A Liberation of Sorts
Topless Beaches.
The thought of drunken grabbing and cultish, European orgies might come to mind to some. However, it is anything but that. Having heard of the world’s nudist society before, I was well aware that a nude beach (or a much milder “topless beach”) would be anything but a gawking party. American’s definitely seem to be pretty immature when it comes to public nudity, and I sadly was no exception. I can assure I am a straight female, but I could not seem to peel away my eyes from the plethora of breasts from all shapes, sizes, and age scattered across the beaches of Marseille.
It took me a good 20 minutes to work up the courage to snap my top off. I even giggled a few times, I admit. To fully appreciate this, I must first share that I have been known to possess a very bad self-body image. To blame it solely on American media and culture would surely not be enough. However, to neglect that aspect would be to deny a very inherent cause. Add a torrent of disapproving ex-boyfriends and a habit of comparisons and you get a very seemingly prudish individual. I have been known to avoid wearing shorts, and hide in the dark, even in a loving and safe environment. So to bare my nakeness to the sun, was, well….. pretty surreal. Even for a first generation American in the 21st century.
The second it came off, it was like I threw off 50 pounds of self-scrutiny. I wasn’t ashamed of how I looked, or what people thought of me. There was an air of acceptance across the sand, no matter what size, age, or color you were. No one gawked. No one harrassed. There was no social standard to discourage me. Young, old, and even families soaked up the sun and frolicked in the water, paying no mind to anyone’s lack of “proper” attire. Everyone seemed to be in a peaceful daze of their own personal indulgence. I have never felt the words “Live and Let Live” more than at this moment. Every single body was beautiful. Including my own.
And I must say, this has changed me in a very positive way.
Musings of a Lone Gypsy 
Absolutely LOVED this post. Omgosh girl, you are SO flipping gorgeous, No doubt you were among the most beautiful bodies on that entire beach! (no joke!!) I loved your perspective in the end and so jealous you got to bask in the sun on a Marseille beach!! So happy for you. Keep flying free girly.