Rebecca Does France

I'm not exactly sure where to start with the trip but I guess I can at the beginning when we got on the wrong bus to the train station in Verona on Thursday. Somehow, with perfect timing, we got off that bus and were able to catch another bus that got us to the station with enough time to get tickets. After 15 minutes of complication and confusion we bought our tickets to Nice. The train rides themselves we fine. We all got to sit with or near each other, which is pretty good for a group of 9 girls. We arrived in Nice around 10:30pm and checked into our amazing hostel. We stayed at Villa Saint Exupery. It is an old monestary and was extremly clean. The people that worked there were so cool. There were mostly Americans and Austrialians so it was nice to have people speaking english. They had endless ideas and opportunities for people to do in Nice which was really convenient. Also, I must mention that breakfast was included and we ate dinner there both nights because it was cheap and delicious!

With the help of the people at the hostel we planned two busy days in Nice and Monaco. Friday morning started early. We went to Old Town which is downtown. That was right off the beach, which was absolutely gorgeous. The sun was shining bright and the water was clear blue. After we took in the beautiful sights, we walked through the big fruit and flower market. I was amazed at all of the flowers and all of the food that was being sold. A few of us bought fresh strawberries- they were bright red and delicious. It was early in the day so nothing was crowded yet which was so nice. Close to the market was a trail that lead to a waterfall and a chateu overlooking the city. The hike was a little difficult but well worth it. It gave us amazing views of the city and water but also of the French Alps that are close behind the city. From there we hoped on a bus and rode to Eze Village which is a medieval village in the hills between Nice and Monaco. Another short hike lead us to gorgeous views and cute artsy stores. (It was there that I had french fries in France. I can now check that off my list.) After about a hour in Eze Village we caught another bus into Monaco. Unfortunately, when we got into Monaco the sun disappeared and it was chilly. We walked to see the famous Monte Carlo Casino accompanied with expensive cars. The harbor was full of crazy yochts and sailboats. After a bite to eat at a cafe we walked to the palace in Monaco. (This picture is on our way to the palace) It was really big but also gave us a better look of the city. Around 5 or so we caught the bus back into Nice. Some people wanted to go back to the hostel and the rest of us did some shopping. Once we got back to the hostel we ate and rested for our second full day in Nice.

So, on Saturday, we awoke early to go scuba diving. It was such a good deal and although it took some convincing for me, I am so glad that I did it! When we got there, the scuba man told us what we'd be doing and how everything would work. We got all our wet suits on (they gave me a kids suit... I thought I was over those days but apparently not...) and they instructed us about the gear and oxygen tanks. The boat ride was chilly but gorgeous. We went scuba diving on the perfect day, it was clear skies and a high of 61F. The water, however, maintained its chilly temperature of 45F. Each girl got into the water with a scuba instructor and we were each under for about 30 minutes. (Picture below is me about to get into the water, getting my googles wet) To be completely honest, it wasn't my favorite thing. I just never got comfortable with the breathing and my ears bothered me from the pressure. I am so glad I did it though and I know I'll never forget scuba diving in the French Riviera! After being on the boat for 5 hours we grabbed a bite to eat and split up. Half went back to the hostel and the rest of us headed to the Henri Matisse museum. A hour later, we finally got the museum. I'm glad we made it because we saw some cool pieces. Most of his famous works are in the Louvre, but he did a lot of his work in Nice so that was neat to see. Once we got back to the hostel, we cleaned up and ate delicious dinner #2. Saturday night in the hostel was pretty busy and we met some nice Australians that were on a big travelling adventure. After dinner, we headed back downtown and was hit with Nice's Carnival. The kids sprayed silly string on all of us about 5 different times on our way back to the Old Town. Unfortuantely with all the Carnival commotion, we didn't stay out long but were able to rest for our trip home.

We checked out at 8:30 on Sunday to catch the 10:00 train to Milan. We had to be split into pairs for the ride back, which was fine. My friend Coleman and I were in a cart with two students from Notre Dame studying in Dublin for the semester. They had come to Nice for the Carnival and were headed to Milan for the day. The guy told us that his dad was a UF grad and asked if we made it to the Cocktail Party. Funny how Georgia football comes up in Nice. Anyways, it was neat to talk to them for a bit. Unlucky for us, the first train to Milan was late 25 minutes, causing us to miss our connecting train to Verona. We waited an extra 30 minutes to catch the next train but had to stand on the train the whole way back. It wasn't the best trip of my life, but over all the trip was so smooth that it wasn't too bad. I will mention, however, that these trains' toliets don't flush, everything just goes straight to the tracks. So, the Milan trainstation smelt similar to a port-a-potty. Nasty, right? Oh, and the French also take their dogs everywhere, so the whole trip we were on doggy-poop look out. Luckily no one had any bad encounters.

So that was my first weekend excursion. It really was a great time with great girls. There were a lot of times that we got lost or almost missed a bus but somehow it all worked out and for that I am very thankful. My pack was perfect, by the way- and I brought my bathing suit on the small chance of swimming so I am very glad to have had it for scuba.

More to come on my life in Verona in a few days!

I hope all is well in the states!

With all my love,

Rebecca Rose