Saturday, July 26, 2008

Part 1: Nice

Yes, we had a great holiday...and now we are back to reality again..I wanted to blogged about our trip before we left but i just didnt have the time and the energy too but im glad everything turns out brilliantly.....So here goes...its gonna be trip on this one :). The pictures are being upload to flickr..it was a clicking frenzy!

Part 1:
nice was nice, it was not what i had expect. Never in my life had i imagine that i would go to nice. The impression i had of the french riviera was for the rich and famous not for regular. With the big yacth, expensive car and beautiful scenery and nice ppl...nice is a place for everyone and im glad we went.

I was abit jakun, got in CDG in the morning and when the lift took us to the boarding area...it opened to the shopping mall...ohh tidak...i havent seens such beautiful things since our last vac in KL...my tahap ker jakunan was unbearable..but still controllable :). It was a 1.15mins flight to Nice...waited for our luggages...annd bubbles bag never came...ohh nooo!!..it was left it Paris! was abit panic..but we werent the only family with missing luggages...one family didnt get any of their bags...dreadful, we were told that it will come tonite and we will have it before tomorrow...alhamdulilah...if not lukcy bubbles will have a brand new set of clothes!

Since i have never booked thru the internet...i was nervous about our hotel..but once we got in town, i was just stunt by the scenery..its like what u see in postcards...everything was soo unreal. :). the hotel turned out to be great and located in the perfect area. We took the hop on and off buss to get around for one day..and it a great way to see nice in whole...then when u know whehre everything is..u can just go on foot and take your time....yes in nice...time seems to pass by really slowly...." times goes by soo slowly".


The weather was ....hot sunny days with chilly winds. The sea water was cold but very refeshing, i wasted one day not going in the waters coz i was chicken of the cool, then the next day i realise how silly of me...i just wanted to be in the water...our beaches are better....coz its sanding..their beaches are pebblly and and not frenly to the bottoms..hehehe.Breakfast was everyday the same...from different shops...croissant, pain au chocolat and pain au raisin..was delis...and yeah we put on 2kg since we have been back....

unfortunately my mission failed...haha what was the mission....to locate brad pitt and the gang. Everyday i tell caveman .."ok today we have to go look for brad pitt" and everyday mission not accomplish!..but i guess this superstars have some special secret hiding place...one week after we left,..she gave birth in Nice.

Recommended Hotel : Hotel Ellington - top notch for reasonable price...and great service and big room..plus point when travelling with todds. 5 mins walk to anywhere...

Top 10 things to do :

1. Cours Saleya Flower MarketNice's famous Flower Market is one of the best attractions in the whole city. The edges are lined with cafés and souvenir shops, and the stands themselves are packed with amazing produce and myriad flowers. It operates six days a week, replaced on Mondays by a flea and antiques market.


2. Matisse MuseumThe lovely and innovative art of Henri Matisse was inspired by the fresh colors and lines of Nice. Just take a look at any of his art peering out of balcony windows, and you will surely see the Riviera shoreline. This vast museum shows Matisse's works from his more traditional early days to the end of his career. There are also some of his personal effects here. The museum gift shop features prints of the artist's works.


3. Vieux Nice, or Old NiceOld Nice is downright dripping with atmosphere. Its narrow streets are a one-stop shop for take-home finds, such as Provençal wares, household items, wine, gourmet gifts, hip clothing and more. There are numerous restaurants in the area, as well as several fun bars and nightclubs. Be sure to stop off for a delicious ice cream in this neighborhood.

4. Le ChateauThe best reason to visit the chateau is for the spectacular panoramic view of the city and sea. You won't actually see much of a castle (only a few sections of it remain). You can take the elevator up for a nominal price or hike up the stairs for free to the park atop the hill. Be sure to bring your camera.


5. Promenade des AnglaisFew spots epitomize Nice -- or, in fact, the joie de vivre of the French Riviera in general -- than the inviting Promenade des Anglais. It is always bustling with humanity.There are tourists relaxing in the royal blue chairs lining the shore. There are locals roller blading, biking or jogging along it. Vendors sell crepes and drinks on it. Best of all, there are delightful (if over-priced) seaside restaurants. Splurge on a chaise lounge, and let waiters bring you cocktails and appetizers.


6. Rue de France Pedestrian ZoneThe Nice pedestrian zone, or "zone pietonne," is a hub of activity. This is the place if you need to load up on souvenirs. Street entertainers frequent this area. There are gourmet shops, clothing shops, news stands, bookstores and more. (Check out the Ducs de Gascogne store for some real finds). Grab a café au lait and watch the world go by, nibble on a crepe, or visit in the evening for a robust meal with an Italian accent. This is just a lively spot!


7. Theatre de la Photographie et de l'ImageThis homage to the photographic arts is housed in a lovely renovated building a couple blocks off the busy Boulevard Jean Medicine thoroughfare. The museum typically hosts exhibits of universal appeal, such as a show dedicated to portraits of Hollywood celebrities over the decades and an exhibition on American Indians. Entry is free.


8. Russian CathedralWhat a juxtaposition: the traditional Russian onion towers in the background, and the tropical palm trees in the foreground. As odd a pairing as the two seem, the Russian Cathedral is just one of many Russian attractions in the city. The Russian aristocracy used Nice as a balmy getaway, and left their indelable mark on the Riviera city. The cathedral is the finest example, and provides a rare opportunity to experience the former U.S.S.R. on the Cote d'Azur.


9. Nice Archaeology Museum and Roman RuinsThe Russians weren't the first to succumb to the allure of Nice. The ancient Romans also called the area home, and to this day visitors can see the ruins of a Roman arena and bathhouses at (or next to) this museum in the Nice Cimiez neighborhood (right next to the Matisse Museum). Inside, the archaeology museum houses an interesting mix of historic and archeological exhibits on the area.


10. Nice PortThe Nice Port area is one frequently overlooked by tourists, but it shouldn't be. Just around the corner from Old Nice and the Quai des Etats Unis, this is a great spot to watch the Corsica ferries lift off. There are also some of the city's hippest nightclubs here.

There is more to do in nice beside the 10 things...but u will need at least 2 weeks...to exlpore the mountains and the country side.

All i can say is that, Nice is a dream and i would go there again anytime....http://www.flickr.com/photos/reenaribena/

1 comment:

Fieran said...

Its great to hear that you had a good vacation. It is at times like these that you realise that you are lucky that you live on this part of the world - at least that is how I feel when I go on vacation. Take care and have a good week ahead.