The Azure Coast: Nice

Saturday morning we drove into Nice, our last day with Manuel at the wheel, stopping first at the amazing Russian Orthodox Cathedral built for Nicolas, the son of the Czar, who died here. Southern France was a common destination for Russian émigrés fleeing turmoil at home, so this splendid monument to a beloved son by a grieving mother serves a devout community as well as attracting tourists.
We were awed by the baroque decor and the icons that filled the small space.

After leaving our bags at the hotel, we wandered down the pedestrian shopping street until we found a café for lunch. We used the heat of the day for shopping and Round 2 of hair salon magic. This time Sarah and Kira and Scott went under the knife, all emerging to general admiration and approbation.

Finally, we stood on the famed Azure Coast. The long awaited swim held all the satisfaction of a cool dip on a hot day, with the unexpected difficulty of negotiating the rocky beach. You’ll have to look for beach photos elsewhere as the Nikon did not risk leaving the hotel room. Suffice it to say that it was a splendid swim: free beach with a lifeguard, remarkably salty water great for buoyancy, and a torrid sun. We applied +50 liberally.

After dinner, we took a walk to check out the summer solstice music festival. We enjoyed ice cream, watching break dancing, some reggae, drumming, and a free rock concert.

Our walk home along the Promenade des Anglais was balmy and sweet. Our last day together will be a special one, with Nice providing a lovely metaphor by hosting the French Ironman competition here tomorrow. Our 2 weeks has certainly had elements of endurance, of diverse challenges, and of deep satisfaction.