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Published: August 19th 2009
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Day 443 Steps 19520
Super early start, we were up at 3.30am to catch our bus to Gatwick Airport. We checked in 4 monster bags which were amazingly under weight before a quick stop at Macca's for breaky and some dutyfree shopping. We arrived in sunny Nice a comfortable 26degrees and missing the first bus into town as it was bursting with tourists. We finally made it into town and to our apartment, a beautiful first floor apartment less than one km from the sea. After a quick change we bought some salad bagettes and headed straight to the beach.
The promanade was packed with supporters of the Iron Man/Woman competition a mere 3.8km swim, 180km ride and a 42km run! Taking some up to 16hours. We marvelled at their physique and level of fitness before heading for a swim.
Much to our disappointment the it was a rock beach making it uncomfortable underfoot but made up for by the cool crystal clear waters. Back at the apartment we had beer and nibbles before heading back out to see the last of the iron men and women stumbling up the road before calling it at night ourselves.
Day 444 Step
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After a well needed sleep in we hit the shops for supplies whilst Leanne and Brian headed for the Tourist Information. We met back at the apartment for some delicious salad baguettes before hitting the road for Old Nice. We stumbled across the 'Chateau' and made our way up to the top for some panoramic views of terracotta roofs of Old Nice and the Promanade De Anglais. Making our way back down past the ruins of the old chapel (currently under excavation) and an elaborate cemetery of beautiful gardens and 3m high tombstones (no pics allowed). We wandered through the antique market failing to stumble across any bargains. We stopped for coffee and desserts at the local patisserie. Back at the apartment we whipped up chicken stirfry and listened to Llyton Hewitts epic 5 set win over Stepenic.
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After a traditional french breaky of hot crossionts, we caught the bus back to the old town to the famous Flower Market, which was small and slightly disappointing. From here we caught a 40minute train to the coastal town of Cannes complete with sand and 40+ women with there boobs and buts out! We enjoyed lunch
on the beach and swim (don't worry mum we waited half an hour!) .
Next we walked over to the port to admire the massive shinning yachts complete with speed boats, jet ski's, many staff and scantly clad women. We wandered back through the swarve streets of Cannes stopping to try some more French pasteries (Yum!). On arrival at the train station we were informed the the train was "retarded indefinately" ....aka delayed. So opted for the bus.. bad decision nearly three hours later we made it back to Nice after back tracking across the county in a jam packed bus.
That evening we treated Leanne and Brian to our speciality of Lamb and Mozzarella (no Haloumi available) and couscous over a local red wine.
Day 446 - See Monaco
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After a huge French feast for breaky we set out for the “Sandy beach” Villefranche we had spotted from the train to Monaco the day before. We arrived following a short bus journey only to find on closer inspection it was another pebble beach but smaller pebbles. After a beautiful morning swimming and soaking up the sun we headed back to Nice for our
reservation at the Michelan star restaurant, miscalculating our trip we were forced to postpone it for another day and opted for some more home made baguettes. After lunch we boarded the bus again this time set for Eze a small coastal village. Eze is a famous village built on the edge of cliff overlooking the Mediterranean ocean a popular holiday destination by many including kings and queens, famous artists and Bono. The village filled with cute boutique shops, cafes, restaurants, churches interconnected by a winding cobblestone path.
We made our way to the peak and cactus gargen featuring many impressive female sculptures and some spectacular views.
We caught the last bus back to Nice and after a relaxing beer at our apartment. We had dinner at Le Dolche Vita trialing the French specialities, Snails, mussels, Trout, Steaks and Wine. After a lovely dinner we wandered the streets to take some night pics, overestimating how far we had walked and dragged ourselves home ....exhausted!
Day448
After a sleep in we headed to the already packed beach for a morning swim, then back our apartment to get ready for our long awaited Michelan Star lunch at Keisuke Matsushima. After a excellent
run down of the menu in English we made our selections. We started with some apertiffs of toffee coated cherry tomato's and toasts with pate. Next was a gazpacho type of cold tomato soup. For entree Leanne selected the sashimi fish, Brian Prawns, Jez mushroom risotto and Carly Duck Salad, Mains; Wasabi Beef, pork, Stuffed Squid with ink, Dessert; Chocolate, Fruit, Cherry and Chocolate.
Absolutely delicious meal... thankyou Grandma (Jez's grandma's very generous shout!).
We spent the rest of the afternoon chilling on the beach and were joined by Terry (Aussie friend) for a swim. We headed to a local bar to watch the Andy Murray v's Andy Roddick match discreetly supporting Roddick in a room of POMS. We continued on to the Casino to quickly blow 20euros and hit the road again for Wayne's Bar in the old city. Disappointed by the extravagant prices we stopped at the closest off-licence for a six-pack and joined the locals sitting around the fountain in the square.
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