At midday I caught the TGV to Nice, taking over 3 hours to get there. I was fortunate enough to get a seat next to a woman called Laura from Ibiza in Spain, a like-minded individual heading towards Genoa in Italy to work on a yacht. We spoke for most of the trip about discrimination, religion, environmental sustainability, & Obama’s recent speech & health care policy - just a few small topics for the trip. The chat certainly made for a comfortable trip.
After getting a map & basic info from the Tourist Office at the train station, I decided that a 10 min walk with my bloody heavy backpack (I think I’m carrying around 18-20 kg all up) was not going to be on the agenda. So, instead of a taxi, I opted for the cheaper option - what they call a trambus (a tram). A lovely young student from Nice helped me buy my ticket then insisted on riding with me the two stops to my hop off point. We discussed his finance studies & his desire to visit Australia & live/work in the USA. A feel good conversation. I hopped off the trambus at Rue Massena & it didn’t take long to find the Hotel Regence located there.
After unpacking my bags to get my shorts & sandals out (it’s warm here), I ventured out for a wander feeling completely comfortable in this friendly city. As I strolled down the beachfront, I saw it - a tourist train, one of those little ones that take you to some of the pertinent city sites. Now, I’m old enough to know that looking like a dorky tourist is acceptable when you are almost completely anonymous, as I am in France. So I took the chance, purchased a ticket (7 euros) & jumped on board for the ride of my life (not!). We drove around for 45 mins which included a 20 min stop at a place overlooking the city. Thrilling!!!!!
After another long stroll, it was time for dinner - a delicious seafood risotto & wine - before heading back to the hotel for the eve.
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