We Departed At the Worst Place

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Nice. Ehn, not so much. Amidst a bustling, energetic and non-stop construction scene, we found a few bright spots in Nice. Our hostel, Chez Patrick, introduced us to some interesting people. First, our British friend we dubbed "Colin" after the crazy brit in Love Actually, was a crazy cyclist who was taking a "casual" bike ride across the French Riviera. Our second friend, whom the title of this entry is named after, was our self-professed French translator. After enrolling in French Immersion from grades 4-8, our friend truly believed her French was "very good". Informing a very friendly French gellato-man that we departed on the worst place after we got off on the wrong stop on the bus, she was baffled that the man could not understand her. Although I sympathized with his confusion (he made a very un-French like effort to help us), I did not have the heart to tell our friend her French was horrific. NICE TRY!

In light of Nices shortcomings, we found ourselves falling in love with Cannes. Amongst the glitz and glamour, we found a history well preserved, integrated and cherished. The island of Saint Margariette revealed a fantastic fortress protecting the water ways. Open to the community for various sporting events (including a yoga class we accidently walked into), the fortress had very few constricting barriers we have bumped into in other French monuments. Like many fortresses and strong points, the castle fell into Spanish hands whenever the French were surrendering. The inter-mixing influences between these two cultures have left a lasting impression of this little known place. Monaco, although beautiful and clean, left little for us to do. One must pay cover to walk into their casino to blow more money. Having a slight temptation to double my savings with a quick spin of the wheel, I thought I would venture into the Casino to feel out my luck. I was kindly greeted by a large French bloke in a suit who looked at my flip flops, beached out shorts and wrinkled shirt and merely shook his head. Probably better I stayed out of there anyhow.

We say au revoir to France for the time being and will make our way into Spain. All in all, we have loved France and are excited to return to Normandy in a couple weeks.

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Photos

Fortress on St. Marguerite, Cannes
The actual cell of the man in the iron mask... who actually existed, although they still don´t know the true identity

Comments

[Auntie marlene]

So Happy for you two
Hi Kevin and Emily, It is so nice you are getting to see these places that most of us only ever hear about. You are going to have beautiful memories. Have a wonderful time in Spain. Love you Auntie marlene