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OCTOBER 9, 2003
Well, I am back in France again. We spent 21 days in Italy. The longest we have spent in any country so far. Now I will have to remember it's Bon jour and merci instead of buon giorma and gracie.
The hotel had breakfast; cereal, croissant, and hot beverage. After breakfast, Laurie and I went to check out a few places to stay before we checked out of the hotel. We saw one that wasn't very nice and then we went to another which was one floor down from the first. This one is called Chez Patrick. It was much nicer and the man at the desk was terrific. He is Englsh and has a sense of humor. I don't know if the French have a sense of humor. I didn't know the English did either--only kidding--Just joking with my English pals. Anyways, there was a room at Chez Patricks, so Laurie and I ran to get our things at the hotel. We settled in the hostel and then went for a walk.
We walked to the shore. The water was exquisite. I just can't believe the color of the water. It was about five different colors. The colors started at a very light bluish-green seafoam. It really looked like seafoam because it was so wavy. Then the colors got darker the further it went out. I can see why people come here. The waves looked pretty strong. I saw two people swimming. The one thing bad about it is that there really isn't a beach. It is all rocks. Some people were laying on the rocks. It looked pretty comfortable to me.
There is a promenade all along the water. People were walking, riding bikes, and roller blading. We walked along the promenade until we caught a little shuttle bus that gives a quick tour of the Old Town and then takes us up to Castle Hill where you can get an overall view of the water.
Laurie and I hung out at the park there and read until about 3:00. Then we walked back down to the water. We stopped at an outside cafe and Laurie got oysters and wine. I just had a soda which Laurie treated me to. Again, the soda was more than the wine. I think I should change my drink of choice.
We are now at the hostel. Drew, the manager of the hostel, said that people where going to a place called "Waynes". They have Karoake there. Laurie and I might check it out.
Laurie and I walked to find "Waynes". It was too early for Karoake. We decided to walk to the promenade by the beach to see what it looked like at night. It was nice, because it wasn't crowded like it was in the day. Also, it was less windy.
We walked for quite a while and turned around. We decided not to go to Karoake and started walking back to the hostel. We got so turned around we were walking in circles. We finally just followed the signs for "Gare" which is train station. We knew our way from the train station once we got there. I am sure we were in parts of Nice that no tourist travels. We made it back safe and sound.
October 6, 2003
Laurie and I took the train to EzeSurMer. It was a place that Drew, from the hostel, told us about. He said that we could hike up from there to Ezeville. It was a short walk, but had great views of the sea.
The village was really neat. It was high on a hill. It is amazing what they can pack in a small space and seem quaint. It seemed like one big stone structure with arches, homes, shops, and allys built throughout. We walked around, had a bite to eat and then walked down to the train.
We decided to take the train to Monaco. That is where the famous Monte Carlo casino is. Where all the well to do go.
We walked to the casino, but we didn't try to go in. We were in shorts and I don't think that's accepted. The whole area is pretty, being on the water, palm trees, and green parks.
We didn't stay long because we were going to go back to see it lit up at night. We caught the train back to Nice.
It wasn't too long afterward we took the train back to Monaco. The casino was very pretty with all the lights around it. We went in. I was expecting someone to stop us from going in. I told Laurie that they shouldn't stop me, I was wearing labeled clothes. I had my fleece jacket and my EMS fleece pants on. That should be good enough.
We could only go into the slot machine room which was small. The "big stuff" was behind closed doors and you had to pay 10-12 euros to get in. They don't think taking your money from gambling is enough.
So I bought 10 euro of 50 cent tokens and quickly lost them to a dumb machine. I really don't know how people can do that all day. It is too darn disappointing. First, because you don't win, and second because now you don't have the money. At least roulette can be fun.
So after we lost our money we went back to the train station and went back to Nice. That was it for me. Laurie on the other hand went out with Drew and people from the hostel.
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