Joie de Vivre!

Les Photos:

1. Menton; 2. street musicians in our neighborhood in Villefranche; 3. A view of the Bay of Villefranche while we were walking to the train station; 4. Kevin in Menton; 5. our last dinner with mes amies, Elizabeth, Vibike and Karen; 6. Fort Mont Alban; 7. Kevin and I at the summit of Fort Mont Alban; 8. a view of Villefranche and Cap Ferrat from the summit.

Kevin arrived in Nice on a spectacular, sunny Sunday afternoon, and we settled into our new apartment, Villa St. Remi on Avenue Gallieni. It is lovely! Here's a peek: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/photodisplay.aspx?home_id=27553

After settling in, we strolled down to the waterfront for un verre de vin rouge (a glass of red wine). Elizabeth happened by on her way to the beach to find beach stones to bring home to Australia for her children. Next, along came Aude, mon professeur, and we said bonjour, ça va? (Hi and how are you?). Shortly after, Vibike and Karen came strolling by! We all had a drink together, and then went to a nearby restaurant for dinner (photo above). As we walked to the restaurant, we spotted new friends, Shelley and Riccardo (our apartment manager and her fiancé), having a drink at the Welcome Hotel Wine Bar. http://www.welcomehotel.fr/anglais/index.htm We will by staying at the Welcome our last two nights in Villefranche...

On Monday Kevin and I hiked up the mountain so I could show him my school apartment and L'Institut de Français. We continued our climb up to the Moyenne Corniche. There are three corniches that run along the mountain to Italy http://www.riviera.fr/cornich.htm. From there we found the path that leads to Fort Mont Alban.

This fine example of 16th Century military architecture is located at one of the highest points in the city of Nice. Originally built as a point of defence for the region, at over 220 metres above sea level, for a long time the fort has been used as a viewing point for locals and tourists who want to experience some of the spectacular views that are available. In one direction you can see the whole of the city of Nice and the lower Alps, in the other direction a selection of pretty villages trailing off to the horizon.

The views from the summit were spectacular and well worth the climb (pant, pant!). Luckily, living on the mountain for a month was good preparation for the climb up!

On Tuesday, we took the train to Menton, a lovely seaside city near the border of Italy (previously mentioned in my blog about the citron festival there). It was a beautiful day, and we walked all through the old part of the city and along the beach.

We spent the last two days in Nice, in the old city and at the marché (market) to stock up on olives, cheese, nuts, and wine. We are living la vie douce (the sweet life) in Villefranche...

à la prochaine... (until next time...)