I am lucky enough to have family in many parts of the world. There is nothing better than being welcomed into a relative’s home for a week or two after lugging a backpack around, living in fear that you might soon collapse under it. My lovely family in Marseille saved me from potential backpack-crushing when they welcomed me into their city with open bottles of wine arms.

My Grandfather migrated to Australia from Marseille as a very young man but to me he was your typical Frenchman. He ate a lot of cheese, appreciated fine wine company and couldn’t pronounce words beginning with ‘th’.

I had only met a portion of my French family as a child and due to great distances and language barriers I never had a chance to get to know these incredible people on the other side of the planet.

Luckily enough one of my uncles got in touch by the power of the internet, and using google translate I managed to organise a visit. I arrived at the airport alone and slightly nervous but neither lasted long. I recognised the smiling man straight away. I had never met Jean-Luc but he could have been a young version of my Grandpa. I immediately felt right at home around him and there was no doubt in my mind that the people I met in France were some of my own.

The next couple of weeks were spent meeting more family, desperately practising my French, going out for many divine French meals and drinking a lot of wine. Marseille is definitely a wonderful place to relax for a while…

Marseille itself is magnificent. The picturesque port city is filled with a rich history since 600BC, when  Greek settlers came ashore, followed by waves of immigrants that have made Marseille their home. Marseille is now France’s second-largest city and a pitstop for tourists.

The vibrant Vieux Port (Old Port) is where you can find breathtaking views of Marseille and fresh-off-the-boat catches being sold each morning. Along the coast of the city, seaside roads and cycling tracks veer around sun-scorched coves and sandy beaches. It may be the crime capital of Europe, but I had never felt more relaxed during my time in the city.

My time in Marseille revealed a part of myself that I didn’t even know existed. A part of myself that felt comfortable expressing my emotions. A part of myself that related to the people experiencing intense road-rage and jumping out of the car to yell at the traffic-offender. I learnt that having a family member storm out of dinner isn’t inconceivable, that showing how you feel can be dramatic and natural. My overly-emotional Australian self fit right in amongst the pure French passion that surrounded me.

I also learnt that there is nothing better than a Sunday lunch, that turns into a Sunday dinner, which turns into Sunday night drinks, which turns into a hangover. I gained an appreciation for fine wine and sharing it with wonderful people. I learnt that any day can become special if you say ‘tranquille’ and pour another drink. Somewhat surprisingly, I managed to not learn to be a complete alcoholic…

For a short time Marseille managed to feel like home, and language barriers and great distances are not going to stop me from adoring the city and the family I have there.