Instant Recall

Wow! Seven full days in review! Are you sure you are up for this? I can be tediously detailed but I'll try to recap the past week's activities as concisely as I can.

New Year's Day kept us local particularly since we slept most of the morning away. We opted to climb the bazillion steps to Colline du Chateau (Castle hill) located near the harbour and Old Nice. Cobbley stone steps are sandwiched between pine trees, cacti, and flowering plants. Amazing vistas of the Mediterranean and the city of Nice greeted us with every step. Medieval ruins, a city park and a waterfall we'd read to be stunning is part of the appeal even for locals. Unfortunately, the waterfall was out of commission but the 360 views more than made up for that.

According to Madison's pedometer, we logged in 14,000 steps that day. Time to reward ourselves with a stop off at the Haagen Daz cafe! A caramel and banana ice cream crepe and a mocha ice cream waffle didn't bring the 20 euro joy we thought it should have so we hit our favourite patisserie for alternate sugar options. I know you are thinking that we've spent equal time face-planting ourselves into French bakeries, chocolate shops, and cafes as we have historical visits.... and it's entirely correct! :)

Another train trip to Monaco with the plan to hike up to the palace... so glad we did. I found my next house not too far from the palace itself!! Again, stunning vistas of both the Mediterranean and the principality of Monaco just continue to perpetuate a sense of awe. Michael and Madison thought a visit to Prince Rainier's aquarium was in order so we did. Madison and I did a quick visit to the zoo while Michael and Winston opted to pay homage to the prince's car collection.

The quaint little village of La Turbie is worth noting. It's nestled high above Monaco (wicked narrow roads and hairpin turns) and is home to La Trophie des Alpes a monument built by Emperor Julius Caesar Augustus to celebrate his victory over the Ligurian people living in the mountains and the entire region actually.

We spent 'the last supper' with new friends Matt and Julie Hessel at La Pizza....home to the only pizza in Nice worth eating! Matt and Julie introduced themselves at the Christmas Eve church we visited and it was one of those God-instant connections. I love how when we ask God to "order our steps", He does and He intersects us with right people in right moments.

As in any relationship, breaking up with Nice was difficult but just had to be done because another love affair was waiting just around the corner. Every day of this trip, for me, has been all about embracing another wonder. MUST.COME.BACK.