So Steff and I have been here almost two months (omg) and I feel our Italian is improving a bit. It became clear that Steff's was much better though when our French housemates invited us to Nice and Monaco for the weekend and I had no clue what was going on. Once Steff had translated everything for me (cheap coach ride to Nice; stay with Sophie's aunt; get €5 train to Monaco; eat a crêpe)I nearly wee'd with excitement. 5 days later, we were off!
Gals ready for the 4 hour journey!
(There may or may not be two three pieces of focaccia in the red bag.)
The journey was pretty cool actually - we had wifi and reclinable seats; and can't really complain about 4 hours to get to the bloody south of France!
When we got there, we headed straight to the high street and saw the lovely architecture, shops etc. Although I was more amused by this:
Almost wanted to do something naughty just to see what would happen!
Wallace & Gromit - french style
THE GOGGLES! too much
That evening, we headed a little out of Nice to Sophie's aunt's flat for some supper and sleep before the next day's adventures. Supps was delicious and obv included baguette and camembert. Parfait!
The next day, we were up bright and early to catch the train to Monacoooooo. I had never been before and found out at the station that it's actually a country. Smooth. When we got there Steff and I were amazed - the place was dripping in money! We were greeted with the bluest sky which was a huge blanket over the most exquisite yachts and boats.
After taking more than enough snaps of the same effing huge boats, we wandered up into the old town.
Once we got to the top, we had a little rest (there were loads of steps. Upwards ones) and took some photos!
This was my only instagram - the skies were actually that blue!
After more climbing/wandering, we made it to the centre of the old town. The buildings were very French and chic and we saw the Prince of Monaco's palace!
Not Buckingham Palace - but pretty cool!
Changing of the guard - right up my street!
Cheeky.
We got some French baguettes and sat on a bench looking at the view. To be honest, I still can't believe that I am two months into my year abroad and it's already been this cool. I kept screaming in my head 'MONACOOO'. It was pretty surreal!
I think there's an F1 track in there somewhere...
All the buildings were like this - they almost looked fake they were so pristine and colourful. They were real though. Promise.
As we headed back down, we walked past a building dedicated to F1. I'm not exactly a huge fan, but I know my Daddy is so I felt obliged to take photos of the trophies!
I have no idea who won them though..
After just a couple hours in Monaco we decided to head back to Nice. I could have spent all day there, but realistically I could afford approx. nothing.
We did a bit of shopping in Nice and continued to amble around and saw this fountain, so decided to make a wish.
There were no coins in it at all - but a coin in the fountain = a wish somewhere, so we did it anyway.
After the wishes were made, we went for...crêpes!
(That wasn't my wish - fountains aren't that quick.)
We crept in, had a crêpe and crept out. I had masses of nutella..it was beyond delish.
Steff was a cheeky monkey and had nutella and bananas.
(See what I did there? Monkeys..bananas..cheeky..lololololol)
After more shopping and wandering it was time for supper...woohooo more food! There were loads of restaurants right by the beach which was cool, although tainted slightly by the amount of tourists and English-speaking. It's just not the same when all the menus are called 'tourist menu' and the waiters grab you from the street, persuading you in English to pick their moules over the others.
We eventually decided and ended up in a not too expensive/not too cheap one. The waiter spoke French, and that was enough for me!
Steff and I shared a starter (like I said, not that cheap!)and then we both tucked into some Moules Frites.
This photo looks beaut right?
Unfortunately, the photo looks far better than it tasted. The white wine sauce was no where to be seen, and the moules were one level of chewiness away from being a gummy-bear. Could have been worse though - the wine was good and we got ketchup with the chips. Classic Brit abroad.
The next day was cut in half as we had to get the coach back again. We went for a yummy French brekkie in town and then walked the promenade by the sea. It was SO French and chic...perfect for photos!
Babes by the beach
Le Negresco Hotel.
Chic
Not so chic
sneaky waterfall in the middle..
I just scrolled up and it took me 5 years - pretty long blog post this time, so I'll summarise.
1. I'm a lucky gal
2. I now know Monaco is a country
3. I don't like tourists. Or chewy moules.
4. The sky was really blue.
5. I still bloody love crêpes.
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