French Bliss
Bonjour my friends!
With a little over a week under my belt in Europe I've finally gotten my first real post written. While I've been very much on the go(gh) and busy immersing myself into this new lifestyle I still think my brain is functioning in "vacation" mode. I haven't had any breakdowns, mental or physical, I haven't lost anything including myself, and I've stayed shockingly close to budget. But then again, it's only been one week. Backpacking and I are still in our honeymoon stage (fine by me).
Although I am currently writing this from a tiny café in Genova, Italy I'm here to talk to you about my short time in France. Also, the quick transition from France to Italy has scrambled my mind - I'm still saying oui and merci! So while I'm still feeling French, here's my recap.
Places visited: St. Tropez, Antibes, Nice
St. Tropez
Macaroons and rose - not much more to say. Just kidding, there's a lot more to say, but those are two really important components to a perfect trip to St. Tropez. I met up with my family there, as they'd been vacationing for a week prior to my arrival (I was on bridesmaid duty!). I could not have asked for a better transition from "real life." We were traveling mostly by boat so I can't tell you much about the city itself except that dining at Club 55 is a must. When you do, make sure to order the fresh vegetable platter paired with a bottle of Ott rose. I've never experienced fresh vegetables served like this and, although so easy and simple, it blew my mind. I'm still thinking about it. Pro tip: When the acoustic band comes around to your table, pick a fun song and get the party going! Courtesy of my mother, we got everybody in the dancing mood with Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeran. It also doesn't hurt to engage in some tequila-shot warfare with the table next to you. You just might meet some awesome people, extend your two hour lunch to a four hour lunch, and spend the rest of the afternoon hanging at the beach.
Photo courtesy of Club 55
Antibes
Antibes will always be special as it served as the first solo-stop of my adventure and I don't think it could have possibly gone better. While I still knew a few people around the city, I made it a point to get off on my own as soon as possible (although I did have to be escorted to my first hostel *coughcough*). My first experience with a French open market was in Antibes as well as my first demi peche - I highly recommend both. My hostel, aptly named the Backpacker, was small and held a good atmosphere - making it easy to feel comfortable and make some new friends. I also got to connect with a couple of old friends, which always makes my heart so happy! It'ssuper easy to navigate once you get the hang of it and I never felt uncomfortable walking around alone. With plenty of beaches close by, it's easy to take a chilly dip in the sea and then bask in the sun for as long as you please. C'est la vie!
Nice
Going from Antibes to Nice was a bit jarring at first. Antibes, even in the short amount of time I was there, became quaint and familiar. As soon as I stepped off the train in Nice I knew I wasn't in Kansas anymore. I was in a big city, with a big city pace and attitude. My hostel was ... a great location and okay for the price. It could use a bit more cleaning, much better wifi (or at least wifi that worked even 50% of the time) and I'll be fine if I never ever see one of my roommates again. Who straightens their hair at 1 AM while everyone is sleeping, with the lights on, and then goes nowhere?! I wish that was the worst of it. Alas, she left a day before me and the hostel instantly become better for it. Let's get back to Nice. After the initial jolt into city life, I fell in love with the energy of Nice. Like any city it has it's scars, but mostly you're shocked by the beauty. I ran along the beach, shopped at the open market, and picnicked in the park every day I was there.
I began missing France before I even left and I know I'll be back!
To wrap up here are a few things I learned in France: 1. The French take their orange juice addiction seriously 2. Open air markets are the most wonderful way to spend your morning and France has the best strawberries and cherries I've ever had in my life 3. Jogging along the water is better than jogging anywhere else (admittedly it's still jogging though) 4. Rose goes with anything.
Did I miss something? Want to share your experience in any of these places? Drop it in the comments, I'd love to read your thoughts & advice!
Until next time, Avoir!