a Trip to the French Riviera

Believe it or not, I've been a LITTLE busy since I've returned from Nice. But I'll begin with sharing my experiences on that amazing trip.

I had left Saturday, St. Patrick's Day, evening from La Rochelle, changed trains in Bordeaux (which I had visited back in February) and took a 12 hour, overnight train ride to Nice. There were 3 of us traveling all togehter, but were meeting one there.  We arrived Sunday morning at 8 a.m. and began our day right away. We walked around Nice, sat on the beach, touched the Meditteranean for my first time, visited the market, climbed a lot of stairs & enjoyed the beautiful city.  We stayed in a hostel, about 3 blocks from the beach, for a very reasonable price.

 Arriving in Nice on the train, along the coast.

 Nice.

Spices at the Market.

 I eventually climbed up there.

 From 'up there'

 again, from 'up there'  View of the City Life

 Beach view from 'up there'

 In the Meditteranean for the first time. 

Nice at night. 

After a nice dinner Sunday night, we called it a day.  Monday we got up and adventured to Monaco - the 2nd smallest country nestled in the French Riviera.  Talk about fancy - this country was it.  A very inexpensive 30 minute train ride - 3 euro one way - but to one of the most beautiful places I've been to.  We walked around Monte Carlo, saw nothing but fancy cars - Rolls Royce, Ferrari's, Audi, Mercedes, Porsche - fancy people, fancy architectural buildings, & of course a beautiful beach.  We also walked to see Prince Albert's Castle & saw where Grace Kelly is buried.  & how could I forget the yachts?! There were a lot of them too!

Monte Carlo.

Some fancy Yachts.

Beautiful blue water and Green green grass.

Casino in Monte Carlo.

10 euro 'cover charge' to actually go in & play - I didn't dare.

Taken from Prince Albert's Home.

I've never been, but reminds me the Caribbean.

Prince Albert's Home.

He wasn't there.

Beach in Monte Carlo.

From the front step of the Casino $

Outside the Hotel de Paris.

We made our way back to Nice for 2 euro on the return train.  Walked around for a bit and enjoyed a nice dinner.  Dinner time isn't until at least 7 p.m. so you must occupy yourself until then.  But most eat between 8-9. 

Tuesday was departure day, but not until evening.  So we took another inexpensive train ride to Cannes.  This mean absolutely nothing to me, but the 2 girls I was with were of course impressed with the Film Festival that is held there.  I don't think I knew such a thing existed there.  But we walked around Cannes for the afternoon before returning to Nice to catch our train home that left at 8 p.m. 

We arrived in La Rochelle about 10:30 a.m. Wednesday morning.  Unfortunately I was robbed 200 euro on my overnight train while I was sleeping, but the fool dropped his ID and was shortly caught by the police - I may or may not see that money in September (!) after he goes to court. 

My next class began Wednesday - the schedule of course changed within the time of our trip being planned, and I missed the morning session of it - though I don't think I really missed anything.  Made it to the afternoon session, and had it again Thursday morning & afternoon.  & now, what a surprise, another break.  Headed to London Monday-Friday & mostly looking forward to the English part of it. 

We changed our clocks this morning, so I am again 6 hours ahead of EST.  The weather has been nothing but beautiful here - 60's/70's & Sunny.  & everyday I find another reason why I am so glad I chose to live with a family & how fortunate I am to have received the family I did.  She just told me she will pick me up at the airport when I come home on Friday.  The airport in La Rochelle is very very small.  It's about a 20 minute drive from the house.  There is a bus to the airport which is how I'll get there tomorrow.  I have no set plans while in London - adventuring, seeing, & speaking as much as I can in 3 full days.  I will share my adventures when I return!

Hope you're enjoying your time - without me.  I'll be home in 7 weeks!