Friday, September 16, 2005

Vive la France!


Cannes 2005
Originally uploaded by Krista 1366.
Sam and I enjoyed our short stay in Cannes. We were there for Sam to work and make contacts at the annual boat show, and of course, to see all the pretty boats floating in the water. We arrived Wednesday afternoon, toured the show, and Sam shook many hands and spread the news of his new self employment. I got to stop by the Princess Yacht's stand and visit with my good friend Cristina, Virginia's mom, who was working as well. She is the marketing director for Princess Yachts in Italy and was helping out her colleagues at the show. Sam and I wrapped up the evening with a complimentary glass, or two, of Champagne from the British Maritime Association, thank you very much, and a gorgeous sunset. Click here and you can see for yourself. We followed the apperitivo with a delicious dinner with some former work mates of Sam's in a posh restaurant along the sea. We ate steak au poive, drank vin rouge, and had a wonderful time.
Thursday morning was another glorious day on the Cote d' Azur and once again we made the rounds at the show. We left about lunchtime to make our way home. There was a landslide on the autoroute and it was closed. We found ourselves driving on a very winding road overlooking Monte Carlo, all I could think of - this is how poor Princess Grace died, on a road just like this. One wrong move and you are in the sea! By this time, Sam and I were hungry. We stopped for lunch in a lovely mountain village above Monaco called La Turbie. We ate sandwiches and enjoyed the view.

I must add this. I often find myself on the French Riviera, I know, poor me. But I have to say for all the hype, there is not much to see. In fact, all the big cities, Cannes, Nice, or Monte Carlo all suffer from the same faded opulence and too many refined old ladies with little dogs who leave little packages of merde for you to step in. My first impression many years ago was - Is that all there is to the Cote d' Azur? And after many more visits. I still haven't changed my mind. What the area does have, is the weather. The sunshine is endless and the sea blue. The French....that is whole other blog entry.

Oh, I almost forgot. A few of you, who I know follow the Cannes film festival, might recognize the photo. It is the grand staircase all the movie stars use to enter the festival. It isn't the same without the red carpet and paparazzi, is it?

Au revoir!

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