I arrived in Nice this morning after a16 hour journey and only 2 hours of sleep. As we flew into the airport I noticed that it was situated right next to the ocean, and the ocean was a brilliant turquoise!! My heart jumped with the sight of this.
Though I was exhausted from the trip I was determined to go explore Nice and not take a nap until later (which would also lead to terrible jet lag.) I wandered through the old streets with the gorgeous architecture and small balconies and windows on every building. Nice is quite large but gives off the feeling of being a small quaint city for the majority of it. I made my way down to the seaside and cursed myself, on arrival, for not having brought my bathing suit with me. The beaches are not sand but pebble and large rocks making them feel very natural and serene, but also slightly painful. There are groups of young people, families, and older people everywhere, and a jaw-dropping number of speedos (though they actually don't look too bad on a number of men here - perhaps it's the tan.)
I found a spot to sit down and started people watching and reading a book. Not 15mins after getting there an older man sits down and starts speaking to me. Hoping that my lack of French would deter him and I would be left alone to take in the scenery alone I was quite surprised when he continued to speak me both in French and English. It turns out that he was a sailor on one of the ships docked currently in Nice and that would be really happy if I would allow him to take me out for a ride. Finally he left me to return to his ship alone. Unfortunately that just made an opening for another guest.
This time he was a younger man who was quite sweet and personable, though got odder as the day went on. After talking for a while we ended up going for a walk up a hill on the seaside where you can look over the whole of the city. It was beautiful and it was good to have his company, for a period of time. He eventually also left and I was then able to roam the streets once more by myself picking up some fruit and pastries on my way back to the hostel.
It's now 9pm and I'm going to bed. I'll get up the nerve tomorrow to socialize with the others residing at the hostels; I think I've enough challenges for one day. I wonder what tomorrow will bring?
Though I was exhausted from the trip I was determined to go explore Nice and not take a nap until later (which would also lead to terrible jet lag.) I wandered through the old streets with the gorgeous architecture and small balconies and windows on every building. Nice is quite large but gives off the feeling of being a small quaint city for the majority of it. I made my way down to the seaside and cursed myself, on arrival, for not having brought my bathing suit with me. The beaches are not sand but pebble and large rocks making them feel very natural and serene, but also slightly painful. There are groups of young people, families, and older people everywhere, and a jaw-dropping number of speedos (though they actually don't look too bad on a number of men here - perhaps it's the tan.)
I found a spot to sit down and started people watching and reading a book. Not 15mins after getting there an older man sits down and starts speaking to me. Hoping that my lack of French would deter him and I would be left alone to take in the scenery alone I was quite surprised when he continued to speak me both in French and English. It turns out that he was a sailor on one of the ships docked currently in Nice and that would be really happy if I would allow him to take me out for a ride. Finally he left me to return to his ship alone. Unfortunately that just made an opening for another guest.
This time he was a younger man who was quite sweet and personable, though got odder as the day went on. After talking for a while we ended up going for a walk up a hill on the seaside where you can look over the whole of the city. It was beautiful and it was good to have his company, for a period of time. He eventually also left and I was then able to roam the streets once more by myself picking up some fruit and pastries on my way back to the hostel.
It's now 9pm and I'm going to bed. I'll get up the nerve tomorrow to socialize with the others residing at the hostels; I think I've enough challenges for one day. I wonder what tomorrow will bring?
Liz,
ReplyDeleteI am so excited for you! And loved reading your blog. I feel like I am on the trip with you ... almost! ;) ... It kinds felt like a page out of a novel! :) Maybe this could be an inspiration for something more! lol ... yayay for old sailor men haha ... LOVES AND HUGS from everyone - and a big sloppy kiss from Logan!
Hayley
Hehe... ahhhhh, France and your sleazy pickup artists. Here's a tip for you: if guys on the street stop you to ask what time it is or ask for directions, make no mistake. They know their way around and probably don't care what time it is. They're hitting on you and if you answer them, they'll think you're interested and they will NOT. LEAVE. YOU. ALONE. Best tip, find a guy to walk around with and then they'll ignore you!
ReplyDelete