Bastia, Corsica: Does It Need a Paint Job?


We place so much emphasis in North America on things being new, and clean, and neat and tidy. Those values just don’t apply in Europe. Each generation, each civilization has built on top of the previous one. Space is at a premium, and you don’t tear things down unnecessarily.

Bastia is a port and commercial centre on the east side of Corsica. If you drive into Bastia, you’ll completely bypass the oldest part of the city and the old port as a tunnel takes you straight underneath and out the other side.


But on foot, you start climbing the hill and there is the cathedral facing the old port.


And you keep climbing and you are surrounded by tall bedraggled apartment buildings with laundry draped from the windows and balconies.


It can be drab on a cloudy day, but it’s not really ugly. And the touches of beauty are all the more striking.


Isn’t this a lovely staircase?


I was so impressed by this homeowner's garden.


Yes, a little paint would be nice. On the other hand, wouldn’t it be great if Canadians loosened their standards. Plant a garden in your front yard. Hang your laundry outside to dry. And don’t tear down buildings just because they’re old.

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