Nice, Cannes, Eze, and Monaco - A School Trip Extravaganza

For the second of my school-sponsored trips at Lorenzo de Medici, my roommates and I took off along with a hundred other students to swarm the streets of Southern France. My first impressions of France came from my trip over a month ago to Paris. "Time flies while having fun", couldn't have a more appropriate setting while I venture across Europe, but I instead choose to follow the advice of Groucho Marx: "time flies like an arrow, but fruit flies like a banana". It was with this lighthearted side I travelled to Nice, where I found myself enchanted by the shores. To see a European beach was not just a geographical experience of the world, but also an anatomical experience, as I gawked at the nude swimmers amongst such crisp cold waters.

After inhaling a large French-style crepe, which was doused in mayonnaise and complete with two full onions (talk about stinky breath), I was rushed back on the bus to get to Cannes. Our quick tour of Cannes consisted of a brief walk-through of the city, hitting the main highlights of the Cannes Film Festival Theater, and the Ritz-Carlton. Our tour guide informed us that the top room within the famous hotel went for $35,000 a night, equipped with commodities only appreciated by A-listers. 

I spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the beach and boardwalks beside them. The beach was a stunning sight as the sun set around 6 o'clock, as I sat and watched the various spectacles going on. There were interpretive dancers and aspiring musical artists, but what caught my attention the most was the rollerblading scene. I hadn't roller bladed in years, and thought the sporting activity was of a dying breed. However, in Southern France, a strong revitalization was taking place right in front on me. There were speed cones, grinding rails, and high jumps; it was a rollerblader’s paradise. People young and old, with various forms of rollerblades came out to showcase their skills and have some fun. I sat in wonder for hours watching the show until it got dark, dining on a plate of French eggplant and rotisserie chicken, and then made my way back to the hotel for the night. 

The next morning we continued our adventure to Eze, where we made a brief stop to look how and where movie stars live in the mountains overlooking the sea. Our group had made plans to visit one of the top perfume factories in the world, Fragonard. Now I must admit to you all that I am no perfume connoisseur, I know, a great surprise. However, I did find the methods of the factory peculiar because of their strict worker qualifications. Only 1000 "true noses" existed in the world, and many were hired at this academy of sorts known as Fragonard. True noses must abstain from smoking, drinking, and eating spicy foods, a strong commitment for their life while employed at Fragonard. No spicy meatball for these workers indeed. 

Eze was a brief stop on our way to the most highly anticipated destination of the trip, Monaco. Monaco, at point the richest country in the world, was not letting me leave without proving that fact. I can't say that I've ever been to a place before that simply astonished me solely from wealth, but Monaco's perfectly trimmed hedges and brilliant architecture was truly overwhelming. Trigger-happy with my camera, I sauntered the gardens and viewed the castle where Prince Albert II, the constitutional monarch (King), resided. I got a chance to ride along the Monaco Grand-Prix circuit, which exist entirely on city streets, and also a shot at the Monte-Carlo Casino. Being the first casino I'd ever been to, I'd say I did my first trip right. The Monte-Carlo Casino boasts that only models of Ferrari, Maserati, and Porsche are allowed to park outside the casino. I went inside with 20 Euros, and frustratingly watched it disappear round after round of blackjack and slots. Although I lost $28 in reality, I can say it was a $28 I won't say I regret it. I just blew a Jackson, but I did it at the most famous casino in the world... bucket list anyone? *Check*. 

Once back on the bus home, I was already missing the splendor of Southern France. Before I had thought of France just as over-cast Paris, and now I had come to appreciate the country in a new light. Before going, I had known next to nothing about Southern France and had no ambitions of going there; now I can't wait for my return. 

Enjoy the photos!

Beach at Nice with my roommates

The view from Monaco Castle

Tar Heel born and bred

Fragonare perfume factory

Eze restaurant

Monaco Bay

Ferrari front parking at the Monte-Carlo casino

Ventures In Venice - The Celebration of Carnivale

To say Venice knocked me off my feet would be a severe understatement to how much I enjoyed my time in a city upon water. I spent the weekend exploring the old city that may one day be completely overwhelmed by the water surrounding it. I took off for the weekend with my new roommate from Laguna Beach, California. We went to Venice with only the hotel we picked out in our itinerary, and the knowledge that Venice's most famous holiday, Carnivale, was kicking off that weekend.
Lucky for us, the Hotel Firenze was placed in the middle of the city's biggest cultural center, Piazza San Marco. Once on the water ferry that took us from the bus station to San Marco, I began to realize from the morning sun what an incredible city Venice was. The canals gave the city an unreal appearance, along with the pristine pastel-colored buildings lining them. After we regrouped at the hotel, we went about discovering the city, touring the Doge's Palace and sampling Venetian white wine while watching the unique water taxi's. Around nighttime, the masquerades of Carnivale began. However, we sat down on a bridge to enjoy a Black Ink Squid pasta dish from Alfredo's, a cheap restaurant with prices from around 7 Euros for a fantastic Venetian seafood meal. Carnivale consisted of hundreds of young and old people; some of the costumes were highly elaborate, while others (like us) just entailed a simple mask. Anonymity was in the air as people danced and talked in all the main centers of the city, my favorite of these being the Per Rialto Bridge. Small lights adorned the largest bridge in Venice, it almost reminded me of a small Ponte Vecchio as people drank and sung traditional Italian songs. The only incident that put a damper on the night was my roommate, who decided to take an accidental swim in the canal beneath the bridge; the seaweed lining the steps of the river was slippery enough to make anyone fall in! I ended my night upon the rooftop terrace of my hotel, with a night-view of the city that I think few have ever seen. Venice had become my new number one travel destination without a doubt!
The next day's adventure extended to a small set of islands near Venice, which we had heard were picturesque little towns that attracted tourists for their quaint settings. After hopping on a cheap water ferry, we landed in Burano, known for its renowned blown glass objects. I bought a few pendants for my family and watched local Venetians pour off the boat, filling the suburbs with the Carnivale-party atmosphere that had began the night before. The city was surely not under-advertised, the different colored shops and businesses was truly a unique sight for any tourist; a total "mother approved" spot.
Once back in Venice, we hopped around local bars, meeting Italians from all over the country with different traditions of celebrating the national Carnviale movement that sprung out of Venice's popularity. Some of our new friends even gave us a tour to the abandoned house where the James Bond "Casino Royale" final scene was shot!
At the culmination of my trip, taking the water ferry back throughout the city to the train station, I came to the realization how different Venice was from Florence and Tuscany. The wine was different, along with the pizza, pasta, people, and environment. I had found that I was actually learning something unteachable in any lecture, the "feeling" of experiencing the different vibes to a new city or region. It was this piece of personal knowledge I cherished most upon reflection of my time in such a fantastic city.

Pictures Galore! 

Water Taxi/ Gondola

San Marco Port

San Marco Square, Dodge's Palace

My roommate pre-bridge accident

View from Per Rialto Bridge

Canals at night (by Alfredo's)

The Town of Burano!

In a Villa in Venice sipping Vino

Venice was the most beautiful in the morning!

Per Rialto bridge at night

View of San Marco Square from our hotel