Resort life in Spain...

Leaving is always bittersweet and goodbyes are never easy but both must occur for new experiences to happen.  Nice, France was probably one of the most challenging experiences I have been through.  I don't think I have gone through such a huge roller coaster ride of emotions in such a short period of time ever in my life.  There were such extreme lows dealing with the culture shock, feeling alone in such a unwelcoming city and being mugged by one of these unwelcoming people...then also the extreme highs of meeting such amazing friends who I am so blessed to know and would have gone through all the awful lows of Nice again just so that I could meet

Landing in Palma

  these kind wonderful people.  Not to mention I spent a lot of time on the beach and got a really good tan started!
As I stand outside my home for the last month in Nice at the bus stop with my suitcase, which is now 10 kilos lighter since I off loaded a bunch a stuff, I am filled with that lovely feeling of anxiety that has become my new partner.  All I can think is I am super vulnerable here with all my possessions and what if someone takes it all now.  I know...thoughts of a crazy woman...but I just can't help it sometimes.  I know getting to a new location is going to be the best thing to help heal this part of me.  So on to the airport....the bus pulls up a few minutes late and doesn't even stop right in front where it's supposed to.  He opens the doors quickly and before I can even get the handle up on my suitcase he has closed them again...Seriously do all French people hate me...I start waving frantically and rolling my suitcase into the street towards the bus.  If he leaves I will have to wait another 30min for the next one!  He opens the doors again and I start struggling to get my suitcase up the big step into the bus since he chose not to lower it.  In the middle of my struggle I look up because he shouts something at me in french and I see that he is tapping his watch to say he's late...really buddy...not my fault you are running late and almost left me here because if that.  I am not even fully in and he closes the door and takes off once again sending me and my suitcase rolling.  When I regain my balance I get out my money to pay him and take my ticket..He then proceeds to look at me with a sarcastic tone and says (in French) "what..no thank you?"  You got that right...No thank you for you since you almost left me at the stop, almost closed my leg in the door, sent me flying by starting the bus and just have a bad attitude in general.  When we arrived at the airport we pulled into Terminal 2 and I knew I needed Terminal 1.  I asked my grumpy bus driver if we were going to Terminal 1 also and he looked right at me then turned around and ignored me...I tried one more time and he did the same thing.  Another girl about my age saw what happened and she asked him my question in French which he answered without hesitation..of course.. she told me he was going to Terminal 1 and then she apologized for his rudeness.  This bus ride was the clincher that made me extremely happy I was about to board a plane and head to a island for a month.  The plane ride was great and I was met at the arrival gate by the mom of my new family Diana.  We drove to the house and when I walked in I have to say I was a bit in awe.  I felt like I was walking into a small resort.  It was dark so I couldn't see much but what I did see was amazing.  We dropped my stuff off in my apartment downstairs (which is about 4 times as big as the room I was living in while in France) and then I went up and shared a glass of wine and chatted with Diana and her husband Michael.  I did briefly meet the other nanny Lara who I will be sharing duties with as she was headed out the door.
So I am going to pause here for a moment and give you a bit of back story on how this month in Palma de Mallorca came about....last Febuary when I started my search for a way to move to or travel Europe I started looking for Au pair or nanny positions.  Diana and Michael were one of the first families that I started talking with and almost became their full time nanny but there was some visa issues so the job went to the current nanny Lara.  We still kept in touch though because we really got along well so when this month long position with them came up to help out while the kids are on school holiday Diana emailed to see if I might be able to come help out.  It just so happened that it was the only month of my travels that I had no commitments so the deal was sealed, plane tickets were purchased and now I

My view most of the day

am here with this lovely pool view everyday for the next month.  It's funny how things just fall into place.  Sometimes I have to pinch myself to believe this is all real.
So back to the story....I started working the next morning just learning the routines and observing.  Lara and I worked together so that I could get a feel for everything the first couple of days.  The kids are absolutely darling.  There are 3 little cuties...Maxiem is the oldest, she is 6.  Luis is the middle man at 3yrs old and Olivia the youngest is about 1 and half.  They all are great fun with a lot of spunk and personality.  I am really looking forward to getting to know them better as my time here continues.

Olivia reading in the playroom

  The days here are pretty relaxed but busy with 3 kids.  Since it haas been so hot the majority of the day is spent in the pool.  On the days I work I basically get up in the morning, feed the kids breakfast then I put on my swimming costume and am in it for the rest of the day.  There is no point in getting dressed any time during the day since the kids are in and out of the pool non stop.  Good thing I have about 6 different suits so I don't feel like I wear exactly the same thing everyday.  Lara and I split up the weeks so we each work a half day 3 days a week, then work 2 full days each and have 2 full days off.  It's a pretty nice set up.  I am really happy to have a balance of work and play again.  I didn't realize how much I really enjoy having some sort of routine in my life.  As much as I like to think I am a non planner and can just go with things.  I have realized that is not completely true...I like to have a plan but can be flexible with parts of it that need to change.  There is comfort in having some idea of what is going to happen.  Look at that...I learned something about my self on this trip!
So I have been here a week today and it has gone by so quickly.  I have basically been spending the majority of the time here at the house...It's so relaxing here.

Lara pushing Luis on the swings

Since the house is set up in the hills a bit it's quite peaceful.  It has given me the space and time to really relax and settle into myself again.  I am finally feeling a bit more like the old me.  The anxiety is subsiding for sure and I am content and comfortable.  I have been out a bit with the family and with Lara but nothing too major.  I am also working on my Spanish and it's coming back more each day.  I am planning to figure out the buses and head into downtown next week.  Hopefully find some fabric stores (since I have access to a sewing machine here) and work some of the inspirations I have found over my travels into some designs.   I am so looking forward to this month of relaxation, playing and designing!

One last post about Nice....

So my final week in Nice has proven to be quite nice.  I have had a few good excursions out of the city and also some lovely time on the beach.  I have been able to do a little bit of all the things I love best.  There were medieval towns that were explored, some really amazing beach napping and people watching, and some champagne on a train.  This week has proven to be a good end to my time in Nice....now on with the stories I suppose.
Monday I was able to have a nice lie in and get up later then normal.  It was some much needed rest after the weekend.  My friend Mariapaula picked me up and we drove into the town of Antibes.  The town was quite lovely.  We parked and walked along the water then down into the heart of the old town.  As we were walking I realized how much I really enjoy the quaintness of these small towns.  Not that I don't love the hustle and bustle of the bigger

Sea wall in Antibes

 towns but there is such a peaceful genuine quality to these smaller towns.  I also loved the gorgeous sea wall here that was very rocky and reminded me a bit of some of the coastal locations in Oregon I love so much except much warmer weather.  The coast walk into town was beautiful.  Even though the day was quite warm and muggy there was a breeze by the water that made it bearable.  The beach here also had more of a sandy look about it although I have heard that looks are deceiving and it really isn't sand it is just very small pebbles.  Ok, now sand is one thing, but small pebbles, that just sounds awful to me.  I would hate to think if those pebbles getting stuck...well ok I will stop there,let your imagination take you where it will.  Needless to say I did not give the pebbles a try for good reason.  Also we didn't

Door in Antibes

 really have the time on this trip.  As we left the coast and headed into town I fell in love with all the quirky unique streets, apartments and doors that led to these homes and apartments.  Unique doors are something I have loved since my first trip over to Europe and the love affair continues.  I love how they all are so different.  Fun colors, beautiful ironwork and such unique handles which are many times located in the center of the door.  The best part is you get to use really cool skeleton keys to open them.  Yes really the keys we all thought died long ago and were not used are alive and well here in France.  I know I mentioned in a prior post about my issues with these antique keys but I now have mastered the usage and have a genuine respect for the beauty of these keys.  They no longer make me appear as though I am a robber because I can't make them work.  I wish I could have one to open up a beautiful victorian home back in the states but sadly I feel like that will not happen...I will have to be happy with getting one as a touristy keychain from my travels.
Mariapaula and I had a nice day just walking the streets of this town, having some gelato and then heading back into Nice when it was time for her to pick up her eldest son from school.

Rue Obscura

    The next day I headed off for a day on the train.  My end location was Monaco but I was going to stop off along the way.  I intend to hop off at a few different locations but I started my day later then intend and also wasn't to intrigued with any other spot then my first stop which was Villefranche-sur Mer.  This little town was so adorable.  I happened to be there right during the lunch hour so it was really quite because everything closes here in France from about 12:30-2:30.  There were a few cafes open but not much else.  That was completely ok with me because it allowed me the space to just walk around with out being bothered.  I spent my time just climbing all the steep winding cobble streets to see where they

End of Rue Obscura

led and looking at the different views I stumbled upon.  One of the coolest things this town had was called Rue Obscura, a "vaulted passage", which was kinda like an underground tunnel.  It is lit only by lanterns.  It is so dark on the inside,even in the middle of the day but then it opens up onto the sunny seaside.  I spent some time walking the seaside before I headed back to the train to finish my day up in Monaco again.   The first time I went to Monaco, if you recall, was kind of an overcast day and also I missed getting to see the Jardin Exotique (Exotic Garden) so I was headed back on a sunny day to the garden.  The train ride was nice and I really wasn't as nervous as I thought I would be traveling solo with a purse.  The day was gorgeous and the view was nice so I had no real worries.  Once I got off the train in Monaco I started following signs to the garden.  The first time I went and followed the signs I had not problem....this time was a bit different.  This place was much farther then I anticipated..not to mention although the day was sunny it was also super hot and muggy so this long walk up lots of hills was kind of

View from Jardin Exotique

rough.  Lets just say by the time I got there I was thinking this place better be amazing or I am not going to be a happy person.  As I arrived, payed my entrance and walked in I realized it surely was worth all the trouble.  The views were amazing! I had only seen the views from the Princes Palace and now I was up much higher and the Princes Palace was in view.  It was stunning.  The gardens themselves were also nice but not really my thing.  They felt a bit to much like a desert but I suppose that is what made them exotic.  There were signs around talking about all the plants but unfortunately I was unable to read them since I

Another View from Jardin Exotique

am still not fluent in French.  I did really like just sitting on the benches enjoying the different views and reading my book.  Definitely seeking shelter from the sun and muggy heat.  Upon entering the gardens the lady told me that my ticket included a tour of the caves...I had no idea there were caves.  I got quite excited to go and find them.  As I walked in search of these hidden illusive caves I did have one last notice of the gardens and that is there really are tons of different types of cactuses.  My brother would have loved this bit I think...sorry Bryce I wasn't able to get you a new one for your collection.  It definitely made me reminisce on my wonderful times spent on the front porch of my brother and sister in laws house in Sierra Madre with all the potted cactuses surrounding me while I sat in the sun reading my book...ahhh good times...ok back to the task at hand...find the caves!
Finally after winding my way through the garden and following signs in French, making my best guess at what they said, I found the entrance to the caves...Yes!  There was a big chain across blocking the entrance..No!  I figured instead of

Inside the Caves

making myself look like the stupid American tourist right off the bat I would just take a seat with the few other people that were in the area and wait to see if I could figure out the deal.  Right after I sat down there was an announcement over the load speaker but only in French...Ahhh..but by a stroke of luck there was a family, that must have spoke both French and english, walking by me and said the guided tour would start in 10 minutes.  Crisis averted and no damage done to me as an American tourist.  Walking through the caves was great.  For one it was really cool (speaking of temperature level) and also it was just really neat to see all the different levels of the caves.  I haven't been in anything like this since I was little and went to Shasta Caverns just outside of Redding, Ca.  I forgot how impressive these caves can be.  It was such a great little surprise for me.  Now the guided tour was of course in French so I didn't understand the majority of it but I surprised myself at how much I could pick up just by the few words I do know and my understanding of the mannerisms that go along with the words.  I definitely understood when he was talking about stalagmites and stalactites. I know this is totally going to show my nerdy side but I really loved this tour.  I could have spent hours down there just looking at all the different creations that had been made there over the course of hundreds of years and the fact that it is constantly changing and creating new formations just blows my mind!  To think that I could go back in 20 years and it might look very different is really neat to me.  Ok, I am done nerding out on you guys...it was really great though!  Once I finished at the gardens I took the bus back down to the Casino and took one last walk by the line of gorgeous cars in front, then headed down to a bar in the harbor to meet my friend Alberto (Zdenka's husband) for a quick drink before we headed back to Nice.  I was there early so I settled in with a glass of wine and my book till he arrived.  We chatted for a bit then hopped the train home and ended the night going our separate ways home.
The rest of the week really has just been packing up for my move.  I suppose I should let you guys in on the change to my travel plans.  I was originally supposed to finish out my summer here in Nice but due to some housing changes and an amazing offer to go work with a family in Spain I will be leaving Nice tomorrow for Palma De Mallorca.  I will be spending the next month there helping them and also having a bit of holiday.  Next time you hear from me I will be in Spain...luckely my Spanish is much better then my French.  

Another week has gone by...

Time definitely has flown by this week.  I feel like I have just kinda been living life here, doing the normal things you do if you live in a place.  It has felt pretty good but still a bit weird since this isn't my home...should I be more touristy is the question I keep asking myself.    So far the answer has been no...I am trying to just do the things I feel comfortable with and spend time with the the people who matter here and just really relax.  This philosophy has so far provided me with a really great week....ok where do I start...I suppose we can start with the sewing machine.  So I had mentioned to Zdenka that if I could get my hands on a sewing machine I would love to make some stuff while I was here.  Next thing I know she is emailing me saying she has found one and would I like to make a custom stroller liner for her.  Music to my ears...yes of course I would love to design and sew!!!  Turns out she used to do a lot of sewing with her grandmother and wanted to get back into it.  Could this be any more perfect!  We got the fabric and then got started on it.

Stroller Liner in Process

The morning I was going to get started actually working on the project I was walking over to her house with a smile on my face I just couldn't get rid of.  I was so excited to spend some quality time with a sewing machine.  I spent an entire day and  half at her house making a pattern,cutting it out then sewing it together.  It was so much fun.  I totally lost my self in the process and forgot about everything else that was happening.  It was just bliss...cutting, sewing, fitting adjusting, resewing and working through it.  The time flew and I was happy to be in my element.  At the end of the first day of sewing she said to me "I am so sorry you didn't get to the beach today"  I replied "Are you

Stroller Liner in Action

kidding me...this was amazing...nothing beats a day behind a sewing machine".  Those of you who have been a part of my life while I'm going through projects know you can loose me for days at a time when I am in the design mode.  The only person I see is the pizza guy who delivers some form of food to keep me going.  Luckily through here no pizza guy was necessary...I was well fed while working. It was great fun doing this project and the end result was good...sorry the photo isn't amazing but it really did turn out well.  Timea now has a lovely new terry cloth Bugaboo stroller cover.  Hopefully she will enjoy it.  She did enjoy the process....she was so intrigued by the sewing machine.  Every time I would sew she couldn't keep her eyes off it.  It was very cute.  While I was working hard making her cover she was also working hard (when she wasn't watching me) learning how to crawl.  It was pretty cute.  She would sit in this little cheerleading pose on the floor with one leg bent in front then one behind, put her hands on the floor in front of her then slowly try and figure out how to get those legs around behind her and on to her knees.  It has been so precious...she is

Crawl Timea..You can do it!

trying so hard and is so close but just can't quite get there.  She has gotten to the point where both legs find the right spot but then she can't figure out how to move so she just tucks the legs back and sits down.  Watching the process is so funny...well funny for me and her mom...not for her.  She just gets frustrated.  She is a determined little thing though...She will get there.

Sweet Baby Girl!

And just look at that face...so cute!  How could you not smile when spending time with her!

Beach View

When I am not spending time with the the most fantastic mommy daughter combo.  Or sitting blissfuly behind a sewing machine I am doing the other thing I love most...laying on a beach in the sun reading a book.  The photo to the right is the view I tend to have at least 4 hours a day.  It has been much needed time for me to just relax and be on my own a bit.  I don't think I realized how much I have needed this time till I started writing this.  Of course I love relaxing on a beach...who doesn't but I believe it has been a bit more for me this week.  It has been a bit like baby steps to feeling ok abut being on my own.  At the beginning of the week I couldn't take a nap while relaxing in the sun and would jump anytime someone would walk to closely to my area.  Today I finally relaxed...I was comfortable enough that I fell asleep for a bit and wasn't constantly grabbing at my bag to make sure it was there.  It was so lovely...I know it sounds a bit silly but unfortunately you can't control how your body reacts to stuff regardless of your mind telling you that you are ok.  My beach time has been heavenly and really makes me feel like I am home in San Diego a bit...well except for all the naked people and the rocks.  I must say I love leaving the beach and not taking half of it home in my bag and swimming costume...then finding it all over the house for weeks.  San Diego should look into doing the rock thing instead of the sand!

The Ladies Inside the Casino Lobby

So the end to the week was a night out at the Monte Carlo Casino.  As I had mentioned before I had checked out the outside but didn't go in due to some dress code issues.  My lovely friends here in Nice decided it would be a great "Adult" night out for us all to get dressed up and go so that is what we did.  They also had some friends in town so we all made a night of it.  We had a great dinner at their place before we drove to the casino...Side note...Goat cheese and honey pizza is fantastic!  Ok...back to the story...we drove, parked then headed towards the casino.  Everything was lit up beautifully.  Such a different look then what I had seen during the day.  Once inside the casino you weren't allowed to take photos...we got yelled at right after the photo above was taken.  It was beautiful.  I felt like I was in a museum the whole night.  I don't really know how to put into words the grandeur and beauty of this building.  I know for the most part I have not liked french decorating but this place was different.  I was thinking about moving in to the back room with all the high stakes tables.  The night was pretty mello but really nice.  There was good conversation and amazing people watching.  I really do believe that

Outside the Monte Carlo Casino

you can do your best people watching at casinos and amusement parks.  The funniest story was the Australian Birthday Party.... We were sitting at the bar and a group of Austarlians came over and held out this letter.  I think the guy said he was celebrating his 60th birthday...anyway, the letter was from the prince of Monaco.  Apparently they had sent a letter inviting the prince to the party and he had sent a letter back saying he couldn't make it due to a prior engagement but should he have a change in plans he would attend.  It was signed and everything.  We were cracking up and decided that we all needed to do that for our birthdays too.  Maybe we should try that with the president...you think he would come...or at least write a very nice letter saying why he couldn't make it to our birthday party?  Someone, give it a try and let me know how it turns out.
The night ended well...everyone at least broke even on the gambling and we got to wear our fancy clothing which doesn't happen too often.  It was nice to have a proper night out with such great people.  As I move into my last week here in Nice I have mixed feelings as always...ready for something new but happy to have had such an experience here.

 

On the mend....

These past few days have been a bit of a roller coaster ride emotionally and physically.  The feeling you have after something like this happens is nothing I would ever wish upon anyone but it also has changed my life in some ways for the better.  I know that what I went through was awful for me but others have been through much worse and I was very lucky in the outcome of my certain situation.  I have had moments where I shudder at the thought of the could have been scenarios but quickly push those aside and focus on how I can best move forward.
I read a quote just the other day that struck a chord with me

"Love the people who never look at their schedule when you need them"

This is exactly what I feel for all of you wonderful friends and family I have out there who have been there all hours of the day or night for me through this bummer of a situation.  I know that all of you have such demanding schedules and the times to Skype with me are not ideal for the working person but so many of you have made it happen with out me even asking.  All the emails of encouragement have given me extra strength too.  I have felt surrounded and loved even though I am so far away.  For that I thank each and everyone of you.

Timea and I... beachside

Now back in Nice... I have also been blessed with the most amazing family here who have become great friends and I could not have gotten through this with out.  Since the morning after it all went down Zdenka has been by my side with anything I could need.  Again...I don't even have to ask and she has just been there.  Anywhere I have needed to go whether it was the police station to file the report, the shop to buy a new camera or making a phone call from her phone there was never even a question she was right there.  She has been my french translator, coffee provider and just all around wonderful company to spend time with.  We have spend the majority of the past few days just walking around town, chatting at her place and sitting at the beach.  Her youngest daughter Timea has been a bright spot in my life too.  Nothing makes you smile like a precious little 9month old.  She has been battling a double ear infection which has been a bit rough but there were still a lot of smiles.  I mean...come on...look at that cute little face.  Even wearing big brothers shirt and a make shift hat out of a receiving blanket she is pretty stinkin' cute!
All in all I am on the mend for sure.  American customer service has been so great and they have all been very sympathetic to my situation letting my mom take care of a lot of phone calls stateside so I don't have to.  Everything has been canceled and reissued.  I will not have a phone for the duration of the trip but hey that means no phone bill...there is always a silver lining to everything right.  I still have to make a few purchases to replace some of the lost items but that is fine.  Physically I am good...all the bruises and cuts are healing and I will be grateful when they are gone so I don't have them as a reminder.  Emotionally each day is different...well really each moment is different.  I am more aware of my surroundings for sure and feel like I am constantly on high alert.  I know this is good but I am going to have to find that middle ground where the heightened awareness feel more comfortable and apart of me instead of something that causes me anxiety like it does now.  I have been following the advice of my brother and one of his friends who said "You gotta walk like your pissed off Sara"  I would love to see what my face looks like when I am walking down the road.  I wonder if I am convincing as a pissed off person.
The hardest part I think is the small bit of trust in others I have lost.  Unfortunatly because of the situation not being just a grab and run and it being someone I had actually chatted with I will have a slightly less trusting approach when I meet new people in the future.  This may end up being a really great thing for me but for now it feels like I lost a bit of myself.  Sometimes part of us has to break to be built up better and stronger.  I am thankful my "Green Book"  is still safely with me and I can reread the words you all wrote and remember what this trip is about. I am here to grow and explore.  Sometimes that is enjoying a beautiful view or coffee with a friend and sometimes it's getting trapped on a bus or mugged in the street.  Whatever happens you gotta roll with it and find the good.  I'm working on finding the good and the beauty and am thankful I have been surrounded by so much of it!

Nice at dusk

 

Just when I got comfortable....

These past few days in Nice have been so much better the the beginning of my stay here.  The weather has been pretty good so I have gotten in a lot of beach time.  My tan is coming a long nicely.  I started to get more comfortable and finding a bit a routine.  I have a local bread shop that I go to.  I even know the type of baguette I like now.  Also the day always starts out well with a chocolate filled croissant which I buy on my way down to soak in the sun.  It has been so nice just to lay on a beach relax and read all day long.  I started reading A Jane Austen book "Sense and sensibility" which is all based in towns I visited in London.  Kinda fun to lay on a beach in this new place and read about the place I just was.  In the evenings I also have taken to

 walking the Promenade in the early evening till the sun sets which is what most people do here.  It's fun seeing everyone out and about.  There is always different stuff going on along the way like one night there was a drum circle on the beach.  Another night there was a whole in line skating obstacle course set up.  By the way in line skating is all the rage here.  I am not sure if it has just come back due to all the 90's fashion that is in but whatever made it come back it is here with a vengeance in Nice.  Anyone who was once amazing at this sport and maybe did it pretty pro style should strap those skates back on and head over here and get your Skate On!  Totally fun to watch.   Walking the promenade at dusk and into the evening when it gets dark is really beautiful.  The lights on everything just make it come alive.  The first time I was out a bit late I was kinda nervous but there were so many people out too it seemed ok.  Just like a downtown city alive for the evening.  Of course I still was carful but it wasn't bad at all.  Since the first night out had been good I decided to actually spread my wings a bit and go into a little bar and order a drink...which I hadn't done yet.  I picked a relatively quite spot and the person who waited on me ended up being from London.  We chatted a bit and then I ended up chatting it up with quite a few others in the bar.  All was going so well for my first night out.  Everyone kept telling me you gotta go out and enjoy the evenings so I finally did!  Once I decided to head home it was late but I was walking on lit streets and only got a bit lost.  At the moment when I got lost a guy who I had chatted with a bit in the bar came up and in his little bit of english pointed the way and said he was going to.  On we walked for about 20min just chatting a bit...I was recognizing landmarks and going well then when I figured we were pretty close I was going to turn off and go a bit out of the way just so he didn't know exactly were I was staying.  I had my keys out already, started to make my move and the next thing I knew he was lunging at me and tugging at my purse.  I had it on across my chest so it was difficult for him to get it off of me.  I will spare you all the details here just because  I really don't want to relive it right now but the end result of all this tugging was he got my bag and I got a bunch of bruises.  I must have yelled for help at some point though I don't really remember doing it because out of no where came a city worker who couldn't have been more then about 25 asking me in french if I needed help.  He spoke no english but was able to understand what had just happened and he called the Police for me and waited with me until they arrived.  He was so sweet and comforting.  The cops took their sweet time getting there and once they arrived they weren't that helpful.  They took me down to the police station to start filing the report but the realized that it would be better for me to do it the next day.  They asked me if I was ok to get home...Seriously, they were going to make me just figure out how to get back.  I told them no and that they would need to drive me.  The bright spot in the little bit is I had my keys to my apartment in my hand so he didn't get them.  Such a stroke of good luck.  When I got home I was in a state of shock and panic.  Not really sure what to do.  All my credit cards, my drivers license, camera, iPod,  iPhone gone.  I didn't really have any cash which is what I think he was really after so sucks for him but everything else just gone!  Luckily I never carry my passport so it was still in the apartment...thank goodness because that would have been a nightmare.  I immediately went on line to try and cancel what I could and then noticed that Kelsey had just emailed me.  Her timing couldn't have been more perfect...I really needed a friend to lean on (and cry a bit too) and she was right there for me.  After I hung up my Skype call with Kels I headed out to meet up with one of my friends here in Nice for coffee.  Luckily we had arranged this meeting and as soon as I saw her I just lost it.  I was exhausted, sore and just feeling really violated.  She bought me a coffee and she let me tell her everything.  She said she would come to the police station with me but first we were going to get fabric for a stroller liner I am sewing for her and then we would have some lunch.  The later part of the afternoon was spent at the police station filing a report, all in french of course.  Luckily I had my lovely friend with me as a translator.  I had to sign a bunch of papers and look at a ton of mug shots which none of them were him unfortunately. Upon leaving I was glad it was over and now I could try and just move past it.  I was so thankful for the friends I have made here and who even after only knowing them a short period of time there was no hesitation to help me in anyway I needed.  I still can't believe this actually happened.  I guess no matter how smart you think you are being you can still just end up at the wrong place at the wrong time.  I will no longer be going out on my own here after dark at all.  Just when I thought I might start to like this place....I suppose this really seals the deal for me on not being too fond of France.          

It rains...It shines...

The day started out just beautiful.  I had a lovely lie in and didn't wake up until around 10.  It was heavenly.  I can't tell you the last time I have done that without feeling guilty.  Another friend I have met here in Nice, Mariapaula, was coming to pick me up for a day excursion to the medieval town of St. Paul De Vence.  I had been told by many people in London that I needed to go to this great little town while I was in Nice so I was very excited for this outing.  She picked me up at my little place at 1pm and we headed up to the town.  It was not to far of a drive and she pointed out little interesting bits as we drove up so it was really nice.  As we wound around through all the little roads on our way up to the town I just kept thinking that all this has been here for thousands of years.  That is nothing in comparison to the majority of anything you will find in the US.

Medieval Street 

We parked and began our walk into the lovely town.  It was nothing like I have ever seen.  There were tiny cobblestone streets that you could only fit maybe 3 people on if you were really small on the interior of town.  The outer streets were a bit wider which is what you see in my photo.  These wider streets were where the 300 actual residents of town lived and all us tourists were normally swamped into the center of town.  Walking through the town was so lovely.  There were tons of little art galleries and boutiques that had very interesting and innovative items.  Nothing like what I have been accustomed to seeing in Nice.  The most amazing part of this town for me was the fact that it was still surrounded by a fortress wall.  I am really sorry I was unable to get a good photos of it but it was so great.  It was just like you would picture an old city with the wall around to protect it from invading parties....this wall can't keep out tourists though!!!  We wandered around the city for about 45min then looked off in the distance and saw a few threatening clouds.  We thought no big deal...it has been doing this all week.  Ok...we were really wrong.  Within a few moments of the first sprinkles of rain it was a full on down pour!  Now I am not afraid of a few little sprinkles of rain but this was

Torrential Rain 

torrential!  Sheets of rain totally drenching us.  Such a bummer because we had driven up here with the intention of just spending the afternoon but alas the weather had the last laugh on us.  We tried to wait it out in a small tunnel in the middle of the town...It's a medieval town, of course there is a tunnel in the middle of it..Duh!  Much to our dismay it didn't let up so we made the rain soaked run to the car which was not really close so we were dripping wet by the time we made it back.  Oh by the way did I mention we also had Mariapaula's son with us in the pram..ya add that to everything we just went through and you will get the real picture.  When we finally got into the car all we could do was laugh.  On the drive back to Nice It continued to rain so she took me on a driving tour of all the little villages along the way home.  It was really great to see the villages.  They are all so cute and quaint.  I love them.  I am looking forward to going back and walking through them on a day where I am not in need of an umbrella and wellies...I did leave London right?  As we pulled back into Nice we started to crack up because the weather was beautiful and it looked like it had never even rained.  The sky was so beautiful too.  You know that really crisp feeling you get in the air and how clear the sky looks just after a rain....That's what it was like.  I bid Mariapaula good bye at my home and she headed out to pick her older son up from school.  Since it was all of a sudden nice out I felt I should make the most of

Nice Port

it so I walked down to the Nice Port. I had never made it down that far yet on my wanders and it was really nice.  It was later in the day...probably around 6 or 7 in the evening and I realized that the placement of this port makes it the last place that the sun sets.  It was absolutely lovely.  I just walked around and took in all the beauty that I could.  I am so loving discovering all the different little hidden bits of beauty this city has to offer.  All the nervousness and unsettled feelings I had at the beginning are being replaced with admiration for what this city does have to offer.  It might not be a perfect fit for me long term but that doesn't mean that there isn't so much that I can get out of it and learn from.  Everyday I feel like I learn a bit more about who I am and how I want to live the next day.

Palace, Casino and Cars

I set out for my first venture out of the city of Nice today for a visit to Monaco.  One of my friends works up there and suggested I make the trip so I took his advice and headed to the train station.  Once at the train station getting the ticket was a bit confusing but eventually with the help of a kind German man I made it happen.  I will have you know that I was able to figure out what ticket to get while the whole system was completely in french.  Yes, it may have been a bit of luck and really good educated guessing but non the less I bought the right ticket and made it down to the correct train platform with out too much trouble.  The train was slightly delayed and while I was waitingI had a great interaction with a elderly couple....We were all  standing leaning against a railing waiting for the train.  I was about 90% sure I was in the right spot and this couple next to me must have been feeling the same because he turned to me and asked me something in really broken French with an English accent. A huge smile broke out across my face an I just said with my lovely american accent "Sorry, only English buddy"  He cracked up and said "Why didn't you stop me and where is the sign you should be wearing that says I speak English."  I told him he was putting so much effort into his French I couldn't cut him off and also that I was a bit jealous that he could at least speak a bit of french.  He said it really isn't as helpful as you would think.  It was such a funny interaction I just loved it!  Back to my travels...the train arrived and we all hopped on.  It was a quick 20 minute ride and the scenery was nice.  It was a good introduction to all the little villages that I will be able to visit along the way on my next train ride.  Once I arrived I walked out into the city and headed up the

Prince's Palace

hill to the Prince's Palace of Monaco.  The actual palace was nice but not as impressive as all the views you got from being up on this hill.  Unfortunately the day was really overcast so none of my photos are that great...I will definitely be going back on a more clear day.  I did walk through the palace rooms that were open and it was very french.  Frescos on all the ceilings and everything was very Rocco style and way overdone.  Not my style at all but absolutely beautiful.  They way they can make damask patterned silk wallpaper and floral tapestry curtains work together along with another style of damask on the furniture is simply awe inspiring.  Because this is a working palace and the current Prince does business here you aren't allowed to take photos and only a small part is open.  As I walked through I learned that many of the same ceremonies that took place hundreds of years ago still happen in the same place currently.  For instance signing of all important documents happen on a certain table and presenting of heirs to the thrown happen in a specific salon within the palace.  So interesting to hear that traditions we would never think still happen are occurring right here on a regular basis.  There also was the changing of the guard right outside the palace which is always fun to watch.  I love that it is like a choreographed dance. The foot and arm movements are so specific and the paces they take are so exact you can actually see the worn area of the pavement where it has been happening over and over each and every day for years and years.  In the same general area of the palace

St. Nicholas Cathedral

    is St. Nicholas Cathedral.  This gorgeous place was built in 1875 and is the resting place for many of the past royalty of Monaco including Princess Grace (Grace Kelly who was married to Prince Rainier).  The interior was quite impressive with its rich dark wood pews and high ceilings filled with stained glass windows.  It also had a elegant organ which I unfortunately didn't get to hear.  I have been told they do concerts which would be great to hear.  Upon exiting the cathedral I had a feeling of slight claustrophobia even though I was outdoors....so many tourists!  It is completely ok and expected I just needed a bit of space.  Just below this cathedral there was a great little area that was full of winding walkways and hidden benches.  This seemed like the perfect escape for a bit of a relaxation and hiding from the world.  Wandering through was heavenly.  All I could hear was the sound of birds chirping and the sea below.  The sun was trying to push it's way through the clouds a bit and the view was great so I found a bench, pulled out my book and settled in.   I couldn't have asked for a more lovely moment.  I was

View from the winding walkways

surprised more people didn't venture down but I wasn't complaining.  After my little break I started to walk down and away from the palace toward the other end of town and the Port Hercule.  While walking towards the port I ended up just walking past it and up the hill to Monte Carlo.  I ended up smack in front of the Monte Carlo Casino.  I suppose I had never really thought about it existing outside of Las Vegas (even though I knew it did) and then all of a sudden it was right in front of me.  This was one of the moments I have had over the course of the trip where I end up seeing something that I didn't even realize I was near enough to go and see.  I know that is partially because I am geographically challenged but it is also because I have just let this trip happen with minimal planning.  I would never have these amazing "smack me in the

Monte Carlo Casino

face" moments if I had planned to go and see everything that I am just ending up at.  This experience has been so much better then I could have ever planned out on my own.  I guess it is partially luck and partially just being open to allowing things to happen.  I have also had great advice and suggestions from the friends I have met along the way.
The Monte Carlo Casino is all you would imagine it to be from the outside.  Elegant, very french looking and high class all the way.  I didn't go inside because there is a dress code but I will be getting fancy and going back to see what it's like! Now lets take a moment and appreciate the serious car lust I was having walking by this place....Audi R8, Aston Martian, Lamborghini, Rolls Royce, Maserati and the list goes on.  I was dying...just the sound of all of them driving by.  So beautiful!  I will say that the one disappointing thing was they have started to "murder out"  some of these beautiful cars with the awful matte black paint.  So disappointing.  They were not meant to look like that.  Ok I will stop talking about the cars now but come on, it's Monaco home of the Formula 1 grand Prix.  What do you expect.  The grand prix had actually just happened the week before I visited so

Grand Prix tear down

I did get to see some of the race area being broken down while I was walking to meet a friend for a drink.  It was kinda cool to see where the race goes and that it is right through town.  I would love to have seen it,  maybe next year.  After all this walking I was ready to just sit and relax for a bit.  I met up with my friend and we headed to a little bar along the port.  He was telling me that once summer sets in a bit more it would look bit different but since they were still breaking down from the race it was not in it's full beauty...guess I will have to just go again to see it!  After an unfortunate incident with some flying things (bugs, dust not sure which) on the first attempt to sit down we found a spot on the second try, ordered some drinks and had a good relaxing chat.  We headed back to Nice on the train and then parted ways to walk home.  He had to get home to put the kiddos to bed so his wife could have a night out with her friends and I had a serious case of exhaustion setting in.   All in all it was a lovely day..a palace, beautiful views, beautiful cars and good company!  France is getting better with each day.

Moving Day....

Moving day has arrived!  I pack up everything and bid farewell to Sandrine and her family.  Staying with them has been such a great start to my adventure in Nice.  Without them I would probably still feel completely overwhelmed and also I would not have met the people who I am really enjoying spending time with.  Of course I am a bit nervous to be moving into a place all by myself over here but kind of excited too.  Over the last 10 days being here I have been able to get to a good comfort level.  Also the fact that I know a few people here who have been great and said if I need anything they are there makes it all seem ok.  As I prepare for the move there is an unexpected change for Sandrine (her husband is going out of town) which means she will not be able to drive me to my new place since she will need to be picking up her son at the same time as she would have been dropping me off.  Ok...Plan B is the bus.  I figure it can't be bad.  I took it in London with all my stuff...what could be different.  Just so I know what I am doing and where I am going I take the day to figure it all out.  I find the bus stop by Sandrine's house, which is relatively close, just up a slight hill.  I totally can handle

  it.  I do the walk into town and find the address of my new place and the bus stop happens to be just a few feet from the building...Thank goodness.  As I head back to the house to get my stuff and catch the bus I am feeling good.  This is gonna be a piece of cake.  Get on the bus, no changes, then get off and move in.  Oh I was so wrong...there was no piece of cake involved in this ride at all.  The bus arrives as scheduled.  I buy my ticket and start to move towards a seat.  Now this bus driver is the kind who likes to keep the bus moving apparently because I am not two steps in before he takes off.  Let me just remind you that I am hauling a 28kilo (61lb) suitcase on wheels.  Since I am in motion towards a seat the bus taking off just gives my suitcase the extra bit it needs to really get rolling.  Luckily I still had my hand on it but lets just say I choose a seat by being kinda launched into it by my suitcase not really of my own free will.  Once settled in my seat I felt a bit better till I realized there was no handy scrolling display telling you what stop was coming up and the bus driver was not announcing the stops.  I tried to keep looking out the window for familiar locations and that was going well until the bus really started to fill up.  Before I had a chance to even think about moving locations on the bus I was trapped in my seat and the bus was packed.  Everyone was shoulder to shoulder and could not move at all.  I started to have a small panic attack since I knew my stop was coming up but I couldn't see out the window and there was no way, unless people decided to be nice, I was getting off the bus with all my stuff.  The bus came to a halt and I knew we were either at my stop or right next to it so I just decided to get off.  I stood up and tried to go towards the front door since it was closer but the 2 young girls in front of me said no, you should go the other way.  They seemed nice so I trusted their judgement.  I tried to start moving and the only person who got out of my way was the the girl who said I should go that way.  I pushed the bus stopping button so the driver would open the door and he just looked at me and said the bus is full.  I just looked at him and said "Ya clearly it's full...I want off!" and pointed to the doors he refused to open.  This yelling and pointing went on for a bit between us then I finally just started moving towards the door.  No one would shift out of the way or help me out at all so I just had to push my way through running over a lot of toes with my suitcase.  He finally opened to doors for me after I banged on them and I was free of this hellish

My Little Room

bus ride.  I walked the few feet down the road and rang the buzzer to head up to the new place.  So, I had seen photos of this place and knew it was small but I had no idea just how small.  I went up 5 floors in the elevator...which is the old kind with the metal cage door you have to close first then you close the 2 wooden doors on the inside...then I walked up the last set of stairs to the 6th floor.  My first reaction was ok...this is small but I can do it.  Then I walked in....there is one small window that opens onto what looks like a small cement tunnel so very little breeze is let in however you do hear the gentle screeching and rumbling of the trains that pass by.  Those of you who live by or have lived by the trains know what I am talking about.  They did install an air conditioner which is nice but super expensive to run.  Now if you look at the photo you will notice an angle in the ceiling.  I can only stand up straight from about the edge of the bed to the kitchenette area which is about 6 steps with my feet end to end.  I also can't raise my arm fully above my head because my hands hit the ceiling.  Are you getting a true feeling for what this space is like?  Don't think I am complaining because I am not...I just want you guys to really know what I am in.  This place will definitely serve it's purpose and the price is right.  Also when chatting with one of the other people I have met here, I was talking about where I was moving into and she said "oh you are moving into the attic room." and I said "I guess so"  She then went on the explain how a lot of the old house here had attic rooms that were separate from the house for the servants to live in.  Well guess what guys...I am living in the servants quarters where you don't get fresh air or are able to stand up straight in most of the room.

The adventure continues....I am really happy to be in my own space and have my own time with no responsibilities.  It is great and I am so thankful that I am able to do this.  Inspite of all it's quirks this little room is really a good space for what I need right now plus I can say I lived in an attic room and it allows me to be walking distance from the amazing pebble beaches.

Beautiful Nice Pebble Beach