JANUARY 13TH, SATURDAY, in Nice. 2018.

Patience is not my strong suit. I have spent most of my life trying to conquer my need for instant gratification. Do it now; figure out how to deal with the consequences later. Another way to say that is, stick my hand into the fire; then figure out if it is hot. Or, out of the frying pan, into the fire. Haha. Right now, I must have the patience to tell you about my Saturday morning. It has been a fun one.

I woke up this morning, raring to go for a walk. Some days, I have more energy than others. Today, I felt great! Time to get outside. What was the temperature? (I am trying to memorize the local units of measurement – Celsius, Kilometers, Kilograms, etc.). My weather map said 4 degrees. Cold. Very cold. So, I put on my warmest tights, a turtleneck, my down jacket, scarf, gloves, headphones, my phone, a stocking cap, and took off.  My mission was to take photographs. I am constantly trying to find interesting shots. (I miss my Encino roses). Something must motivate me to take its picture other than a rose.  The Sea works. Close ups, long shots.

I walked out of the front door and turned right. Right away, I saw a local baker’s croissants – fresh-baked – in an open-air window. That would be a good shot. Too cold. The baker was standing in the front door, having a cigarette. The butcher across the street was coming to ask her a question. Neither had on jackets. Damn! Didn’t they know it was freezing outside? Good shot, though. Nope! Too cold.

I kept walking, knowing I had underestimated how COLD 4 degrees was. What else could I have put on to be warmer? Nothing. I had to relax – to keep moving – briskly. Ugh. Had to be careful. Couldn’t push the knee. Where was the sun? Still coming up? The Port. Get to the Port. There, maybe I could find a coffee – somewhere, maybe. Explanation, buildings in my neighborhood block the rising sun. Cafes don’t open until 8:00 am, 9:00 am, 10:00 am on Saturday.  If it is too early, there is no sun, and cafes are closed. The French operate on their own schedules, especially on weekends and holidays. I call it “French Time”.  Welcome to France. 

Once I hit Garibaldi Square, I had sun. Blinding sun, coming up over the Sea. YES! I looked around for an open cafe. Nothing. I kept walking. Never mind. Stay warm, take pictures. Try close-ups. Interesting close-ups.

Uhhh, maybe not.  By the time I got to the French Resistance Memorial, I was warm enough to take off my gloves to get a picture. Gorgeous shot! Even includes my shadow – making it more interesting.  

After that, I went to my favorite spot, overlooking the Sea and facing the rising Sun. I faced the Sun, said my meditation prayers, filled my body with healing yellow, and took off. 

Selfie of me by the Sea,

people walking dogs,

local police on a break,

“#I Love Nice” sign backwards, haha,

Rocks and waves, a fisherman, the Coastline – taking photos.

I crossed the Boulevard d’anglaise and cut-through to the Flower Market. That is where I saw open cafes and vendors. Nobody looked cold. Au contraire. Bustling activity, giving the Market energy. Shoppers with carts, buying fresh fruits and vegetables. Plus, tourists. Always tourists. Get close-ups, Jay!

I had to get clever with my camera. I have learned to wait until a vendor is busy with a customer – then, shoot. Most vendors don’t want people taking pictures, especially close-ups. ????  Not sure why. One painter had a sign, “no photos, merci”. OK.  No problem. 

I passed on to flowers…

OK. Job done. On to Lou Pastrouil for breakfast! YES! Time to thaw out. Interesting to note, most people have coffee and reading the Nice-Matin newspaper are sitting outside by open air burners. Not me. I was too cold. I wanted inside. Plus, my favorite table was open. Life was good. 

Back through Place Massena, wondering when the Ferris wheel and the silver Christmas tree will come down.

Into Galleries Lafayette to “look” since the January sales are in full swing. Interested in finding a black crew neck sweater. I managed to find the perfect cashmere black sweater – one of the ONLY items in the entire store NOT on sale. Ugh. Can’t buy that. Too expensive. But, I did find one I liked OK downstairs in the Designer section – on sale and a “The Kooples”.  Not familiar with that designer, but I liked the sweater and it was on sale. 40% off.

Then, time for the “lighting ceremony”. It was time to light my January 2018 immediate family candles at Basilique Notre-Dame de l’Assomption.  Besides, my son Craig is racing, today.  A special candle for Craig’s safety…

A final stop at Le Comptoir Irlandais for that light blue wool sweater from Ireland that I have had my eye on. NOT on sale (darn), and an Irish fruit cake, for good luck. Fun!

On to home. I had been gone for four hours and walked 9707 steps, or 6,3 kilometers. The goal is 10,000 steps. I almost made it. I used 262 calories, but I ate more than that back with the two pieces of Irish Fruit Cake that I had for lunch. It was 12 degrees. Warming up! Sort of…..  I spent too much money. Oh, well, I will worry about that tomorrow. (Thank you, Scarlett!)  And, there you have it – Saturday, In Nice!! January 13, 2018. 

Best, Jay