October 29 to November 8, Cote D'Azure

The Cote D'Azur was waiting for us. Crossing to France again, we had a breath. Wide streets, organised traffic, but sadly the "attitude". The first town we stayed and I loved is Menton. We found parking just on the beach and sleeping to the sound of waves I had the best slept in ages... until 6:00 am when the police knocked at the door and asked us to move!

In Nice we saw the nicest city open space, a garden walk with playground, dancing waters, statues. Interactive and fun. There is an impressive view from the castle- the sunset on the sea and the old town that has lots of character; very artsy. The inviting promenade with the blue chairs and stony beach.

We took the train to go to Monaco; the exuberant and gigantic yachts! For me, the whole place smells like "old glamour". However, the "old city" is as cute as a doll city! It reminded me of being teenagers going to "the children's city" in La Plata. All very small and pristine buildings and oh so clean! And I loved the cathedral and a hollywood moment when I saw Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly's tombs.
A moment of fun: getting into the casino, paying 10 euros the entrance, being totally disappointed that there was no one- really no one there; couldn't even play as the tables were empty; ready to leave Hector put a 5 note on a poker machine (a symbolic gesture, really) and bing bing.... 50 euro!!! We bought salad in the supermarket and we laugh all the way back on the train.

And then we hit Cannes. If all the other places were over the top, well, Cannes is over and over the top. I have never seen so many exclusive brands one next to the other. People just walk- window shopping like this is a museum of clothes! We saw the big stairs where the festival takes place and that was it pretty much.

We only brushed through St Tropez. The weather didn't help and the reality is that it is so no season that everything is deserted. It does take a bit of fun as the places we visit look a bit ghost, all shops closed, no lights at night and no people. The good bit is that we can stop basically everywhere and walk and cycle as we please.

At Plage de Saint-Claire (Le Lavandou) after a long and walk; looking at the beach, listening to the waves so softly crushing... we smiled and reflected: It is so wonderful, this is exactly what we have dreamt of all our life

As our Cote De Azur travel becomes to an end I reflect on how different we and the lives of some people seems to me....give me the Italian Riviera anytime...busy, imperfect, colorful, lots of character and children everywhere!