Atlantic Nice

... the local bar and settled in for a few drinks and complimentary tapas.<br><br>Wed 11 Nov<br>Riva Ligura even better in the sunlight had a pretty little piazza and church which had a beautiful painted interior - much unexpected by us. The novalty factor was it had automatic sliding doors!

After brekkie it was onto Menton which is a lovely little town just before the Italian border. Menton is a much more down to earth place than its neighbours and more our scene. We found a park right on the beach and went for a wander and took in sum much needed sun. Next stop Italia!!<br>

... and not campervan parking friendly. We found a picture perfect stop just after Monte Carlo at the top of a hill overlooking the Med. We had the place to ourselves so we russelled up some brekkie in the sun which was lovely, so much so we were in t-shirts!!!

... wine bottle and then we thought they were off on the trail, but no they got in the car and drove on! <br> At the end of the gorge we joined the road towards Cannes, which was route Napoleon, orginially created by him as a pass through the mountains...very windy. Our destination for the evening was Grasse where we found a good park overlooking the city lights and our first view of the Med.

... I met at my hostel. We checked into our hostel about 8 and I fell asleep about 9 because I was so exhausted. Today me and my friend I met in Barcelona went and saw the town near Nice called Monaco. Its where the Monaco Grand Prix is every year. Monaco could make a millionaire feel poor. The yachts are the size of mansions and all have about crews of about a hundred guys working on them at all times. We also went and checked out the famous Monte Carlo Casino but we were only allowed to see the ...

... br><br>Today's Royal itinerary takes us on a tour of Monaco, including old Monaco and the Royal Palace. It's uncertain whether the schedules of Prince Albert or Princess Caroline will allow for a meeting with Princess Lesia but our respective public relations staff are working on it!<br><br>The tour of Monaco-Ville, also known as Old Monaco included a walk through the narrow streets that once ...

... br>Qnd that we did albeit an hour late! This too had a flow on effect as our transfer that was supposed to take us to the cqmper van place was now long gone.<br><br>Luckily we managed to call the camper van place and mutter broken french to establish that they were still open and would wait for us to get a taxi there where we could collect the fun bus.<br><br>So that we do... 4 people with 4 suitcases and 4 bqckpacks pile into this little renault taxi...3 ...

... dressed up like Joel Grey from Cabaret and endless Grand Empresses floating about ) After our meal we followed the sound of drums and pipe music to where a chap had placed a ladder up against a house to reach the first floor window and was being given a gift from the occupant. Quite what - we're not sure but the carnival crowd moved on from house to house - and I will find out later what it was all about but St Remy is in full spring awakening festivities that lasted well into the night.

... so we missed the 30 second window we had to make it off and were forced to get off at the next stop and turn around. We were waiting ready at the door when we made it to our correct stop. I went to step off the train and the door closed on my chest! Nina was there to push it open (my savior), but it wasn't too pleasant and pretty embarassing, especially considering about 20 people on the platform were watching this unfold. Finally, after a bit of a ...

... we forget to live. Turn off the TV, park the mini van, get off our black berries, and just enjoy each others company for a while. We got a break in the clouds the next day and got a bit of beach time. Kim and I appreciated the French lack of respect for tops, and we all enjoyed a picnic and a few beers on the beach. The waves were pretty fierce and those of us brave/dumb enough to take to the water were beat up a bit for our efforts. That night we all went out to ...