Curiosity in the Wind

Daily Miles: 33.11 | Total Miles: 13,870.66

I slept well in the room I had all to myself, but throughout the night I could hear the wind—loud, constant, almost roaring. When my alarm rang, there was a brief moment of hesitation. Facing another day in that wind didn’t feel particularly inviting. But the thought passed quickly. I knew I could do it.

Hot coffee, packing, the usual. The buggy had been parked in tightly, so I had to carefully move things around just to free it from its little trap. Once everything was organized, I went back upstairs—took off the linen, washed my cup, and got myself mentally ready. Even then, I could already feel the cold wind creeping into my bones.

In the kitchen, I met Josi, who works there. We exchanged a few words, and somehow that small interaction made both of us feel more ready for the day. Then I stepped outside, shifting into the mindset of what was ahead—hours of wind again. Maybe not as strong as yesterday, but still present. Hektor had just arrived, so I could say goodbye. It had been a really good stay at the hostel in Cassis.

The day began with a climb out of Cassis—no joke, a proper one. A good warm-up, even as the wind was already making itself known. I kept my jacket on all the way to the top, but soon enough I was sweating. Along the way, I passed a boy waiting for the bus. I greeted him, he smiled back, and when I said “tour du monde,” his eyes lit up. He ran after me and asked more. With my limited French, I tried to explain what I was doing. I could almost see his thoughts expanding in that moment. It was a beautiful encounter.

From there, I continued toward Marseille. Again, so many scenes, so many impressions—things that quietly enrich life in ways that are hard to describe. This journey exposes me to so many different people, places, and moments. I feel like it deepens something in me—a curiosity that keeps growing. I’ve always had it, but this experience strengthens it. Especially in difficult times, it reminds me that connection is always worth pursuing—and that I will continue to meet people with openness and curiosity, never with fear.

Around halfway, I stopped at a bakery. It was warm, so I bought a cold drink and recharged my phone. The man behind the counter was friendly and curious about my journey. I sat there for a moment, just watching life unfold around me. Most of the customers were Muslim, speaking Arabic, wearing beautiful clothes, sharing time together. It was one of those quiet observations that stays with you.

Then I moved on, running through different parts of Marseille. There is so much to see, so much to reflect on. And again, so many people who respond with a smile or curiosity when greeted by someone running past with a buggy. Frédéric stopped me along the way, wanting to know more about the journey.

It was getting late, cooler again, and I still had more than an hour to go. Another uphill stretch—long, steady, at times seemingly endless. But patience always gets me there. Eventually, I found a rhythm again, and the last miles turned into good running. Sometimes it just takes time for the body to settle into the day.

Arriving in Saint-Victoret, I had to look around a bit to find the place I had booked. A kind man helped me, and eventually I met Nathalie. The room is nice. And her cat had three kittens just two days ago. Watching them brought an immediate sense of calm—it’s incredible how something so small can settle both body and mind.

Dinner, a shower, and now I’m finishing up.

Thanks for checking in, Andrea