Bataille de Fleurs

Carnival was crazy. Crazy people, crazy floats, and crazy long parades. Nice is very proud of their carnival which has been an annual celebration since 1924. It lasts for 2 weeks and ends with Mardi Gras Tuesday. Nice is also famous for its beautiful flowers. There are two parades: the Flower Battle Parade and the Carnival Night Parade. I posted some pictures of the opening ceremonies where the Roi of the Mediterranean was presented.  There was silly string and streamers and confetti EVERYWHERE. I felt so bad for whoever had to clean up afterwards. Everywhere you walked you could see bits of tiny paper. The floats are pretty dang cool and weird at the same time (you'll see what I mean soon). Plus they are recyclable (too bad all the confetti and steamers aren't). 

King of the Mediterranean with his chariot pulled by seahorses.

This is supposedly the Queen. She looks like the Devil; her eyes are freaky. Interesting how she's wearing a cross around her neck...

 Silly string fight

The Flower Battle parade is literally a battle. The flower floats throw flowers to the crowd who then push and shove to catch them. It was insane but actually really fun.  Kyle fought his way through that crowd and caught me some beautiful flowers! I approve of  the flower idea because it is tooth-friendly (as opposed to the candy in our local summer parades). This event was our favorite part of the Carnival. It was on the promenade des anglais and when you turned around, the sea was right there! It as gorgeous!

A policeman who just got wasted by streamer blasters. Awesome. 

This group is from Bolivia. I only know that because I saw them in a Parade in Bolivia when I went there with my dad 12 years ago.

Loved the streamers. Creepy man.

I wasn't joking about all the confetti. This is really what the streets look like. It's basically a huge street party everywhere you go.

Day trip to Monaco--Nice at night

Monaco--the second smallest country in the world, population 33,000 and home to the Grand Prix.

Wouldn't it be so fun to zip away in one of these things? Drive along the coast, your hair blowing in the wind, shielding you eyes with a thousand dollar pair of sunglasses on... Everybody and their dog has a fancy car in Monaco, it's crazy how rich this country is. Seriously guys, they don't have to pay taxes that's how ridiculously rich Monaco is. And then there is the prince of the place who makes a law that his picture must be placed in the front window of every shop. I really want to meet this guy... I felt super out of place with everyone walking around with their Prada, Gucci and Channel clothes and accessories. We definitely weren't a part of the club. I told Kyle I couldn't live here because everything is so fancy, expensive and nice. I wouldn't know what to do with myself. He on the other hand...

We visited the famous Casino of Monte Carlo, Port Hercule, Rock of Monaco (where the palace is located) and the Exotic Gardens. These places were hoppin' with tourists and I was just glad we didn't come around May when the Grand Prix starts. The bishop of the Nice ward lives in Monaco and said that basically everyone who lives in Monaco leaves for a month when tourists roll into town for the Grand Prix. I'll just watch the Grand Prix in the movies, you know, like Iron Man 2.

(exercice for the month...) 

 (found the beatles inspiration)

This Russian Orthodox Church wouldn't allow photography inside and since we ask people not to take pictures at our LDS temple open houses, I figured I should be respectful (which is a shame because it was a golden site to see--literally). Although we don't charge people to enter... If you visit Nice, it's totally worth the trois euros. 

Negresco. Makes you think of Nabisco right? Me too. This five star hotel is the most famous one in Nice. It's right on the beach and can be found on all of the souvenirs. There is a guard right as you enter inside those doors who looks like a Disneyland employee (dressed up in a bright colored medieval ensemble). Got to keep those guests safe you know.

Doesn't my Kyle take fabulous night photos? Miss it already.

King of the Mediterranean

I am so excited to tell you all about our little vacance to Nice (pronounced niece). It took us 11 hours to get there by train but it was so worth it. We like Perigueux but it was sure "nice" to get a break from our small cold ville and enjoy the sun and Mediterranean Sea (hehe, I'm  so funny). We visited Monaco, dropped our jaws at the Russian Orthodox cathedral, experienced carnival French style, walked along the promenade des anglais, and ate lots of gelato.

Luckily we had lots to keep us entertained during those 11 hours up to the excitement. Kyle drawing and studying LSAT. Playing GOLF (cardgame). And me with my kindle reading "Little Women"-- I'm obsessed.

The sunset was incredible on that train ride. It had just rained and the view was amazing. It made me real giddy. I was so ready to get off that train and see the coast of France! 

Here is a sneak peek at what is to come...

Wouldn't it be cool if that couple was us?

An odd dinner with a bit of good news

Spaghetti and bacon--that's what's for dinner when you desperately need to faire les courses (go grocery shopping). And that's all I have to say about that. Just thought you'd want to know.

Today I got a job! Well somewhat. Don't tell the French government or they'll be mad. Not really, uh maybe a little mad. The nurse who works at our school offered me a petite job teaching her two children English. Tonight we went over to their house to meet them and talk over logistics and such over tea and cake. We were very impressed with this family. The parents were so pleasant. We talked about a lot of interesting things and they were very entertaining. As soon as they heard my name, they mentioned how it means "Lion of God" in Hebrew. Thanks to my dad, I knew that already. And then they asked if Kyle knew what his name means--it means handsome ( I won't argue with that, Carol and Dave named him well...) I was very flattered when they complimented me on my American English accent. Apparently I speak very clearly and they are pleased because it will help their children to learn better. Now the children--we've never seen such adorable and well-behaved children. They have quite the imaginations. The little boy was drawing pictures for Kyle the entire time of penguins, telescopes and constellations! And before we left, they wrapped two little bons bons (candies) for us as a present. Thoughtful, amiable, polite and adorable--I love it. As soon as we left their flat we decided our children are going to be exactly like that. I am definitely looking forward to Tuesday evenings now.

Kyle finished his last work day before vacances today (silly French, they work six weeks then have to take two weeks off). We are very excited because we are going to party it up at Carnival in Nice (see image below). Kyle served his mission here so we're excited to go to church and catch up with friends. Hopefully I get to post while we are there but you never know about internet at cheap European hotels...gotta love the adventures. Bisous!

A birthday in France

I love my birthday. I love spending it with my husband. I love spending it with family and friends. I thought it would be hard being so far away from everyone but I ended up having a wonderful day thanks to my Kyle. Husband had the day off of work so I had him all to myself. He made me breakfast, lunch and dinner and wouldn't let me touch any of the dirty dishes--I was in heaven. In the afternoon we took a walk downtown and I bought a French beret. Later I pampered myself by painting my fingernails (I felt like such a girly girl). Then Kyle made me hawaiian and bbq chicken pizza for my birthday dinner. And for dessert...

A to die for double chocolate magnum mini ice cream bar. And yes I have chocolate smeared on my lips. It was that good.

Thank you Kyle for making my birthday special!