Sunday, June 24, 2012

Day Five PM- Eze, France

Leaving Italy, we returned to France and this most beautiful place on earth, Eze! It is a little village settled on top of a mountain (around 2500ft). The ancient village is now mostly a tourist stop with little shops and sights.
 View from a ways off.
 Some of the fabulous greenery added to the architecture.
 Near the entry of the village. Not even sure what the words above the door mean. 

 Judah, just looking cool. behind him you see how the all the walkways are that join the village.
 Dave in front of a store that sells only white items. 
 Huge, magical tree. My lens didn't allow me to capture the full size of it but it was quite captivating!
 Inside the little chapel. Very impressive decor for such a remote area. 
 The outside of the above chapel. Quaint little place. 
 View inland from Eze.
 View from the Cemetary. High bridge in a narrow valley. 
 The town had a fabulous hotel that I am sure has amazing views!!! Here it is from a distance. 
 Dave and I in one of the little open areas. 
 Just a fun walkway. 
 Always, lots and lots and lots of stairs to climb!!!!!
 Not so bad when you get to come down AND get views like we did! My favorite setting of the trip I think!
Back at the well. 
 We drove back to Nice, France for dinner at a wonderfully delicious Thai restaurant that overlooked the Med. and then took a stroll through the darling town center. In the center it opens into a large area with beautiful buildings, shops and these interesting sculptures that light up at night. During the day they are white (almost translucent in appearance). At night they change gradually from color to color and appear to be floating. It was a nice evening and we enjoyed the stroll back to the hotel. 

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Day Five- Monte Carlo, Monaco

We had stayed in Nice, France, so on waking, we met up with Judah and Keslie and headed East along the coast towards Monaco. We found a cute little bakery that provided the typical French pastries for breakfast (except for Judah who ate his Flan). The drive was stunning along with arriving in Monaco. The small city was alive with preparations for the upcoming Grand Prix. 

 One of the most prestigious Hotels in the World. It had plenty of nice cars parked in front with lots of security too! 
 Dave was in heaven! He had to touch and take in EVERYTHING!
 In front of the casino. Unfortunately, we were there in the AM and the casino didn't open until later in the day. Not that we would have gambled :), but it would have been cool to check out. 
 At a spot overlooking the city and the Med. 
 Plenty of amazing views to take in!
 The weather was perfect, high 60's. Nice sunny day. Low winds. We were on the Med!!!! Without kids. Life is good! (we did miss our kids:)
 The boys....
 Lots of fun and interesting vegetation living and growing there. 
 One of the views looking from the bottom up. So cool how they can build pretty much anywhere. 
 Can you see Dave?
 The boys again....
This was a picture for mom :)!!! 
 Again, LOVED the architecture and beauty EVERYWHERE I looked!
Dave saw the Ferrari sign from down the street and had to see what it was. It turned out to be a Dealership but he was just excited to see more fast cars!

 This was above a church in an alcove area in the lower part of Monte Carlo. Again, not sure how it was built just out of the side of a mountain!
 The residences here blend into the streets. You'll be walking along and see these little entry ways into homes. I want to go beyond the gate and see the houses :). 
 Monte Carlo, Monaco
 Me and Monte Carlo, Monaco :)
 Dave and I overlooking the Med.
 Seeing a little of the Harbor, looking up the hill west.
 Dave made Judah stop the car, park and walk us back for this picture. Guess it was important enough :)
 At the Italy / France border
 We left Judah and Keslie in France.... 
 Quite a different site once we got into Italy. The housing looked like it was falling off the side of the hills and in such disrepair. 
 Another example of the contrast between the two countries in this area. 
Loved this little site we saw on our journey into Italy. He must of had more on top of his car then in it! Once in Italy, we stopped at a little park, detoured to a post office where we sat and waited for some time only to be told we had taken the wrong number (we were trying to mail a few post cards for the kids). We left without success. Went to a little Italian restaurant and got some lunch, which didn't impress us much either. Sorry Italy.... we'll be back someday and hopefully get a better impression!

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Day Four- Cannes, France

After waking in Aix en Provence, we loaded in the car, and headed East towards Cannes. We drove along the water, looking for the Information Center, found a parking spot, and the walked back to the water. 

Boys where we parked- the parking lot actually allotted room for regular size cars!
Of course, carousels!
Cardboard Models along the sidewalks- here, Dave as none other than Jack Sparrow :)
Love the palms!
In front of the Film Festival building was a 'Handprint Walk of Fame' Here is Dave with Sylvestor Stallone.
The Film Festival Building.
Dave and one of the smaller yachts.
Kes and Judah in Cannes
Dave and Judah were oogling over this little beauty as it drove past us. Later as were were walking we came upon it, parked, right in the middle of the road!!!! 
This poor 'falconeer', lost his falcon in the palm tree. He flew up in the tree and refused to come down! 
Another of Dave's 'ladies'.
Judah and Keslie on the main shopping street in Cannes.
Dave and I on same said street!
Overlooking Med.
Cannes, France
The four of us, at the highest point in Cannes, France. We took a hike, that was supposed to give us a 360degree view of Cannes, but there was too much foliage.... good thing or bad thing? Can't forget the ABBA that was playing the whole time :). Good times!!!! 
This is apparently the second most beautiful cemetery in France. It was really pretty, set in the side of a hill. 







This is as much as we played in the water. The boys were not brave enough to skinny dip! WIMPS!
The tents in the back are for the Film Festival. 
Back to our hike and that 360 view.

Love the views from above and the colors and land changes! We drove to Nice, France for the night. Checked into the hotel....