Vacation Part 2 plus March

All in all the second part of vacation was wonderful. I have to say I understand why so many people go to the South of France because it is beautiful and warm. I think Nice is not only really nice but an excellent city. Here are the highlights of the trip:

1. The weather. It was so nice to just sit on the beach and let the sun hit your face as you watched little waves roll up onto the rocky beach. I took so many photos of the whole coast.

2. Going to Italy. Patrick and I left France and walked to Italy. It total we walked, maybe 11 miles to get the the city of Ventimigilia, which is 6 miles or so from the border. The other five miles came from walking from Menton to the border. This does not include the 2 mile walk to the bus station that morning in Nice or the 2 to 3 mile walk back into town from the wrong Menton train station. However, it was so strange to truly see how different Italy is to France on every level; including how cheap everything is in Italy, at least in Ventimigilia. As for the hike there it was all along the road, which followed the beautiful coast, but it was long. My feet were killing me by the end of the day.

3. Carnival was amazing. There is no way really to describe the energy and excitement of Carnival; it is just something that your should do in life. I look forward to planning a trip to see Carnival in Brazil. So if you want to go, start saving your money now.

4. I got to see Fireworks in Menton, France! We had gone down to the South of France to go to the Fete des Citrons, the Lemon Festival, which takes place in Menton. While the town is full of dying Brits, the fete was neat to see. Although the timing of the parade was a little off, I could let it pass because of the fireworks. As well as the tiny French lady, with the biggest glasses to eye ratio I have seen in a while, who stood behind us the whole time make little noises and singing along to the Elvis music, which accompanied the fireworks. 'Oh lala!' she would ring out.

5. How cheap it is to travel along the French Rivera. For a euro, you can take the bus all along the coast; however, get the bus at the station and sit in the back so you have a seat. It is a long bus ride if you have to stand the whole way. Did I mention we had to stand the whole way on the bus to Menton, the same day we walked 11 miles and stood for an hour to watch the parade.

As for March, we went to Romans for another Carnival. Yeah, they celebrate Carnival here after Ash Wednesday, because everyone needs a break a week into Lent! It was a cool experience to see a small town really throw quite the party. It was no Nice Carnival, but it was far more political. So well done to Romans!

In 16 days our dear friends Devon, Rosie, and Kevin are coming to visit us in Paris, which I am super excited for and cannot wait! I might go into shock once I see them but it will be fun to get to explore more of the city with them.

Interesting observations:
1. It seems that all young French children are pawned off on their grandparents, who all seem to live in the South.

2. Old British people go to the South of France to die; therefore, they take away from the area's charm.

3. Monoco is worth maybe two hours during the day and an hour at night. Other than that amount of time, it is a boring place, full of bad art and high rise buildings erected in the '70s.

4. March weather has been warmer but now that I have said something I am sure it will return to its usual awful rain.

That is all for now.
Molly