Friday, Oct 17, 2014 –
After two long nights on the hook along the west coast of Corsica we went into a marina in Ajaccio, the capital city, for a night without rolling. We did not have much time to visit the city but from what we saw we really liked it. It is a combination of French and Italian cuisine resulting in excellent pizza, among other dishes.
We were pulled into a little wine and cheese shop by the aromas emanating from the store. Our intention was to just look as we explained in our best French: “Je regard solement”. After 45 minutes we departed with a bag full of incredible cheeses and a chunk of pork that had been hanging around for years and covered with mold. That should be interesting…
Everything about Ajaccio is Napoleon so we got a history infusion whether we wanted it or not. Napoleon was born in Ajaccio in 1769 and lived there for ten years. He moved to mainland France with his family and became a lieutenant of the artillery at the age of 16. After he was removed from office he was exiled in the Italian island of Elba within view of his beloved homeland Corsica. Despite his request to be buried in Corsica only if they did not want him in Paris, the city honors him like a hero. Sounds like Ajaccio discovered a marketing opportunity!