Hotel Darse Villefranche-sur-Mer

... 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>

Up early as it was a spectacular sunrise - full of pinks and organges. We wanted to hit McWifi before we entered Italy but we did not find one until later in the day in Menton. Before that we drove the coast road through Nice and Monte Carlo, both concrete ...

... seen and spoken to, to date. <br> Set off mid morning to drive through Gorges du Verdon, again another stunning drive. This time though the weather was kind to us and we were able to get out for a hike after lunch. It seemed like a popular drive as we encountered several other tourists, one couple were eating lunch at the same spot we were. They packed up their picnic, took a swig out of ...

... of millionaires and billionaires. <br><br>The tour of the Royal Palace, where Prince Albert currently resides, offered an interesting and historical view of the life of the Grimaldi family. Later, we enjoyed some leisure time walking around the Palace Square, through the lanes and streets of Monaco-Ville. At 3pm sharp, we watched the Changing of the Guard in front of the Royal Palace. <br><br>Back at the ...

... the ocean, can not be described. <br><br>Left beach and went to Marina. Saw posters that i loved so bot a couple. Local artist who paints the marina. Went in to pay for them and she asked me if she could pls sign them for me-WOW-she was the artist!!!!!! We met her dcaughter who she wants to come to Amer on an exchqnge, qnd her friend. They were lovely and gave us their email addresses. We were ...

... gorgeous both inside and out. With pictures of celebrities and royalty garnishing the ornate walls, we beelined for the "Leading Hotels of the World" bed in our room. Ahhhhh. Finally, back in the civilized world. :) After a quick nap, we went down for a $25 gin and tonic (seriously). It was the best I've ever had. It had to be, right? Our "package" included a 4-course French dinner that was divine. Bonnie ate scallops for the first time (I'm so proud ...

My brain hurts. I would say that in French, but I don't know how to yet. The first day of school was mainly administrative stuff, so there wasn't a lot to report. I talked to a few people, but like the true introvert that I am, didn't want to invest too much time until I found out who was in my class. Why "waste" time getting to know someone you'll not see again for the next month and who is light years ahead of you in French? It'd just be frustrating. So, this ...

I loved flying out to Europe at night instead of the morning. We slept on the plane, and when we woke up, it was afternoon there. So breakfast became lunch, and lunch became dinner, and we were ready for bed by the time we got settled in around 10pm or so. The flight over was fine as far as scheduling, but was really bumpy. I actually got scared. I remembered the flight from Ak to AZ in the winter though, and that one was so bad that I thought we were going to die, so I ...

Last week was a kick ass week! I finally got to treat a lot of people. It gets very boring and frustrating when no one comes in you know you can help. But thankfully things have been picking up since last week. I got to treat a number of odd, weird, and tough cases last week. Thankfully my school experience helped prep me for it, so it wasn't that bad at all. Plus I got to meet up with another acupuncturist from another ship. It helps to be able to finally to talk ...