The merry month of May is well on its way over here on the Côte d’Azur. And, believe-you-me, the French take May seriously. May 1st is a holiday (Fête du travail); May 8th is a holiday (Victoire 1945); and May 25th is a holiday (Ascension). On these holidays, EVERYTHING closes – just about. Some restaurants and stores stay open, but not all of them. And, if it is a pretty day, EVERYONE goes outside for one reason or another.
Last Sunday was the first Sunday in May – a day before a holiday, thus a three-day-weekend. Thus, people in the park. No matter. It was early, and all I wanted to do was walk six times around the track, listen to classical music through my Bose earphones, and have a croissant and coffee at the Park Café.
NO. Not to be. The Park gates were locked with security guys standing guard. What???? Was something going on that I didn’t know about???? Duh. Well, it seems that the gigantic Festival that was held in the Park on May 1st continues! Every Sunday until June. (After that, the locals go on holiday for the summer while the tourists take over. Haha. Just kidding.) The gates were to open at 10:00 a.m.
Hmmmm. It was 8:30 a.m. I was dressed and prepared to work out. Hmmm. Plan B? Could I do a SeaTrek? Would my knees handle the hill? (I had work done on my knees (long story for another time). Yes. Never say “no” if “yes” is a worthwhile challenge. OK. Trek to the Sea and have breakfast. Find a restaurant on the Boulevard that serves a touristy breakfast of “bacon and eggs”.
Believe it or not, all went well. My knees were fine. I completed my spontaneous 2017 Spring SeaTrek and had a great day. This is what happened.
WALKING DOWN THE HILL – APPROXIMATELY TWO MILES FROM MY APARTMENT TO THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL (CIMIEZ).
CUTTING THROUGH STREETS TO GET WHERE I WANT TO GO.
MAKING NOTE OF THIS RESTAURANT TO TRY IN THE FUTURE.
BALTHAZAR RESTAURANT – MY CHOICE FOR BREAKFAST. THEY HAVE OMELETTES!
MY WALK BY THE SEA AFTER BREAKFAST. GORGEOUS DAY!!!
THE FLOWER MARKET – A MUST-SEE WHENEVER I AM IN TOWN.
I TOOK THE BUS BACK TO CIMIEZ AND WALKED HOME BY THE PARK FROM THE BUS STOP. IT WAS MID-AFTERNOON AND PEOPLE WERE STILL ARRIVING AT THE PARK. I WAS TEMPTED TO GO IN, BUT DECIDED TO GO HOME AND ICE MY KNEES. GLAD I DID.
BACK HOME WITH YELLOW ROSES. I PURCHASED YELLOW ROSES TO TAKE HOME. 10 EUROS FOR 10 ROSES – FRESH AND GORGEOUS!
A FUN DAY!
BEST, JAY
JAYSPEAK 
What a beautiful day in Nice! I’m glad you enjoyed your Mother’s Day with a beautiful walk. As I looked at the delicious strawberries, and other fruit, I spotted Passion fruit. That’s very famous in Brazil and such mouth watering dishes I enjoyed there with it.
The people looked relaxed and I saw a few men that looked alone and lonely. It reminded me of Paris. All the people on the grass, at a table for two, and just enjoying being out and about.
I had a wonderful Mother’s day. After Church, all my children and grandchildren came rolling in. Besides that, they brought a great meal and gifts galore. Everything from Roses, a new LAPTOP, new cell phone, HotJuice, new sandals, my favorite perfume, and the best of all was just being together on a special day. I am blessed to have such a wonderful family.
The only thing that took away complete happiness for me was the fact my husband died on Mother’s Day exactly three years ago to the day……the 14th of May. Behind all the laughter and joy, was a deep longing for my husband…………..time didn’t help that time!
I’m so happy for you and the life you’ve made for yourself among all the beauty of Nice, France. What a wonderful place !!
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You are still my hero! What a walk! What stamina! What beautiful roses….
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Ah! C’est la saison des cerises (cêrises?) here too! Happy Mother’s Day, Jay!
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Happy Mothers Day to you, J!
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