Nice
09.25.2011 - 09.27.2011
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Beach in Nice, with "imported" sand
Maybe it was because it was raining when we arrived, and we had to walk a considerable distance in that rain... with our bags... or because when we arrived at our hotel the manager informed us that our room was unavailable due to a broken shower so we had to walk to another hotel (that she graciously arranged for us)... but Nice was not so nice. Granted, we weren't staying at a fancy hotel or eating at the finest restaurants, so maybe all that luxury we had heard the French Riviera had was just happening somewhere we couldn't afford. It was also a Sunday when we arrived, and in Europe everything seems to be closed on Sundays which I guess added to the city seeming unimpressive. We did manage to find somewhere to eat dinner, which came with some free entertainment! Almost every time we eat outside there is some kind of street performer nearby, usually a musician. This night, there was a slightly plump man who would don a clowns nose (but was otherwise dressed normally) and make fun of the tourists walking by, imitating them. Some people were horrified but some people played along. It was very funny (but sometimes racist) and the most unique form of street performing we had seen.
The next day was gorgeous, and we decided to take the bus into Monaco (only 1 Euro!). We got off at Monte Carlo, to see the most famous casino in the world. Of course we couldn't go inside, let alone gamble, because the entrance fee alone was enormous. But the building and the landscaping surrounding the casino was amazing.
In front of the Monte Carlo Casino
View across from the casino
Somewhere nearby, possibly behind the casino
We walked around the coastline, gazed at the massive yachts in the marina and the even bigger cruise ships beyond that.
There was also some interesting artwork on the path overlooking the coast:
We didn't know what there really was to do in Monaco, so we just kept walking and walking until we got lost. We strolled along the Rue de Princess Grace, saw a museum and a Japanese garden where we sat and relaxed a while, and eventually just made our way back to where the bus would take us back to Nice. One of the best parts about the bus ride, aside from the price, was the view of the super lush coastline in between Nice and Monaco where I'm sure many celebrities have villas. Matt and I would stare out the window, looking at these areas, and debate whether we should buy a helicopter or a yacht first after we make our first billion dollars.
We ended the day with a light snack and bottle of wine in the park, excited to leave for Barcelona the next day!
Posted by TheKaschs 11.10.2011 20:18 Archived in France
