I found some time to write some review of the place for all you asking me info on the MSN or Facebook. Sorry for not replying that much but honestly I run all day trying to fix dates to visit apartments. The situation is a bit difficult on that sector, but I’ll write you more about that as you read on.
So! First thing, were am I?
Aix En Provence is like 30′ from Marseille. Its southern France, pretty close to Italy, and you can also travel to Spain with the train (which is really fast). You can be in Barcelona within 4h and 30minutes. It’s really close to Cannes too.
Aix has lots of faculties and universities and it’s packed with students. That’s why the rents are really really high. If you want to live near the centre (like I do) be prepared to pay 500 or even 550, 600E for 25m2. Most of the city’s business activity is around the real estate. There are MANY(360) Agencies where you go and ask if you search for an apartment, they present you with the options according to your needs, and they offer a free visit to them. If you decide to rent the apartment you have to pay an agency fee. (its close to 1 month of rent or less)
The city has a lot of Patisseries/Confiseries and Boulangeries. That means shops with lots of sweet stuff. Brioche, croissants, millions of stuff I don’t even remember, all very very very tastefull and actually cheap! I thought Greece was the top of Bakeries, but these guys rule.
The central square of the city is called “La Rotonde”, and it’s quite impressive, clean and tidy. Generally, compared to Athens, everything is really clean and tidy. The streets have big big sidewalks where you can walk with no fear of getting hit by cars, and the French drivers.. !!!! Wow!!! When you step onto the street and it’s still a red light,the drivers stop and let you pass by. “Please, pass”. Hahah! If it was greek driver, he would first STEP on the gas trying to hit you, then STOP immediately, lower the window and shout : “POU PAS RE MALAKAAAA”. So It seems French people are also really polite when they’re driving.
As a classic Greek guy, I quickly tried to find my way for food. Hm, I must admit, I am a bit troubled. It’s a bit too soon for me so I haven’t discovered all the places, but most of the food you can eat outside, well, it’s too “strange” for our greek stomach. It has lots of sauces and stuff and yet I haven’t found one place to eat cheap & healthy. Something that my stomach will tolarate. Many pizza places and “Brasseries”. Well, I found one quick take-away sandwitch place in La Rotonde and it’s really good, but I don’t plan to live with that. Today I paid my first visit to a local supermarket, “Casino” and it seemed really really good. I should organize a bit with that to skip the junkfood. They have good dairy, there is meat (although its more expensive than Greece), and there are many Fruits and Vegetables, I’d say sometimes even cheaper than Greece!!(that was a surprise) I think that has to do with the fact that Aix is on the Southern part of the country.
Some more good news: FRENCH PEOPLE! They are SOOO polite!!! And their language makes them even more polite and sweet. Ok, they can’t speak english, everyone knows that, but If you ask them something in French, they will gladly give you directions. I like’em.
I’ll have to leave you for now. I’ll write you maybe tomorrow or the day after. I should have a quick shower cause tomorrow is the first day at the University.
