Saturday, March 3, 2012

44. Three Days on the French Riviera

I traveled to Nice not knowing what to expect,
From Marseille I left, on my list, it got a reject.
I met a woman and her 11 year old daughter who lived in Nice
As well as a man and his 4-year old son who was so sweet.

His name was Tom and he found a grandma to sit next to,
He chatted continuously, read her a book  and told her what to do.
When he departed, he kissed everyone goodbye,
Said he was happy to meet us and then started to cry.
I got directions from a woman to where my hotel was located,
All I had to do was cross the street, go under the bridge and I was situated.
The Hotel Excelsior was exquisite much to my surprise
Very much in French and modern design.
I quickly checked in and went to the beach,





It was about a fifteen minute straight walk, not hard to reach.
Carnival starts March 4, so preparations for the parade are just beginning,
Parade floats, costumes, festivities are on the streets spinning.
The beaches in Nice are not sand but rocks
Oh, what a disappointment, my bum’s not padded enough, so I think not.
That night I wandered the streets and ate at a bistro
So far I have not been impressed with drink or the food.
I usually search for a food market or store
And have fresh fruit and vegetables to feel healthy once more.

I took a local train to Cannes and Monaco to explore
Not much in Cannes when the film festival is no more.
A very small town, except for the cinema screens

Got to Monaco to see the palace of the King,

Saw the daily changing of the guards at the palace
Same place where lived Princess Grace.


I went to the chapel to see her and Prince Ranier’s grave
The same as as all the royal marriages took place.  


From the castle high on the rock above
You can see the town and the marina cove.

The street around the castle are little markets & souvenir shops
I wanted lunch and decided to stop
In front of a crepeirre for lunch
Drizzled with Grand Mariner to pack a punch....mmmm!

Walked down the mountain to Monte Carlo casino,
They all look the same to me like Las Vegas or Reno.
The coastal bus ride was along the cliffs above the sea,
It was relaxing and a wonderful place to be.
I spent the evening going to a bistro, buy a glass of wine, get free food
That is what I usually look for to stretch my money and goods.
Some days it is quite tough because I am traveling on a string,
But I will have to look back and recall all the memories that it brings.

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