What more could you ask for, arriving in Antibes on the French Riviera just as the sun is setting... ah, but back in to the tents after the luxury of a pillow and mattress for the last two nights. The fact that where we were was just gorgeous (blue water and clear skies) certainly helped.
Our free evening in Antibes meant we could all walk down the beach and splash our feet in the Mediterranean, then head to the fun fair that was there for a ride on the ferris wheel. The views from the top over the Riviera were incredible – a perfect way to spend our first evening.
The next day continued with the relaxed feel – a visit to a French Perfumery, after a slight issue with the bus (good on you Aaron for getting it sorted) then off to Nice for a relaxing arvo lying on the beach with the rich people. The only thing that prevented me from heading straight to the beach after lunch was my hunt to find a Pharmacy where someone spoke English – i was suffering from a little travelling condition technically known as ‘cankles’ (the swelling of your ankles and feet until they all join with your calf) and was a little concerned about being able to get real shoes on for our evening’s expedition. Eventually I found someone who sold me some old lady sock looking devices and we went on our way to enjoy an afternoon of sunshine and the beach. Now, this is the life. But I did question whether I should have spent the afternoon hunting for a rich man who could keep me in this lifestyle forever, ah.
The night time activities saw us all required to put on our best outfits we had – which for campers is always a challenge. For me (and most of us I think) this ended up being the same ‘good’ outfit I wore for the night out in Paris, and shoving my swollen feet in my shoes, where I ended up with overhanging ankles for the first time in my life (but not the last time, keep on reading the journal). All jazzed up, we boarded the bus for the bright lights and fortunes of Monte Carlo, Monaco!
Along the way we stopped for some champagne at the lookout point over Nice and a quick game of Contiki bus wheel roulette. Connor, our friendly Irish traveller, took out the money with the condition that he was to gamble it all in one go when we reached the Casinos of Monte Carlo. A quick dash up past the beautiful sights of Monte Carlo at sunset to see the Palace and the views over the Marina before the rain, then it was off to check out the Grand Casino where we encountered a little problem. As previously mentioned, the good outfits for campers were what not most would consider ‘good’ outfits, and Connor happened to have shorts on. Which meant that the casino’s wouldn’t let him in, but not to worry. His trusty girlfriend Charlene came to the rescue and took the first lot of winnings into the casino where she placed it all on the table and lost it in one go! The night saw a few people come home with little winnings, which of course meant that we needed a celebratory drink or two back at the campsite bar.
The following morning saw us attempt to pack up the tents for a second time (yes we are getting better at this business) and leave the luxurious French Riviera and France for what would become our notorious trip through Italy. It was amazing how much more lively everyone was this morning without terrible hangovers like in Switzerland.
