Nice, Monaco, yachts, casinos, and fantastic views of villas don't account for much when one third of the group is sick. If you read Bernie's blog you will know by now that he was ill during our time on the Cote d'Azur and that severely hampered our days of sightseeing. Instead Matthew and I learned how to hail the French police at 3 AM and ask for assistance which came in the form of an ambulance. We looked a motely and somewhat suspicious crew standing on a darkened street corner flagging down a police car; a ten year old boy, a stooped and hooded man, and a woman waving with all her might to attract the gendarmes' attention. The French police were most courteous but I was a little taken aback when all three of them got out of the car and 'assumed the position' around the street while waiting for the ambulance. (How many spy novels have you read that include Nice?) We were treated well by everyone at the Nice Hospital but I can't help but think that Boundary Trails is the Cadillac of hospitals, waiting rooms, and equipment. We did spend one day riding the bus to Monaco and it was a treat to see this amazing playground of a city but in the grand scheme of things, it's just another city and some things need to be saved for another day.
I'm so glad that Peter Mayle wrote that book. It was a wonderful place to be, even if it was only for a week. Our week there was to be one of R & R and while it was (mostly), we spent a fantastic time exploring the many back roads of the area. We followed the road signs and drove through amazing cities perched on the sides of hills. We visited great markets... oh the olives and spices... we wound our way through a labyrinth of narrow streets and enjoyed each and every turn in the road. It was a kaleidoscope of sight and sound and I can't wait to return one day and finish our explore. Many thanks to Audrey and her daughter Marie for their wonderful hospitality and their friendship. We will be sure to include them on our return visit one day.
Can anyone be as lucky as we were to have spent two amazing weeks in Paris living right in the heart of Marais, home to trendy shops, winding cobblestone streets, French bakeries, and a gazillion little cafes squished into corners and spilling haphazardly out onto the streets? Thanks again to Jenn and Eric for their hospitality in Paris, for helping us locate to another flat, and for all the great advice on what else to see in "the city of lights".
No one knows how to carelessly throw a scarf around their neck like a Parisian - man or woman. Scarves and sunglasses are a foolproof recipe for chic. Even children are dressed well, especially on Sundays when families go for a walk or to the park for an afternoon of play. I even saw a tiny little girl with the cutest curls toddle after her mother wearing the Paris "uniform" of tights, shorts, and yes...the carelessly thrown scarf!
I was sad to miss out on the best season of Dancing With The Stars but I had the good fortune to watch couples doing the tango beneath the lights of the Eiffel Tower. And further to my coffee theme, five dollars for a tiny espresso!
I enjoyed all of Paris...from our six storey walk up to the art galleries (if you look closely I think I found the first guy ever to text, and by the way, I do love art galleries because they are also great places to have a nap) to the hike up to the second level of the Eiffel Tower (all 669 steps) to the over five plus mile walk back from the Arc de Triomphe to our apartment (who needs stairmaster). But I think the best part of Paris for me was the two Sunday afternoons that I got to spend sitting in Place des Vosges reading my book in the warm autumn sunlight while Parisian families and friends visited and played. I will always treasure our time in Paris.
