We were in tens in 2nd and 3rd class coaches, going to Marseille. We departed at 2. We passed 2 big tunnels, and at 4 we were leaving Marseille station over the P-L-M route (Paris-Lyon-Marseille). There were two tracks, built expensively with long tunnels and lofty bridges. Wayside signs showed its length is 834 kilometers.
We passed along the sea for a moment, then hillside, rocks, meadows, grazing flocks, fields, vineyards. The train went very fast. Brick and ceramic factories passed by our windows. A large city at kilometer 802 (Miramar?) and an unending flat behind it. We had our supper, and I fell asleep sitting up. We reached Station Orange at night.
July 14
Morning, half past seven, and we were at kilometer 582—Roues—so we had traveled more than 200 kilometers overnight. Then there was kilometer 778—Arles, where we passed through vineyards. At night our black guards were replaced by the 320th battalion—all old geezers. We felt broken, having slept sitting up.
Station Wienne. Ceramic factories.
At kilometer 509—Lyon, a huge city. Lovely, wide streets, great palaces, many factories.
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