Next time in Nice

Written by:  Amy in consultation with Colleen in their flat in Nice, France

July 24th

When you come to Nice next, might we recommend bringing:

• Your own floaty

They are very nice to have in the wonderful water on the beaches of Nice.  Bring one from home so you don't have to purchase one here.

• Sunscreen

They have sunscreen here, but if you don't speak French, it's anyone's guess what SPF you purchased.  It would also be good to know if the sunscreen is waterproof.  You'll be in and out of the ocean, so make sure you're covered.  It's sunny here, so be prepared!

• Really good sunglasses

Sunglasses are great for protecting your eyes from the sun.  They also help when your eyes are drawn to the myriad of mostly naked bodies--at least no one can definitively prove you've been looking if you're wearing your shades.  The first time you spy a topless sunbather, you will thank me.

• A handheld fan

Ours has gotten quite the workout this week. It's hot and muggy and moving that air around feels blissful.  Colleen and I love the heat and we like the fan.  Also comes in handy when your facial expression shows that you've been looking at the bodies around you.

• Good water shoes

There's rocks where we are used to having sand.  Water shoes help you get in and out of the water without looking like a stumbling drunk.

• A bikini

I don't care what you feel your body type is--bring a bikini.  Everybody here wears one, the skimpier the better.  If you're still thinking that you gotta do some more whatever (diet, botox, surgery) before you wear a bikini.  You're wrong.  Wear that bikini and be proud.  I can hear your internal dialogue!  LISTEN TO ME LINDA.  Wear the bikini.  Seriously.  And, take off your top to sunbathe.  

• Comfortable flip flops

The beaches are stone and those stones can get hot.  Plus, if you go with me then you will be walking around a lot.  So, comfortable flip flops are a must.

• Google Translate

While we have been mostly okay saying "Bonjour, Hello" to indicate our lack of French, the train kiosks are mostly in French and there's no one in the terminal to help.  So, get your Google Translate on.  Better yet, download it to your phone cause you might now have wifi or service whilst here.

• A good map

Whether it be Google Maps or an actual map (or both!) Nice is a strangely laid out city.  Getting around to the grocery store and other necessities and sites requires a map. 

• Willingness to relax

The pace is much slower here.  So, take a breath and decide that sitting by the beach is something you can do.  Let some of the worry away.  Let the sound of the rocks and the waves lull you into a semi meditative state.  This is foreign to me, so I had to bring a book.  But, I eventually found it.

• Us

We loved it here.  The French Riviera was really...well...nice!

Nice and Monaco July 20 - 25, 2019