Above: Shots of Nice and Biot
Bob was in seventh photography heaven. Some of the shots that I cold see should be great and really be representative of Old Nice. We enjoyed a lunch of mozzarella, tomato and basil salad with a tuna, basil, tomato and cheese pizza. It was very filling. Bob ate most of the pizza and I had most of the salad.
What strikes me most about the women here is that they all seem so petite. Not many seem to be over 5’2″ and they almost all have beautiful bronze tans. They are very striking women.
I found a pottery shop that I really liked. Bob had me convinced that if I liked it I should buy it. After walking around the maze of streets we found it a second time but it was still not opened – merde! We’ll see what’s in Biot, they looked to have some nice shops.
We’re relaxing at a cafe on the waterfront. Enjoying some refreshments and watching the colorful people go by. We’ve got an hour to kill before we head back to the airport where Michel is to pick us up at 6:00.
A lot of walking today – which I love, but I think Jackie got tired of. She wanted to catch the bus back to the airport, but since we had an hour to kill I suggested that we walk to the airport. It was about three miles along a busy road by the sea. It was a long hot walk and I could see steam rising from Jackie, but I doubt that is was from the heat.
Tomorrow I’ll go back to Nice by myself to take photographs. Jackie can lie by the pool and get some sun. I really enjoy the old city. The buildings are pastel shades with contrasting colored shutters. There is a great deal of ironwork around windows. What makes it fascinating for photographing is all of the geometric shapes formed by the buildings, windows, shadows, etc. I don’t know if I got any decent shots today. I was shooting ISO 100 but left my tripod and camera bag at the house. Many of the shots were at 1/10 or 1/60 of a second. I steadied the camera against buildings, etc.
Tonight I will have to check my film. I may have to buy some more. It is very expensive here. About $11.00 compared to $6.00 in Portland.
The walk was not enjoyable, Bob was very perceptive in that I was not enjoying the walk. The sun was setting in our eyes, there were 10 loud lanes of traffic, noxious fumes, desolate airport next to us with little view, it was hot and my feet hurt __ walk!
But I was not angry at him, I was angry at myself. I knew I did not want to take the walk, I should have taken the bus and let Bob walk.
Vianyette’s brother, Marc is visiting and we are sitting around the table enjoying the company. Vianyette’s father reminds me of a Roman Senator. He has the broad forehead, Roman nose and the hair combed forward. His zest for life is great and I love his sense of humor. His eyes speak novels. Bernadette, his girlfriend is equally wonderful. She is probably about 15 to 20 years younger that Gilbert but is very compatible with the older man. She is very warm and friendly and tries to speak English a little. For the most part she enjoys spending her time by the pool – sunbathing topless or swimming in the pool nude!
FRIDAY MORNING
I’m surprised that I am up this early and am not having a near death experience. It was quite a party last night! But I do love being up at this hour. Michel has just left for work. I had breakfast with him and have taken my bowl of coffee outside on the patio. It is a beautiful morning. There are just a few small clouds that the sun is peeking though. Corrine is now up eating breakfast in the kitchen. It is the first day of school for her.
Last night there was eleven at dinner. Michel’s friend, Michel, came over. I met him two years ago when I vacationed here. He still lives on a sailboat. He, Michel and two others will be sailing to Italy soon, for four days, to see a boat show there. We started drinking Pastis. About 8:30 Marc and Delphine arrived, with a friend of Marc, Albert. Marc sells investments for tax purposes. His latest is a catamaran tour in the West Indies. I had seen Marc and Delphine two years ago also. It was nice to see them again.
Dinner, as usual was both simple and wonderful. Lasagna in a cream sauce was the main course. Melon was the appetizer. Vin Rose et Vin Rouge also. After dinner we had champagne to celebrate Michel’s birthday and Michel and Vianyette’s anniversary.
Between the five glasses of Patis, the four glasses of wine and the three glasses of champagne, I somehow managed to remain upright and cognizant. Even this morning I feel like I am likely to live at least another hour or two.
Vroom just got up and came outside to lay next to me. He looks somewat like a Doberman but isn’t. He is a special breed of dog characterized by having six toes on his hind legs.
It is now 9:00 AM. Everyone is up. Gilbert (pronounced Jil-bear), Bernadette, Vianyette and Delphine are finishing breakfast. Gilbert doesn’t speak English. He just told me that he and Bernadette will be leaving Sunday evening at six o’clock to go to the airport for a flight back to Nante. Bernadette has to work the following day.
It is now 10:00 AM. Jackie is down by the pool getting some sun and reading a book. Vianyette has shown me how to run the washing machine for clothes and I have started the first of three loads. I’m back at the patio to read another chapter of Toujours Provence. Later this afternoon we will probable drive over to Biot to look around.