JOURNEYS END APPROACHES

Edi, Mick and myself on Blade.

Life is ever changing.

My journey in the South of France has been of a different kind.

When I was no longer enjoying myself, I changed tack for an easier experience.

My bike has remained packed in its case. I just couldn't face putting it back together to cycle this very beautiful but hectic, hot and mountainous region. I was finally over lugging such huge weight along. Bike and trailer have  been shipped back to England.

I had tried and failed to book my rig onto trains simply because the number I rang kept coming up invalid despite emailing Euro Rail and asking at stations. It can be done, I just didn't manage to organize it. Anyway, the steps onto some of the French trains are steep and narrow and would have been impossible for me to navigate with all of my gear.

Prompted and nudged along when I wilted, by my son Mick I have explored this gorgeous south coast by bus, on foot and by train, still staying in YHA known as Auberge de Jeunesse. Most bus trips are 1 euro. Public transport is very good here and I have taken the opportunity to visit picturesque villages in the mountains.

Sospel

I do find English speakers and also manage a few simple French conversations although today as I write this I have crossed into Italy and hardly understand a word beyond Bon Giorno and Ciaou!

 I had a wonderful time when I visited Manosque, Provence staying with Helene who I met in Scotland and her husband Fred.

 Swimming across Lake Vandanne at night together under the full moon was so excellent. Whilst there, I rode Helene's bike and visited neighbouring villages. We were so at ease and happy together it will be a shame not to spend more time together.

Helene and Fred organized for me to journey along a spectacularly scenic river valley through the mountains from Digne to Nice in a single carriage old train. It was a wonderful journey.

 In the many old sections of France, the narrow streets, fountains and colourful markets all have so much character and history. It is so interesting to just wander along exploring and exchanging bright greetings of " bonjour madame ". I love seeing so many piano accordians being played at the al fresco cafes which are so numerous here. I am appalled however to find that cigarette and cigar smoking seem to be THE national past time of the great majority!


I spent a week in gorgeous Menton.

There are always a few beggars in every town, hopefully holding out their cups whilst their cigarette pack is in view !  I prefer to donate to the buskers, at least they are entertaining.

Aix en Provence

The French love to honk their horns loud and long! One charming bus driver stopped to let every lady cross the road but honked frequently, gesticulated at and  furiously berated  all whose driving tactics met with his disapproval as we ascended the twisting narrow road to the plateau of Saint Michel. The hills were so steep that the houses appeared to be painted onto the hillsides and I wondered how it was possible to gain access to them..

!2th Century hilltop village of Eze

It has been marvellous to spend part of 3 weekends with Mick and Edi.

We toured the Royal Palais and the Oceanographique Musee. We have dined out and walked all over hills and waterfront.

 Our highlight was attending the Monaco Boat Show with complimentary tickets. As Mick knew crew on other boats and suppliers on the stands, we were offered glasses of wine and were privileged to look through one of the multimillionaire motor yachts 11.9 million euro actually!  

( http://www.edmistoncompany.com/luxury-yachts-for-sale/marion-queen-276/ )They are such unbelievably opulent toys.

Riding in the tender from the harbour out to the anchorage off Monaco around all of the mega yachts at dusk was a magical treat. As it grew dark the whole area was “asparkle” with a blaze of bright lights. Wow!

Swimming in the warm Mediterranean is superb. I have become expert at changing discreetly under my towel on the "beach" of stones. The water sparkles in the warm sunshine as I swim leisurely laps up and down. Plenty of eye candy! The funniest were a couple of emaciated, sun crisped old blondes with perfect smooth, brown globes sprouting out above their boney ribs!

Menton

Swimming at Menton

I am on the fast train to Rome, arriving tonight for 3 nights. I have two days to discover the world famous landmarks.

Afterwards I will take the train to La Spezia to meet Mick and farewell Edi for now. Mick and I will do a whirlwind walking driving sightseeing trip back to collect my bag at La Ciota and fly out from Marseille on Saturday. Mick will fly to Turkey to join a new boat and I to England to farewell Pam and Harry and fly home from Heathrow on Monday. Ooh I can hardly wait.

Despite being in such a fantastic, world renowned holiday resort I have lacked purpose and direction. There are still very few people that I can converse with. Whilst cycling, the planning and effort of biking from A - B, following a planned route and sightseeing as I went had kept me motivated.

 It is almost 7 months since I left Australia and the people that I love most in the world.

 Enough wandering alone!

I am ready to return.

P.S Rome is another story…coming…Wow!.....Glad I was still over here to experience it.