Nice Here I come

It's going to be another 2 weeks before I am able to post on my blog again.

I am off to Nice for a two week language course. I will have time to do a bit of sightseeing as well.I will be staying with a french host.

My i pad won't let me create new posts and I am not taking my computer with me. (Too heavy.)This is going to be a grand experience as I am only taking a few items with me. I need to be able to walk considerable distances with my luggage.

So I have resurrected my photos of my visit to Nice, Antibes and Cannes last October. 

Nice definitely has a different feel about it than Gap. In particular, I will enjoy the warmer temperatures.

I look forward to my future posts on my return after a couple of weeks. 

À bientôt. Bises.

Dimanche

Joel and his mate went for an excruciatingly long run in the mud and wooded countryside. It was an hour and a half around the lake. Friends of Jess and I hunkered into a café. The adorable days-old baby was cute to the max. We drank hot, spiced orange juice and talked and talked and talked. 

The spot is a popular holiday area. I could see why. Cabins, shops, bars, restaurants, swimming pools, etc contributed to a wonderful setting.(I have no idea what the area is called.) The day was freezing cold and the sky was determined to be grey and overcast. But socialising with this wonderful kiwi family was what the doctor ordered as it seems to have been a somewhat "independent" last couple of months in Gap for me.

The men returned from their marathon training run with bright-eyed  and bushy-tailed faces. They were pumped and starving. What better way to celebrate achievement. The beer went down a treat. 

The chocolate-laden crêpes were pretty cool too. More conversation and a quick walk with the baby in the fresh air and sadly, it was time for yet another farewell. These kiwis live in Belgium and they had an hour's drive ahead of them. It was announced that the baby was a ticking time bomb before he realised that he was well and truly hungry. 

 Good on ya, Joel. He swung the car off the motorway on the way home, to get a good giggle about the spire. Check it out. It's CROOKED. OMG! What a hoot! Can you see the slight lean to the right? 

I don't know how Jess found the energy, but she rustled up a huge pot of the most wonderfully delicious vegetable curry. YUMMO! We attempted to watch the movie, "The Book Thief", but the computer insisted on mutinous revenge. Nevertheless, I excused myself for an early-to-bed retreat. I was totally "nana-exhausted." So much excitement and adventured had me pooped.

The next morning, Jess and Joel worked their way through Monday morning traffic to drop me off at a train station halfway to Lille. Saying goodbye to them was gut wrenching for me. Their kindness and hospitality was astronomical. I have to say, I couldn't hold back the tears. I knew that the next time I would see them would be at least the end of the year.

At Lille I caught the TGV to Valence. From Valence, I took a fully laden train to Gap. Town centre to my cosy apartment marked the end of an unforgettable four days.

I wish Jess and Joel all the best for success and fulfilment as they run the Paris Marathon in April. They are training hard, despite times when it is hard to be motivated. 

Proud to be a kiwi

Do not be deceived, dear reader. Jess and Joel took me to Le Quesnoy. It is pronounced Le Ken-wa. It is a town that was liberated by kiwi heroics and bravery. The town is deeply grateful. Look they name the street, Helen Clark Street.

And look, there's New Zealand Street.

And this is the way to the New Zealand monument. Apparently, there are school trips to this very spot to honour the kiwi valour.

I was driven to a remote corner of the town to a rustic old brick wall that had been given the Maori wall mural treatment. Yay! Good find, guys!

Good on ya, Jess, for bringing the kiwi flag to take a worthy snap in front of the New Zealand monument.

The wall might be old and moss-laden, but I can assure you, I felt extremely proud of my New Zealand ancestors that laid down their lives for a country that was a distant ally.

I took a few minutes to pause and suck in the scene, back in the day. In my mind's eye, I could see mud, I could feel the cold and I could see lifeless bodies strewn over the ground. It was an appalling sight. I sent light and love to those who sacrificed their lives, and I hope that the wounds that are etched into the earth are healed. I especially believe that we have learnt our lessons and that we will ensure that never again will we resort to war to resolve issues.

Simply gorgeous northern architecture.

A good shot of Jess and Joel's trusty steed, with a quaint village backdrop.

Family fun

Joel and Jess are a dream team. Joel drives with the confidence of a seasoned veteran. Jess has the skill and wisdom of navigation that surpasses expert rally navigators. She surveys and reads a map like a pro.

I was so lucky to enjoy the freedom of having this kiwi couple and their trusty little car to speed along the roads. I loved the way Jess would point things out to me; like the overgrown bunkers left over from the war; the stunning countryside vistas; the town spires and ancient fortress walls. Her favourite spots to eat, her friends' houses, their favourite running routes, etc were fascinating to see. It was so cool to briefly experience her taste of France. We dwell in opposite sides of the country. For a brief moment, I wished that we lived closer to each other, so that we could visit each other more often.

We pulled up outside the house of some good friends of Jess and Joel. Their house was loaded with charm. The style seemed to be typically northern; brick and more than one storey. One of the adult sons came outside to move his car forward to make more room for our car in the driveway. His bumper gently nudged the back bumper of the car in front. We all smiled at the audacious cheekiness of this manoeuvre.

After introductions were made, we settled into relaxed conversations in small groups. There was a grandmother, (mami), grandfather, (papi), a daughter, three adult grandchildren and the three kiwis. Between all of us, we made a merry party.  Lively conversation, galettes de roi, songs, games and a saxophone performance: ingredients for a fun-filled afternoon that stretched till 9:00 p.m.

The tradition is to share a type of sweet pastry pie. The person who finds a small treasure in their slice becomes king/queen and wears a crown for the duration of the party. Well, "blow me over in the clover," there was a strange hard thing in my slice of cake. Lo and behold, it turned out to be a small Mother Mary. My loud exclamation of delight announced that I was "Queen". Someone played a trick on me. I was told that the Queen had to sing a song. I found out later that this is not true. However, my Maori rendition of our national anthem was listened to with great respect. I invited for the French cohort to respond with a traditional song. Before you could say "Hum tiddily-um," a stack of ancient song sheets was produced. The paper was brown, tatty and eve so precious. Some of the song sheets dated back more than 70 years. This particular song sheet here, is a song traditional and very much representative of these northern parts of France. It's a lullaby sung to little babies.

It was sooooo cool to listen to the french family singing and humming their beloved tunes. Mami even found some CD's of these songs and the family was lulled into a cocoon of happiness as the much-loved, ancient tunes wafted in the background. I could see the grandparents smiling softly as nostalgia filled their hearts.

As the afternoon drifted on, I saw that a pile of interesting games had been placed on the floral tablecloth. I LOVE games. I wasn't disappointed as Ligretto, a german card game became the focus of attention. It was so easy to pick up and ideal, as it didn't require language in order for it to be played. Its fast furious and packed with fun. A tournament was announced. A battle of New Zealand versus France was fought. The tournament raged for a good hour or so. Tension mounted as Joel and one of the boys were neck and neck. The final blow was dealt, I am not really sure who won as there seemed to be a conflict of opinion. Definitely there was handshaking, good-natured jesting and everyone was suitably satisfied with a well-played duel between the countries.

Here's a picture of the cover of the box. If you see it around. Buy it. You won't regret it. On returning home, I promptly bought a Ligretto box. I know it will be a hit back home.

Tea and coffees, soup and a saxophone recital took us well into the evening. It was with deep gratitude and love in my heart that I bid a fond farewell to this loving family. They embraced us kiwis with warmth, humour and generosity. I am so glad that I took photos as I never want to forget that precious day.

Markets, cathedral and café- mélange.

Check out the incredibly beautiful architecture that typifies this northern area of France.
Note the gorgeous cobblestones, the grey sky and Jess and Joel, centre stage.

Saturday morning markets. Oh, what joy. The market was absolutely HUGE. We had so much ground to cover .... and so little time!

The arches, and red-framed windows tickled my aesthetics.

The regal city cathedral, overlooked the busy market place with ancient dignity.

The seats and tables laid out; the artistic arches, the french lettering, the market table in the foreground: this picture is a european "gem".

The disgustingly, squidgy dead sting ray made my stomach heave.

On the other hand, the scallops looked fresh and inviting.

I swear this over sized eel just winked at me.

We ducked into a building for a quick pee wee stop, but I was confronted with these roof-skimming giants. Apparently they are typical of this northern region of France. Oh là là!

Talking about "roofs", check out this simply divine roof line. Some pretty cool modern art in the background as well. Nice!

By the time I had done my business, Joel had already purchased tickets for us all to go up the balfry. The spiral staircase was kinda one person at a time. The tourists that made their way past us declared that it was extremely windy up there. My heart started beating a million times faster than a rabbit on heat. Visions of a lofty climb and being exposed to vertiginous heights made me feel a wee bit nervous. I have yet to conquer my fear of heights. (Crazy and unreasonable, I know!)

 The stage was set. The wind whistled and howled; the icy air in the bell tower bit at my cheeks; the ancient bell reminded me of the atmosphere depicted in the classic, "Hunchback of Notre Dame" movie; the stairwell spiralling upwards towards an unknown height. I giggled with nervous excitement. 

The wind was wild at the top. I must admit, I love a good gale; I wasn't disappointed. My legs were shaking and I didn't trust myself to lean over the sturdy concrete balcony. I confess. I asked Jess to lean over and take this fabulous snap of the market below. Thanks, Jess. This picture is an absolute gem. It shows the european architecture and will forever remind me of the little adrenalin kick I received from this brief little excursion to the top of the Cathedral.

Oh my! Hang on to your wig!!!!!

I gripped onto the railing, just in case the wind decided to pick me up and toss me over the side.

Oh là là. We were THAT close to the clock tower. Thank goodness we weren't around when it struck the hour. It would have deafened me.

Hussling on the cobbled streets, we were on a mission to get to a vintage shop before it closed at midday. Yay! We made it. Mes amis formidables!!! They knew exactly how to bring joy to my heart. This fabulous vintage shop really was a treat. Check out the awesome houndstooth dress in the window.

I'm loving the fabulous little display of handbags and fur. No bargain buys here. Full quality vintage. Was tempted to spend, but overcame the urge.

We turned our attention back to the markets again. This time our eyes were on food. Oooh, look at these freshly made bowls of sauces!

And here we paused for quite a long time. These pâtes de fruits were sooooooo enticing. Freshly made with all sorts of delectable flavours. The lovely stall holder saw us eyeing up his wares. He cut us a slither and we oohed and arhed over the sweet, tangy flavour.

The gorgeous stall owner was so kind. He sliced off a slither of very expensive nougat for us to sample. I must say, nougat is simply the best sweet treat that you can imagine. It melts in your mouth with a creamy consistency. The nuts give it a sublime crunchy consistency. I wonder if I will ever taste anything like it back home?? 

As Jess was making the purchases, Joel whipped around behind the table to hang on to the little tent. The wind threatened to send it tumbling into the next door neighbour's stall. 

The gentleman sliced the pâtes de fruits and rolled it in sugar. Géniale!

Meanwhile the little pooch at the neighbouring stall took it all in his stride. "Just another day at the office." Too cute!

Leaving the markets behind, we were spoilt for choice regarding which cute coffee shop to invade. We salivated over these macaroons. We wildly invested in one each. I must say they were exquisite-melt-in-your-mouth-extraordinarily-delicious!!!!! We had a hard time settling on which flavour, but were very happy with our choices.

The red roses hanging from the chandelier were awesome.

I'm loving this photo. Its mirror magic.