Profound Analogies

Remember back in elementary school when you learn about analogies? I always remember seeing them on tests and you had to fill in one of the missing blanks (ie bone : dog, _____ : cat). I always seemed to struggle with those and yes that was the best example I could come up with. So anywho, we had to go down to Marseille yesterday for some really informative (this is where a sarcastic font or button is needed) meetings. I visited Marseille last summer and wasn't very fond of it. My host dad from last summer called it Marseille le merde, basically he hates it. For me, it's too big, kinda dirty and doesn't really have that French-feel. Last night some of the assistants in the entire region went out and I had a very profound conversation with another assistant about Marseille. He is teaching Gap (located in the Alps) and he shares my feelings for Marseille. We decided that Marseille is to France as Miami is to the States. Let me explain. Whenever I meet a French person and tell them I am from the States the always ask about 2 cities: New York and Miami. New York City is definitely understandable (even though I, an American, have never been), but Miami??? I mean come on. Miami is one of the worst depictions of  America and our culture. Whenever I think about Miami, I think of Pitbull and lots of Spanish, not good ol' American life. But Marseille is the exact same sort of city for the French. Don't get me wrong, it is beautiful and has lots to offer, but I didn't feel like I was in France anymore. Since it is so close to Africa, there is a lot of Northern African influence, especially in the food. It just doesn't have that typical accordion playing, café sitting French stereotype. I was glad to go back and visit, but I think those 24 hours were enough for my entire stay here.