A much needed rest

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Not for me, though. The rest was for Delphine who had just finished the hardest set of exams in her life. If passed she will be half way through the "Concours" (or, as I call it, the "ConKillMeNow") that will permit her to be a professor of English literature in France. If not passed - well, let's just not go there.

So we took off for Menton, a small, ancient town nestled on the Mediterranean only a few short kilometres from the Italian border. We rented a charming little apartment with a jaw-dropping view of the sea and the historic part of the city. We were both immediately smitten with the town: narrow, ancient pathways, gelato and pizza par tout, sailboats and sunsets... what's not to like ?

Our week can best be summed up by our daily routine and the few exceptions. I would get up and sneak out of bed, leaving Delphine to "faire dodo" (sleep like a baby) at about eight to catch some quiet time over sunrise and coffee. I would read with my feet up watching the shadows from the ancient buildings slow melt away as the day woke up. We would have breakfast and squeeze some orange juice, then I would work a couple hours followed by us preparing some elaborate and delicious meal served outside in the garden. Then, like clockwork, Delphine would crave her ice cream for the day (chocolate ! mango ! RASPBERRY !!!) and we would descend into the old town in search of her fix. Then a nap. Then I would work some more and Delphine would read. Then another elaborate meal, usually proceeded by a game of backgammon in the garden and a whiskey for me. Finishing by 9:30 we would watch something in bed (Delphine has fallen in love with a reality TV show called "Food Revolution" where a british chef goes to the fattest city in America and tries to teach them how to eat healthily. I am convinced she likes the show because she likes feeding the French stereotypes of fat, dumb americans: "My God ! Pizza for breakfast????"). Then a long sleep.

Rince and repeat the next day. And the next. And the next...

We did spend one afternoon in a tiny medieval town a twisty road up the valley that was quite nice. There were no streets in this town, just cobblestone passageways through colourful Italian-style buildings. Wine over backgammon then back on the bus.

The only other trip was to Nice on our last day. The aptly named 'Nice' is really quite....good. I was disappointed in the beachfront though: Nice has a world-famous beach that, to my eyes, was far too close to a busy roadway and entirely made out of stones... It was a nice day of exploring the city however and not one we regret at all. Besides: my mix of bleach-white skin and sensitive eyes doesn't make me a big fan of beaches anyway. The excellent seafood lunch we had made the trip for me !

Overall, the week was a roaring success. Delphine got a good rest and we both got to see the blue hughes that all the French painters have been raving about over the years. If anyone is considering spending time on the Cote d'azur I highly recommend Menton if you are looking for a quiet, charming town with an Italian flair.

And ice cream.

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Comments

[Daniel]

Well deserved indeed!
Sounds like a great trip, and definitely well deserved. We're all routing for you Delphine!

[Eric]

I enjoyed your post. You got some great shots there. My blog is looking for travel photos and hostel reviews. If you have the time, email us some at [e-mail] or check us out at dirty-hippies.blogspot.com Continued fun on your travels, Eric

[Tom Greer]

loverly :)
Now that's my idea of a great vacation. I too love the south of France for all the reasons you mentioned and then some. I was talking to your Mom and Dad this morning. They are so looking forward to your visit. Delphine --- congratulations on successfully completing your first hurdle...see, I have no doubt of your success. :) I too watch the show you love. Jamie Oliver is one of our favorite chefs. When we rented a villa in Tuscany the property was a working olive farm with a number of villas. He was there running a cooking school in one of them. He was tres charmant. Good luck with the next session of your program....Steffi and I hope we see you two soon, perhaps in Toronto now that we have our apartment almost renovated. xoxoxoox

[G.I.M.P.Y]

Nice...
... was in Nice on Friday 30/04, we arrived with the ferry there... didn't see anything nice to this town (just crazy drivers). But oh yeah we were trying to be in Marseille to catch our train back to Lyon so we didn't visit! That's my very useful contribution to your post. I'm surprised though you didn't go to the beach...