SEATREK-1, IN THE FALL

“SeaTrek” is Jayspeak for those times when I walk from my home to the Sea – wherever it is feasible. In Los Angeles, I walked from our home in Westwood to the palisades park in Santa Monica, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. That was approximately eight miles. Once I arrived at my destination, I would call Steve to meet me for brunch. After brunch on the Promenade, he would drive us home. Last Saturday, I walked from our home in Cimiez – now my home – to the Mediterranean Sea. Luckily, the distance was only three miles. And, a bus brought me home. Steve and I had talked about doing it together. And, it was on our list. I carried the torch without him. Not the same, but doable.

I started out around 8:30 a.m. There was very little traffic at that point. And, the sky was crystal clear. Good day for a walk. I walked past the monastery and the park, crossed the street, and headed down the Boulevard de Cimiez toward town – taking pictures along the way.

My plan was to take short cuts at the bottom of the hill to get to the main drag – Avenue Jean Médecin. Then, walk to my destination – breakfast. And, I wanted to check out the parking lot at the Carrefour Supermarket at the bottom of the hill. I have wanted to shop there, but did not know about parking. (Parking is always a consideration in Nice.) After making note of the parking lot, I cut through Avenue Notre Dame to Avenue Jean Médecin, taking a picture of everything in sight, including the beautiful Notre-Dame de l’Assomption.

For breakfast, I wanted to try a cafe that I had read about, named Mama delices – good reviews and served breakfast. I wanted to give it a try. Maybe they had omelets. No omelets, even on a good day. And, by the time I got there, the only thing they had left was one small croissant and orange juice. Plus, coffee. Always coffee. Not what I had in mind. The French are not big on breakfast, I have discovered. If you want breakfast, you must go to the Hard Rock Café on the Promenade, or some such place, to get petit déjeuner Anglais. Otherwise, breakfast is a croissant, orange juice, and coffee – if they aren’t out of croissants. Or yogurt. So, after my orange juice, small baguette with butter and apricot marmalade, and coffee, I started walking to the Sea – down the block.

Then, it happened. I spied a hair salon across the pathway. I “walked in” and asked if someone could “trim” my hair. Miracle of miracle, the lady said yes. So, two hours later, I walked out – butchered. One girl shampooed my hair, massaging so much that I knew it must be extra. Then, another woman blow-dried my hair. Curious, I asked who was going to “trim” my hair. Apparently, Thierry Antoine, from Paris. That was when I wondered why I had not asked the price up front. And, now, it was too late. Damn. How would I pay for it? Credit card? Did I have to tip these people? Damn. As it turned out, it wasn’t too expensive, and I did not tip anyone. I figured they could blame it on damn Americans. But, to be honest, I like my haircut. Nothing about it is a “trim”, but I don’t care. Easier to do in the mornings. I got his card.

More pictures by the sea, a selfie or two, and on to the Flower Market. I wanted a yellow chrysanthemum for my patio. By then, it was lunch time, and I was hungry. So, I went to La Voglia, another favorite, and got their salad and a glass of wine – Cote de Provence whatever. Always good. On to the bus stop. Back through the park to home. All in all, I walked approximately six miles. Great day. Only thing missing was Steve.

I took a lot of pictures – too many to post. I put some on Facebook and some on Instagram. Not all the same. And, here, other selections. Some may be the same, but most are new. AND, I still have ones I am not posting. Anyway, enjoy.

Best, Jay