Late-night Marseille Airport showed a gloomy resemblance to Samuel Beckett's staged stillness, at 2:30 in the morning, bearing minimal activity akin to Knock's tranquility.
A young Frenchman, concerned about his 6:30pm flight from Barcelona, provided updates about the service as he embarked on an unexpected adventure. His journey began with a decision to save money, opting for a Blablacar bus instead of a €139 train ticket to Barcelona, a choice that would ultimately cost him €100 less[2].
En route to Marseille, France, the individual made a stopover, marking his first visit to the city. Marseille Airport was almost deserted at 2:30am local time, a stark contrast to the bustling city it usually is[5].
The individual's plan was to explore Marseille and Roussillon, a village with a significant connection to Samuel Beckett, before embarking on train journeys around the Mediterranean[6]. However, his trip was disrupted due to a French transport strike[7].
Undeterred, the young traveller pressed on, eventually reaching Roussillon. The village, nestled in the heart of the Pyrenees-Orientales region, holds a special place in Beckett's heart. It was here that Beckett spent time during World War II and was a member of the Resistance[1][3][4].
The individual was intrigued by the prospect of a side trip to Roussillon, especially since it hosts the annual **Festival Beckett**[1]. This festival, celebrating its 25th edition from 26 to 30 July 2025, features a rich program of performances, lectures, and encounters, all centered around Beckett's work[1].
However, the individual's experience of Roussillon was marred by a two-bus trip that he found less appealing due to a previous incident[8]. Moreover, the screen for entering mobile numbers on Blablacar did not offer the Irish prefix (+353), causing some inconvenience[9].
The bus driver had to stop for 45 minutes due to rules regarding his 8-hour duty, causing a delay of about 20 miles from Barcelona[10]. The individual did not receive updates about the lateness of the 12:05pm Blablacar service[11].
Despite these challenges, the individual's spirit remained undeterred. The temperature outside his hotel in the morning was a scorching 36 degrees Celsius, a reminder of the summer heat in the region[12]. As he prepared to depart for Spain, he reflected on his adventure, filled with unexpected delays, new experiences, and the allure of Samuel Beckett's Roussillon.
The local patience towards delays in various places suggested the phrase "Attendons, citoyens!" could replace the one that says "Marchons!" in a famous Marseille anthem, encapsulating the spirit of resilience and patience that the young Frenchman exhibited throughout his journey.
Despite the disruptions in his travel plans due to the French transport strike, the young traveler found opportunities to explore new destinations such as Marseille and Roussillon. His lifestyle on this unexpected adventure shifted towards embracing unexpectedDetours and adaptability, especially during his visit to Beckett's significant village.
