Une soirée niçoise de samedi

Some of us joined the opera-loving population of Nice and acquired seats in the upper reaches of "Paradise" in this belle-époque style opera house.  Besides the heat (la chaleur) and the seats intended for shorter legs, it was a wonderful musical evening in which the incomparable virtuosic instrument of the human voice enchanted us in the ranges of tenor, bass, and soprano (mostly in Italian).  

Nice Opera House ceiling (plafond) and gigantic & impressive crystal chandelier

We were then entertained on the Square Masséna by some break dancing (with some Brazilian capoeira influence) and then followed the crowd and fumes to the street artist painting with spray cans, airbrushes, and razor blades.  Finally we topped the evening off with Amorino gelato (afterall Nice is quasi-Italian).

Une merveille!

May Festivals!

Today we went to a local festival.  They had traditional food, dancing and music.  The costumes were lovely.  I loved the dancing.  We ate socca, which is a flat bread made from garbanzo bean flour and olive oil (+?) and cooked in a fire oven on pans that look a lot like pizza pans.  It was good and very filling.  Then we went to see the Roman ruins, which are in the same park.  They are part of a bath house, from aroudn 100 AD.  It is so amazing to see something that has been preserved fot that many years!

Let Them Eat Cake

Luis XVI: Are you admiring your lime avenue?

Marie-Antoinette: I'm just saying good-bye.

Today, we were able to step into another world as we toured the Beatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild Villa & Jardins. I can only imagine what Versailles has to offer after walking through this decadent 18th-century shrine. 

Beatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild, the daughter of banker and major art collector Baron Alphonse de Rothschild (Culture Spaces), decided after her father died in 1912, to build herself a beautiful villa to keep her many collections of art. Shortly before her death in 1933, she decided to let the world enjoy her incredible collection.  

Doesn't this remind you of, Out of Africa? J'adore. 

While Shelby and I were walking around, admiring all of the many rooms, she asked me: "Doesn't this make you want to live during these times?" I instantly thought what a party Marie Antoinette and Beatrice would throw. 

Every excursion keeps getting better than the last, how will I ever want to leave. 

Travel Often-

Alle

All photos taken by me

Each day seems to get better!  The weather has been fabulous ... warm, but not too hot!  Finally getting to know my way around this wonderful city!  I can even manage the buses!  I still feel like I struggle with the language, but the people are nice, and most of them just end up speaking to me in English, if I need help.


A crazy note ... I woke up at 1:00 a.m. to the extremely lound sound of garbage trucks collecting trash.  Who does that?  My roommate says they have been doing it every night since we have been here.  I am so glad I usually sleep through it!


I do miss my children, but really, I just wish they were here with me to experience all of this!  The seagulls are singing a goodnight chorus! Bon nuit!

Bonjour!

Bonjour! We have been in France for a few days now and it is a dream! This is a gorgeous city and it has been so fun exploring and learning so far.  I feel like I have already learned so much about the culture and people but have so much more to learn. I can't wait to get the language down better and really take all I can from this amazing experience we get to have. I can already tell I won't ever want to leave!

Here are a few pictures of the Promenade d'Anglaise!  It was really fun to see all the people and the public and private beaches side by side.  One thing I found interesting, is that in Polly Patt's book, French or Foe, she says that the french will talk about things at a museum, or art gallery, not just look at it and walk on.   This was definitely the case when we visited the museum with all the pianos, and other instruments ...  The blue head is from a famous festival held in Nice every year.  It sits on top of the tourist building.  Fun!

I am in NYC at JFK waiting for my flight to Nice.  It is cold and raining here, I am hoping for better weather when I reach France ... I repacked, trying to take less, and fit it into only one suitcase, but couldn't do it, so I am hoping it won't be too much ~ so far it hasn't been bad.
See you all there soon!