French Riviera

And in the morning, we left the hostel after a heavy free breakfast. And had the first view of the gorgeous mediterranean sea. The sun-drenched beaches and azure blue sea form the fabled playground of the rich and famous, and many budget tourists too. We decided to explore the western part of Riviera today, Nice being in the middle. Did not even bother to go the beach of Nice. Because whatever dreams one has about Nice's beach, the hard reality is an endless stretch of pebbles and no waves at all. So we drove down the road hugging the coast onto Cannes. yes, of the film festival fame. Posed on the red carpet, on which walk the famous movie stars during the festival time. Then went on to the lovely sandy beach of Cannes. Well, was expecting to see nudity and toplessness and and all that - having heard a lot about it. But, still was not prepared for this. Everywhere on view - the beach was packed - people was sun-bathing in such a fashion as not to have tan lines. Thoughts flashed through my mind - about the cycle of life. When people become super cultured - the French invariably are - they become like pre-historic people shedding all inhibitions. Anyway, in 2 days got so used to it, that it seemed to bask au naturel felt normal. Anyway, will not dwell on this topic any further...
Jumped into the sea. Cool nice water was refreshing from the hot sun. And swimming after such a long time, felt immense joy. I am Hazem swam a long way into the sea and was there for almost like a couple of hours. And the sea is so pleasant with little waves, that you don't have to fight with it, like we need to back home.

Then we drove to St Tropez. Found the famous Pampelonne beach and immediately could see what it was so famous for. White sand, light blue waters gradually becoming deep blue witht the depth, and huge cruise ships and yatchs anchored within a few hundred metres of the shore. It looked like one of those picture postcards or calendars of the tropical. And this isn't no postcard. It was for real. For a while, we even forgot to jump into the sea. Then jumped into the sea for another long session of frolicking in the water. And finally, with much effort came out of the water and started driving back to Nice. My skin was completely sun-burnt from having spent the whole day in the beach. It was stretched, red, and inflamed, and badly burnt. But, we did not care. So worth it.

Then we decided to see the famous Monte Carlo casino at Monaco - an hours drive from Nice. Monaco is a separate principaute, ruled by a king and queen. So, my country counter actually increased. :-) Had dinner there, being careful to avoid the very expensive looking restaurants, but still not saving much money. Had the most exquisite salmon - how long can you keep a bengali on pizza and no fish after all. We dint enter the Monte Carlo casino on there being a 10Euro fee, but entered the free Paris Cafe casino. The glitz and glamour was all there, but I think Las Vegas is much more grandoise and casinos more plentyful. Outside was where all the fun was. People were just settled on the footpaths seeing the rich people and their cars. Had not seen so many Ferraris and Lamborginis in my life. They went around with a deep throaty sound at the low speed. All were red. How I wished I could be the driver for just a little tiny time. And the Porsche 911 carreras looked so passe. Dint know the muslims are forbidden gambling - Hazem informed me. It's really nice that some things are put into religions because they are bad, and make it as a rule so that people will not do it. Once more a proof, why religion is so very important in one's life. While driving back got lost badly around Nice, paid toll many times (all the highways in France takes massive toll), and reached the hostel an hour late at 2 am or so.