Good friends are like stars, you may not always see them, but you know they’re always there
We were so privileged to have some of my best friends fly half way around the world to meet us in Nice to celebrate my 30th. What a treat! Good friends that go back years are a privilege to be with as although words cannot sum up years, with them it somehow becomes irrelevant. History becomes a bond that connects you by virtue of shared experiences, memories and commonality.
It was a brief respite into the land of the French, and beautiful reminder of the simplicity of the Mediterranean way of life. We started off on a rather unfortunate note as although it was glorious weather (in the double digits – a high of 11 degrees!) our bag got lost en route meaning a swim was out of the question. Instead we were able to amble along the streets of the Vieux Ville whilst waiting to check in to our apartment, scouting out the best places for fromage, charcuterie and croissants. We lazed in the Place de la Garibaldi after having browsed in an antique market, then cooked a fresh mushroom pasta to celebrate the reunion.
The next day we lazily set off into the grey skies to explore the Old City and climbed to the top of the “Cascade” before descending into the heart of the harbour with its fancy yachts. We went for dinner at a typically Nicoise restaurant.
The next day our friend Johan (who had previously done the Nice Ironman) wanted to show us the 180km cycle leg they had done. So we hired a car (a tiny Panda as the booking got lost in translation) and all 5 of us squeezed in to begin the next ‘leg’ of the adventure. When he told us you climbed for the first 75 km I don’t think any of us believed it was true, but we did. Just when you thought the climb was over, a corner was turned and one could see the road snaking ever higher, ever further up. We drove through the villages of Tourettes, Vence, Carros, Coursegoules. As we climbed higher and higher, snow started to fall and the beautiful blue skies of Nice gave way to thick grey cloud, sleeting snow and signs advising you to proceed with snow tyres or chains. Banks of snow lined the roads and being a Monday, most villages had little to offer in the way of prepared food. We trudged on and came across the beautiful cobbled, fortified village of Carros. We were the only customers in a tiny pizzeria, and had a lovely meal. The warmth was a welcome respite from the bitingly cold wind that persevered outside!
The next day we awoke to find that our Panda had been removed to the nearest Pound as we had parked illegally, unknowingly as there had been no “no Parking” signs in sight. Being a beautiful day, we decided to hire rollerblades and skate to the Pound. 3 miles felt like a long way, especially int the headwind! But it was glorious to try something new, feel the sun on your skin and take a few risks. We got the car back, dropped it at the airport and caught the bus to Monaco.
After a quick lunch, we set out exploring into the Old City around the Palace. The Church holding Grace Kelly’s tomb stone was a favourite memory of mine from when I last visited almost 10 years ago. This time however, a string orchestra was practicing some pieces while we walked around. The acoustics were amazing, and had it not been warm sunshine outside, I think we would have been tempted to sit there all afternoon. We walked through the gardens down to the harbour and gawked at the size and beauty of the yachts, before heading upwards and onwards to the Casino. We were told about the hidden mall opposite the casino which was quite a sight – gorgeous chandeliers, marble staircases and shops to die for!
And the time flew too fast! We had a lovely last dinner – French Bourginon stew cooked by Idelette with Laurent Perrier Champagne to celebrate by birthday in advance. I was spoilt by my dear friends and before we knew it we were back on the ‘Bus d’Aeroport’ and running for flight departures.
Til the next adventure mon amis….
theadventuresofguyandli 