:13Z

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Escalier du Roi d'Aragon (King of Aragon's stairway). The myth states that the 187 steps were built in a single night by Aragonese troops in 1420.

Bunifaziu (compare to Oia).

2008-10-22T10:00:50Z

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Bunifaziu (compare to Oia).

Laure with local pastry: pain des morts (bread of the dead, a nut and raisin brioche) and two beignets de brocciu (brocciu (cheese) filled donuts). Brocciu was not in season, however.

2008-10-22T05:17:20Z

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Laure with local pastry: pain des morts (bread of the dead, a nut and raisin brioche) and two beignets de brocciu (brocciu (cheese) filled donuts). Brocciu was not in season, however.

Stairway to Haute Ville (upper town, citadel)

2008-10-22T04:47:13Z

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Stairway to Haute Ville (upper town, citadel)

The "grain of sand"

2008-10-22T04:47:13Z

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The "grain of sand"

Madonetta, again.

2008-10-22T04:47:13Z

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Madonetta, again.

Afra's photo

2008-10-21T12:25:02Z

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