French Riviera Here We Come!

Diane and I spent 4 1/2 hours on a TGV train (the FAST one!) from Lyon to Nice, France.  Our trip was mellow, and we read our books, worked a bit on making folders for our next stops:  Beaulieu Sur Mer, Venice, Rome, and Nice.  Again, just making sure all of our ducks are in a row.  The countryside was green and lush, but started to get more hilly and then low mountains (reminding me of the way up to Heber).  There were a few rain showers, and then we noticed the coast!  A sailboat caught Diane's eye, and we were glued to our window from there on.  We will pass through such places as I've only heard of on TV or in the movies... Cannes, Nice, Monte Carlo, and Monaco.  Diane and I were pinching ourselves as we rode along.

Arrived to rain at the station in Nice, and NO Isabelle to pick us up!  We walked around outside for a bit, and just as we were beginning to get a little worried, she came running up.  The rain had cause a traffic snarl, and of course she got stuck in it!  Well, all's well that ends well!  We met her husband and her daughter's boyfriend who loaded up our luggage and then we were off!  The rain continued and the traffic snarl also continued.

 But we made it to one of the oldest restaurants in Nice, Lou Balico.  We took the advice of our hosts and ordered ratatouille and a beef and red wine ravioli...  oooohhhh myyyyyyy goodness, were we ever pleased.  The meal just seemed to melt in our mouths.  Absolutely delicious!  We ended up being at the restaurant for about an hour and a half.  By the time we got done, the rain was gone and most of the clouds had cleared away.  It was a gorgeous night!  Isabelle and family drove us around Nice, and to the town next to it, and on to Beaulieu Sur Mer (beautiful city by the sea).

And that is exactly what it was.  The bays were lit up with boats, homes, and restaurants.  The water was so clear we could see through it from up on a high overlook.  Continued driving until they found the place where our Airbnb home for the next 2 days was.  And small world that it is...  Isabelle KNEW the lady whom we rented the room from!  lol.  Isabelle set us up with all kinds of ideas and ways to get around Beaulieu and the surrounding areas for tomorrow and Saturday.  She even arranged a ride for us to the airport on Saturday.  Thanks so much!


With our plan laid out, and our clothes chosen for, we showered tonight because we want to get an early start tomorrow.  We'll hit a French bakery that is right around the corner for some coffee and some delicious pastry.  Until then...  au revoir and good night!