- Susan
- First Reviewer
- 4 out of 5
- Avg. Member Rating
- 4
- Reviews
Editor Pick
Mardi Gras - Canceled?!
- March 1, 2001
- Rated 4 of 5 by
A. Stevenson from Nice, Alpes-Maritimes, France
After missing the final weekend's celebrations due to freezing temperatures and a magnitude 4.8 earthquake, Mardi Gras was canceled due to high winds, rain and continuing near-freezing temperatures.
Disappointed? Yes. Did we stay at home? Heck no! My partner and I had originally been invited to watch a Scotch-Irish pipes and drums group play in the Carnaval, but since it was canceled, they took us along with them to a Provençal restaurant for a night of Ulster Scots festivities. Also present was the BBC for a documentary - stressed out because they'd apparently counted on the Carnaval parade to make up a large part of their film, we had to stage some "natural" fun to make up for it. After they stopped filming, the real fun began :)
The band played some highland music, and two of the best bagpiper soloists in the world (finalists in the World Championships for adults and juniors) played traditional songs. There were also two world championship snare drummers present who amazed us with their near-impeccable sense of rhythm (nearly, after all, they'd had a bit to drink and it was just after dinner! That being said, their "near" sense of rhythm was nonetheless superior to that of many professional musicians!).
All in all, it was a night we'll never forget, perhaps not traditionally French but definitely in the spirit of Mardi Gras. I don't know what recommendation to put, since technically there's nothing to recommend - well, let's say "highly recommended" for those who refuse to let a cancellation dampen their spirits!
From journal Nice Carnaval 2001: Millennium King
Promenade des Anglais
- October 27, 2000
- Rated 3 of 5 by
Bobbi from McLean, Virginia
The Boulevard des Anglais is the main drag that runs along the water in Nice. It is the logical equivalent of the boardwalk at many seaside resorts, and is used to promenade. You will find many people strolling along at all hours of the night and day, and many of the city's activities are centered here as well.
On our promenade, in addition to the usual sights (you know, beachy kind of stuff), we came across a parking lot full of souped-up road cars that were on display in preparation for the 'Ville de Nice' road race. We weren't able to stay and enjoy the race, but I was horrified when we figured out what some of the stuff written on the cars was for. Each of the front doors, driver's and passenger's side, had a name on it (presumably the name of the driver and the navigator); the horrifying part was that their blood types were also painted on the door, beneath their names! Hopefully, an unnecessary precaution...
Anyway, if you are in Nice, you must got for a stroll down the Promenade des Anglais--it is, after all, the thing to do!
From journal Nice in a nutshell
Promenade des Anglais
- July 30, 2000
- Rated 3 of 5 by
Susan from Sherwood, Arkansas
Take this walk at night when everything has cooled off and you have a wonderful scene of lights to enjoy. Most of the promenade is covered with a trellis and soft lighting, and chairs line the promenade overlooking the blackness of the ocean. It's a great spot for romance!
From journal The Allure of Stone Beaches
Cote d'Azur
- July 30, 2000
- Rated 4 of 5 by
Susan from Sherwood, Arkansas
This isn't your typical American party beach. People come here to worship the sun, splash in the waters, or share a picnic on the smooth pebbles that make up the beach. You won't have to worry about sand sticking to you, but beware of uncomfortable rocks poking you while you lay down. Buying a foldable straw mat will greatly improve your visit there. The water is deep blue, and sailboats are seen lazily swaying in the distance.
From journal The Allure of Stone Beaches