17. Sep, 2022

17. Sep, 2022

17. Sep, 2022

17. Sep, 2022

17. Sep, 2022

SATURDAY 17-09-22

Whilst sat outside in the evenings we've been pestered by biting flies or something. The only comfort we got was that they were also biting the French couple across from us. Yesterday evening we decided to fight back. I deployed our essential oil burner in to which I added some water and peppermint essence and then lit the tea tree candle. I have to say it seemed to work, either that or they'd decided they'd had their fun for the evening and flown home.

Today we intended to visit Nice and so tried to make a bit of an effort to get up and ready in reasonable time. This is the second time we have been allocated a pitch on this side of the road. The first two visits we were lucky enough to be across the road at the main campsite, small though it is. The only downside to being on this side of the road is the little bathroom and laundry block. It really does need a refurbishment. Rather than use it we cross the road and use the facilities on the other side. The last time we were here I would walk across the road in my dressing gown carrying my towel and toilet bag under my arm. I must have looked quite a picture to the commuters as they gave way to me on the zebra crossing. This time I'm being less daring and slipping on an unbuttoned long sleeve shirt and swimming shorts.

The journey in to Nice begins with a bus ride to the airport where we transfer to their tram system which was extended out to the airport a few years ago. The whole journey was covered by the one euro fifty bus ticket. I call that good value for money.

So a bit about Nice:

The natural environment of the Nice area and its mild Mediterranean climate came to the attention of the English upper classes in the second half of the 18th century, when an increasing number of aristocratic families took to spending their winters there. In 1931 following its refurbishment the city's main seaside promenade, the Promenade des Anglais ("Walkway of the English") was inaugurated by Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught, and owes its name to visitors to the resort. These included Queen Victoria along with her son Edward VII who spent winters there, and Nice born Henry Cavendish, who discovered hydrogen.

Proclaimed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2021 as "Nice, Winter Resort Town of the Riviera",the city has the second largest hotel capacity in the country, and it is one of its most visited cities, receiving 4 million tourists every year. It also has the third busiest airport in France, after the two main Parisian ones. It is the historical capital city of the County of Nice.

 In 1900, the Tramway de Nice electrified its horse-drawn streetcars and spread its network to the entire département from Menton to Cagnes-sur-Mer. By the 1930s more bus connections were added in the area.

 In the second half of the 20th century, Nice enjoyed an economic boom primarily driven by tourism and construction. These included the convention centre, theatres, new thoroughfares and expressways.

 Before Nice was urbanised, the coastline at Nice was just bordered by a deserted stretch of shingle beach (covered with large pebbles). The first houses were located on higher ground well away from the sea, as wealthy tourists visiting Nice in the 18th century did not come for the beach, but for the gentle winter weather. The areas close to the water were home to Nice's dockworkers and fishermen.

 Old Nice is also home to the Opéra de Nice. It was constructed at the end of the 19th century under the design of François Aune, to replace King Charles Félix's Maccarani Theatre. Today, it is open to the public and provides a regular program of performances.

 Nice as always was very pleasant, and really quite warm, though thankfully not as hot as yesterday. We were making our way slowly to Nice Port where we would walk around to the other side and have our lunch. Today was The Chef's treat as part of my present for my birthday at the end of July. The establishment we were heading for was unfortunately full, so we settled for another establishment a few doors away, and not far away from where the wedding reception was taking place.

Having enjoyed our meal, which we couldn't possibly make last as long as we'd waited for it, we wandered back in to town and along the promenade. It was nice to see that the town had erected a tribute to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II comprising of six Union Jacks and a large picture of her between them.

Our journey back took a little longer as yet again we had a job locating the tram line at the edge of town. If we'd stayed in the centre it would have been easier.

So it's been a lovely little day out. The temperature was about 26°C which was a few degrees cooler than yesterday, and those few degrees made all the difference in the world.

I'll put more in to tomorrow's entry, but for now time is getting on and The Chef has promised me some noodles with Chinese sauce as a light evening meal having had our main meal at lunchtime.