Following up on a tip from a deep-rooted Marseillais I arrive at that boulevard Chave that gives a spectacular view. A telelens would have suited better for a photo but the boulevard does look out on the Calanques. All of it is part of a lively district that is marked by graffiti.

Graffiti has rarely been an inspiration to me but if it is part of people’s culture I respect it. There is a mixture here of genuine artistic writings on the wall and that which looks more of public nuisance but if the latter is seen as part of the whole then the perception becomes different.

Some small enterprises decorate their fronts with creative patterns and colors while others have freely added their own signature of expression. The neighborhood itself feels welcoming, there is a lively communal atmosphere where even outsiders do not feel out of place.

The Calanques has come to full bloom this month, because of regular rain the forest’s flower shrubs look better than ever while it is also the month of one of my favourite flowers, the noble Iris with her vivid pink and deep purple petals lined with yellow stamens to its core.

Diversity has been part of my life since my early adulthood, it’s a universal perception, where there is no conflict as one is equal and free to the other. Different cultures have different ways of expression. It’s not a matter of liking or disliking but observing and understanding.

The Olympic flame arrives in Marseille on 8 May on its journey to Paris with the Games beginning end of July. Marseille will host sailing events and hopefully I will be able to become part of the spectators to take images of this universal event that traces back to Greece in 776 B.C.

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