Assuming I am well prepared for the solar eclipse, fixed time for leaving my home, and then I suddenly realise that the public transport could be crowded. I leave home earlier, and lo and behold, traffic jam, no buses to be seen, crowded bus stops, crowded sidewalks on either side. All people of Marseille are going to the coast to view the solar eclipse.

If there are buses they will be stuffed, I think, and with a heatwave that is not a great idea. So walking all the way to the spot I have in mind is the only option. Hundreds of others have the same ideal spot on their minds, and I do really like that there is so much interest in this unique solar event. Walking for 45 minutes in a heatwave, even after 7 pm, is quite a stretch physically but inspiration keeps me and others going.

My first experience of a full solar eclipse happened in Pondicherry, India. It took place during the day, and when the sun was fully blocked out by the moon, it was dark and it felt like death to me. As if the Life Force of the Earth was cut off. Albeit for a few minutes but I’ll never forget how it felt. So I walk here in Marseille to my second viewing of a solar eclipse with this expectation in mind. But, this time it is going to be different.

Although it becomes quite dark when the eclipse is happening I do not see a full covering of the sun. When I keep taking photos I see that the moon is on its way to pass on the left side away from the sun. The sun now looks like a half moon, but a bright one. The real surprise for me is when I see two people in canoes quietly moving to where the great event is happening. Two enjoyers of sea and sun and the solar eclipse.

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