I just have so many things I want to write about, that I don't know where to begin.

First of all, the internet in Italy is incredibly unreliable and I curse the Italian internet providers on a daily basis. And if you know me, you know I am slightly too addicted to my computer. So you understand that it has been....

SO.
INCREDIBLY.
FRUSTRATING.

That being said, I had this whole post including pictures of my trip last weekend to the French Riviera, but, of course, was unable to post due to lack of internet. Ugh.

Anyway.....a brief outline. Absolutely loved France. And they say everyone hates the French? I like the French. We had an incredible whirlwind of a trip, on a tour provided by my study abroad program. Hitting five cities in two days= no sleep, which resulted in me getting sick. (Another reason why I haven't updated in so long.) After meeting for a bus at 6:00 in the morning, followed by a five hour bus ride, we first saw Monaco. Its the second smallest country, second to Vatican City, but the most expensive place to live in the world.

The picture is of the palace of Monaco. Not as impressive as I would have expected for the amount of money that comes through this country. Next, we went to Nice, where we explored and stayed the night. The city reminded me a lot of southern California with its palm trees, boardwalk, and the long stretch of beach. I can just imagine how beautiful it is in the summer.

We were treated to a "French" style dinner, as provided by the program, which included a first course of penne pasta with eggplant and red sauce, followed by roasted pork with potatoes (french fries), and a dessert that seemed something like bread pudding (except they called it tiramisu?). Basically not the best meal in the world, but it was free. Anyways, I had to take advantage of my only night in France, so I went out with friends. Let's just say the French know how to have a good time when it comes to dancing. Went to sleep around 4:00AM, woke up to catch the bus at 7:30AM. Lovely.

Off to St. Paul de Vence, a tiny little hilltop town known for its eclectic artwork around the city.

 

Next, to Cannes. So, Cannes, being known for the Cannes Film Festival and all...not anything like I expected. It had a pretty beach, and the building where the film festival is held is pretty cool with the handprints of the stars, but that's about it. A lot like Hollywood, and Niagara Falls, my perception was crushed by the trashy city stuck within the beauty. So disappointing.

I ate a crepe to wash away the sorrow.

Our last stop was in Eze, another tiny little hilltop town known for its famous perfume factory "Fragonard's." We got a tour of the perfume factory, and I spent so much time in the gift shop (they suckered me in) that I only had time to run up the incredibly long pathway and sets of stairs, take a picture, and run back down to get on the bus. Said picture:

Back on the bus for another five hour bus ride, and we got home around 11:00PM on Sunday. Longest two days of my life, but filled with memories and experiences to last a lifetime. I will slowly be catching up with the infinite number of stories, tribulations, and laughs from the past week. More tomorrow. Buona sera!

French cat named Silvia. Meow.