Half Days....

It has been almost a week since I set foot in France...it's going by quickly just like every other part of my travels have.  I am beginning to slowly find my way in this place and get a bit more comfortable.  I have done a ton of walking around here along very direct routes gauging directions off of landmarks and street signs that I can't pronounce but can at least recognize the words. I have managed to do all of this with out pulling out a map while out and about.  My researched directions the night prior have guided me well and I have found each spot I was attempting to get to.  Now that it is nearing the end of my first week I feel as though I can wander a bit outside of my direct routes and will be able to feel my way back to a common landmark that will direct me where I need to be.  Sigh of relief....I think I can handle this place now.  It really isn't as huge and overwhelming as it first seems but I suppose that's how all things are in life....the unknown is overwhelming and scary but if you face it (with baby steps in

Beach view...sunny half of the day

my case) it all ends up feeling pretty ok.
So you are probably wondering about the title...Half Days...well here is the explanation.  Everyday since I have arrived it has started out with gorgeous sunshine.  Hot enough that you want to grab your towel and head to the beach.  Really it is all just an evil trick.  I realized this the first day I walked down to the beach.  I was so excited to finally get down and see the French Riviera. The beaches full of people soaking in the sun and all the cafes bustling with those who needed a break from the heat and a cold drink.  Dressed in a sundress, armed with my trusty directions and a good book I headed out.  I made it there no problem, found a lovely beachside bench and sat down for my relaxing afternoon.  Well, not an hour into my time at the beach the wind picked up...not too bad, still sunny, I stayed.  Thirty more minutes and I started to feel shaded and a bit of a chill...it's just a cloud rolling by...it will pass.  When 15 minutes later it still had not passed I got a bit worried.  I looked up only to see really threatening rain clouds that looked like they were going to hit in about 15-20 minutes...quick calculation...ya that is about the amount of time I need to walk home if I move quickly.  I made it home just before the thunder and lightning began and the sky opened up with pouring rain.  And so began my phrase of the half days in Nice.  It has been like this every single day since I arrived.  Half sunny and half rainy.  It is supposed to continue too for the next 2 weeks.

Beach View...cloudy half of the day

After that first day I learned that I needed to get out and enjoy the first part of the day so I have been trying to squeeze it all in then.  I walked the beach a bit and have loved the people watching...it is really quite good.  There is such a great energy along the whole street.  The beach is nothing like what I am used to though.  First off it is small rocks and pebbles instead of sand.  There is one area where sand has been brought in but it just looks strange amongst all the rocks.  I haven't laid on it yet...Ill keep ya posted on the outcome of that.  Also all along the beach it is divided into private and public sections.  The private sections are usually attached to a hotel and have nice chairs, umbrellas and a bar you have access to.  It costs you about 15 euro to get in and use the chairs and umbrellas....no drinks included.  Public are just like our beaches...bring your own stuff and have a good time.  That is where I will be mostly unless I need to feel spoiled for a day.  The other difference is there are a lot of topless women sunbathing and men in really small speedos.  My favorite one today was a hot pink brazilian cut speedo...I am positive it was smaller then my bikini bottoms and he was much larger then me.  Ah Europe...gotta love it!

Street in Old Nice

 One of the other spots I ventured into after I felt comfortable enough to get a bit lost on purpose was the streets of Old Nice.  Crossing the street away from the beach into these little medieval streets was like finding a hidden treasure.  This is what I wanted to find and was closer to what I had expected of Nice.  There were tons of tiny winding streets jam packed with cafes on either side that had tables spilling out into the road.  They were filled with people just chatting, reading or just watching the world go by.  Looking up above the buildings and storefront you would see iron terraces with flower baskets attached which were dripping with beautiful colored flowers.  I know it sounds really silly but it made me wish I could speak this lovely romantic language to explain all of this because english just doesn't do it justice.  There is a completely different feel here then I have experienced else where.  Even though the city is alive and buzzing all the time there is also a feeling of a slower pace...you don't rush things you enjoy every moment you have.
One of the nicest moments I have had over this past week was attending a Garden Party at a home/B&B just outside of Nice in Mouans Sartoux.  I was apprehensive at the beginning not really knowing how people would feel about speaking english even though Sandrine had told me they all are ok with it.  The day actually turned out to be wonderful.  The group of people were all international (most were not originally even from France) and they knew each other because their children were attending a school taught half in English and half in French.  They did all speak English quite well and some were even happy to practice by having a conversation with me.  I got to know a couple of the people quite well over the course of the day and feel as though I have made some good friends who are willing to and want to show me around the area. I am looking forward to the next part of my stay here as I prepare to move out of Sandrine's place and into my own little flat this coming week.