18th Chapter – Cannes Spring / Summer 2024
Cannes, Saturday, Sept 28, 2024
Our neighbor from NYC invited us over for a light dinner. A fellow tenant with his partner joined us. He brought his guitar, and we had a fun evening singing songs.
Cannes, Friday, Sept 27, 2024
Today we celebrated Kathleen’s birthday at a nice Canes restaurant- Le Bistrot des Anges. At the party were two couples who flew in for the occasion. Kathleen looked great.
Cannes, Tuesday, Sept 24, 2024
The Royal Regatta is in town this week.
Since 1929, the Régates Royales has been organising numerous sailing regattas throughout the month of September in Cannes. Thousands of crews take to the water each year in up to 150 yachts.
For spectators and participants alike, this is an exhilarating event, with anything from classic yacht racing, dragon races, tug of war competitions, boat painting contests and plenty of parties.
Cannes, Monday, Sept 23, 2024
In the morning we experienced heavy rains, hail, and strong winds. It damaged one of my sun areas.
Flooding downtown.
Later that morning I stopped off at my doctor to have a small skin blemish removed.
Cannes, Sunday, Sept 22, 2024
This weekend was European Heritage Days, where some attractions are open to the public.
I took the opportunity to visit the Cannes Theater where the Cannes Film Festival holds its big events.
St Jean Cap Ferret/Eze, Saturday, Sept 21, 2024
They rented a car and we took a road trip to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in St Jean Cap Ferret. It is quite spectacular and we enjoyed an excellent lunch there.
Born in 1864, Beatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild, daughter of Baron Alphonse de Rothschild, left an exceptional legacy to the French people. Very wealthy through both her birth and marriage to Maurice Ephrussi, she spent her life exploring the world and bringing back works of art from every trip. She displayed them in the pink villa that she had built in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Without an heir, she bequeathed her property – now one of the gems on the Côte d’Azur – to the Académie des Beaux-Arts.
Later in the day, we drove to the hilltop Eze Ville for a bit more exploration.
the medieval village perched on a rocky promontory of the Moyenne Corniche, is the main tourist attraction with its shops, artisans, hotels and starred restaurants. At the summit, an exotic garden is laid out in the ruins of a medieval fortress. The panorama extends as far as Saint-Tropez.
We stopped on the way back for dinner in Nice at La Civette du Cours (1 Cr Saleya, 06300 Nice)
Cannes, Friday, Sept 20, 2024
We gathered for dinner at our place and an evening on the terrace.
Cannes, Thursday, Sept 19, 2024
The ladies headed off to the ferry,
They took the ferry to the Island of Sainte-Marguerite and explored the fort and museum.
Only 15 minutes away from Cannes by boat, Ste Marguerite, the largest island of Lerins archipelago, has a rich history (Museum of the Iron Mask & the Fort Royal, Prison of The Man in the Iron Mask). Nature is exceptional : forest (biological reserve) small lake, coves and beaches.
That evening Kathleen’s husband Kevin arrived from Chicago. Stopped at x for light drinks on the sea (Hyde) and then headed to Yvan’s (29 Rue Hoche) for dinner. We shared several dishes including flaming fish.
We retraced our steps through town on a perfect evening.
Cannes, Tuesday, Sept 17, 2024
We explored Cannes a bit more and celebrated Karen’s dinner at Table 22 in the Suquet. We meandered home under a full moon.
Cannes, Monday, Sept 16, 2024
We joined them for an evening stroll along the seafront.
Cannes, Sunday, Sept 15, 2024
A good friend from Chicago is in Cannes to celebrate her birthday and arrived today with her sister. She will spend 2 weeks here and then we will head out for a one-week tour of Normandy.
Rebecca had dinner downtown, I joined them. They had a long day of travel so they then returned to their apartment.
Cannes, Saturday, Sept 14, 2024
I took the train to Nice to meet up with a fellow car guy to go to St. Jean Cap Ferrat for a car show.
We had a nice chat there with a guy who had just purchased a classic Jag and was showing it for the first time.
There were many interesting cars there.
The bus back to Nice was along the sea.
Cannes, Friday, Sept 13, 2024
The day began with a trip to meet with a tax guy. We have seen struggling to get into the French Tax system. It shouldn’t be this difficult. Doing so gives us access to more governmental services. FYI- If you pay taxes in the US and have no French income you are not double taxed.
Key piece of information – the local tax office has no idea what they are doing.
Cannes, Wednesday, Sept 11, 2024
We watched part of the Harris-Trump debate from the previous evening before heading out for a walking tour of Cannes along the seafront covering the entire peninsula. In town is an annual boat show.
We had lunch at Byron’s pub. After which our walk continued to the top of Suquet Hill, offering a nice view of the port and city.
Being a bit tired we took the bus back. I swiped all four of us through but when the ticket police entered the bus I was informed that my senior pass was only valid for me. Fortunately, they gave me a pass, avoiding a ticket, because the bus driver confirmed I had swiped through.
That evening we had dinner on our terrace and excellent conversation. They leave tomorrow morning. It was great to see them again.
Cannes, Tuesday, Sept 10, 2024
Today we were joined in Cannes by Chuck and Amy my friends from Atlanta. They decided to invest their last two days in France with us. It was great to see them. They had not met Rebecca before. They are staying downstairs in our building.
We met them at the train station and walked home. Later we enjoyed cheese and crackers on the terrace before we walked through town and had dinner at Le Grain de Sel restaurant.
Paris/Cannes, Sunday, Sept 8, 2024
Our last day in Paris
Doug joined us for a trip to the Panthéon.
The Panthéon is a monument in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, France. It stands in the Latin Quarter, atop the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève, in the center of the Place du Panthéon, which was named after it.
The building is immense and various historical French people are entombed in its crypt including Victor Hugo, the Curies, and Voltaire. We climbed to its top for a great view of Paris.
Aimee joined us for lunch. 
Rebecca and I then visited the Jardin de Luxembourg before returning to the apartment a few blocks away to retrieve our luggage and Uber to the train station.
Located on the edge of Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter, the Luxembourg Gardens are inspired by the Florentine Boboli Gardens, which were created on the initiative of Queen Marie de Medici in 1612. Covering an area of 25 hectares, the garden is divided into a French section and an English section. Between the two stretches a geometric forest and a large pond. There is also an orchard with old and forgotten apple varieties, an apiary to learn about beekeeping, greenhouses with a breathtaking collection of orchids and a rose garden. The garden has 106 statues scattered throughout the park, the monumental Medici fountain, the Orangery and the Davioud pavilion. There are many activities and facilities for children: puppets, rides, slides, etc. Adults, Parisians and tourists alike, play chess, tennis, bridge or remote-controlled boat.
We took the 4:10 PM TGV back to Cannes arriving at 10:27 PM.
It was an amazing trip and we vowed to return to Paris for a month each year.
Paris, Saturday, Sept 7, 2024
Paris Flea Market Day
I joined El and Aimee for a metro trip to the famous Paris Flea market. There were plenty of things to see.
The drizzle returned as we headed home. That evening Doug’s son Philip and his two friends joined up for dinner at a Lebanese restaurant.
Chartres/ Paris, Friday, Sept 6, 2024
Today we took the train to Chartres, about 1H/ 15M (91KM) from the Paris Montparnasse station. It is best known for its Notre-Dame Cathedral.
The Notre-Dame Cathedral of Chartres, located in the Centre-Val-de-Loire region, is one of the most authentic and accomplished works of religious architecture from the beginning of the 13th century. It was the destination of a pilgrimage dedicated to the Virgin, among the most popular in the entire medieval West. Through the unity of its architecture and decoration, the fruit of research in the early Gothic period, and through its considerable influence on the art of the Christian Middle Ages, Chartres Cathedral appears as an essential milestone in the history of medieval architecture. The remarkable set of stained glass windows, the monumental statuary from the 12th and 13th centuries and the painted decoration miraculously preserved from the ravages of men and time make Chartres one of the most admirable and best-preserved examples of Gothic art.
The western façade, built around the middle of the 12th century, with its three doors with embrasures decorated with column statues (Royal Portal), its two towers, its southern spire and its three large windows with priceless stained glass, constitutes an authentic and complete example which remains to us of this art created in Saint-Denis, and which marked the advent of an original plastic expression, known under the name of Gothic style.
A little later, the nave and the choir, rebuilt from 1194, achieved for the first time an architectural formula which was to be widely used throughout the 13th century.
After a visit to Notre-Dame Cathedral, we wandered about town visiting the various shops.
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We stopped at Cafe Bleu near the cathedral for lunch.
The Metro was busy as we returned to Paris,
Later we headed to Île de la Cité for dinner at Monsieur Paul (15 place Dauphine. 75001) followed by an evening stroll along the river Seine back to the apartment.
Paris, Thursday, Sept 5, 2024
The day began overcast and a bit drizzly so I set out first thing to visit one of my favorite museums in Paris – Musée d’Orsay.
The Musée d’Orsay is a museum in Paris, France, on the Left Bank of the Seine. It is housed in the former Gare d’Orsay, a Beaux-Arts railway station built between 1898 and 1900. The museum holds mainly French art dating from 1848 to 1914, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, and photography.
I then joined Rebecca at Smith & Son bookstore for a nice lunch in their restaurant. Afterwards, we meandered around in the drizzle and headed toward Rebecca’s grand cathedral of books, The Bibliothèque nationale de France.
The Richelieu site of the Bibliothèque nationale de France is both a new place to experience culture in the heart of Paris and a new site to discover, in an unsuspected heritage setting. The garden, the terrace, the Rose Bakery café, the bookshop, and of course the Salle Ovale allow free access, time to reflect or to work (tele)quietly in an unusual space in the heart of Paris in the Louvre-Opéra district.
A visit to the Galerie Mazarin, with its treasures from the Sainte-Chapelle and the Basilique Saint-Denis, and with priceless items from each of the BnF Richelieu’s specialist departments (Maps and Plans, Prints and Photography, Manuscripts and Music, Performing Arts, Medals, Coins and Antiques), will enable the collections on show to be regularly changed.
It is stunning and has an outstanding museum with many very interesting objects on display. Rebecca and I had an interesting chat with one of the museum guards who is from Algeria.
We took an Uber home to return home and regroup for dinner before heading out to the Brasserie des Pres.
Paris, Wednesday, Sept 4, 2024
The day began with a mishap. One of our party members was succumbed by a combination of uneven sidewalk and the relentless tyranny of gravity and took a tumble. It required medical attention. Fortunately, a passerby happened to have Red Cross training and was extremely helpful even calling for help. The good news is our friend is a tough cookie and bounced back, maintaining her good spirits throughout the visit.
Knowing that she was in good hands, the rest of our party set out to enjoy a beautiful Paris day.
We passed by the Louvre and the Olympic Cauldron with a destination of Musée de l’Orangerie, where we visited Monet’s Water Lilies.
The Musée de l’Orangerie houses the large mural ensemble of Water Lilies, a masterpiece that Claude Monet offered to the French State.
The collection of the Musée de l’Orangerie traces certain singular aspects of 20th century art, whether it is the great decor of Claude Monet’s Water Lilies, the ultimate masterpiece and founder of abstraction and immersive works, or the collection of paintings by Paul Guillaume and Domenica Walter, characterized by the tension between modernity and figuration, from Renoir to Matisse, from Cézanne to Picasso, from the customs officer Rousseau to Modigliani or Soutine.
We caught lunch at Aletinetime restaurant and continued to The Church of Saint-Sulpice.
The Church of Saint-Sulpice is one of the Parisian sites where the action of the novel “The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown, a bestseller in 2003, takes place.
Built in the 17th century and with foundations from the 12th century, the Church of Saint-Sulpice is one of the largest churches in Paris. Located in the heart of the 6th arrondissement, in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district. Inside, you can admire the nave, the chapel of the Virgin with a statue by Jean-Baptiste Pigalle, the sacristy and its Louis XV style woodwork, the 3 masterful paintings by Eugène Delacroix in the chapel of the Saints-Anges and the great organ by Cavaillé-Coll. Another curiosity: the gnomon, a simple form of sundial used to carry out various astronomical works, whose inlaid brass wire represents the “meridian” line.
Rebecca made a pilgrimage to The Red Wheelbarrow (11 Rue de Médicis No. 9, 75006 Paris) a Paris bookstore.
Later that evening we regrouped for an excellent dinner at Atlas Restaurant (911 rue de Buci 75006) The beef Bourguignon was amazing.
We walked off dinner with an evening walk to Notre-Dame-de-Paris cathedral which we are told will reopen in December this year.
Their apartment covers several floors and provides a workout when navigating the stairs.
It was an eventful first full day in Paris.
Cannes/Paris, Tuesday, Sept 3, 2024
We left for Paris today. Took the 10:33 AM TGV to arrive at Paris Gare de Lyon at 3:50 PM via Marseille.
Passed by Avignon at 280 K/H but got a shot out the train window. The scenery on the way there was great
The reason for the timing of our trip was a kind invitation from some old and new Wilmette friends who rented a marvelous place near the Jardin du Luxembourg(6th). It was spectacular.
We arrived in time for cocktail hour and then headed out for dinner, after which we took a leisurely stroll home. It was a great first evening in Paris one of the world’s great cities.
Cannes, Thursday, August 29, 2024
I was out wandering and shooting today.
Cannes, Monday, August 26, 2024
Today we reappled for our 3rd year Visitor visas. It is all done online and is now in the hands of the French bureaucrats.
Cannes, Saturday, August 24, 2024
Cannes celebrated the anniversary of its WWII liberation today. It was also the last evening of the Fireworks competition.
Cannes, Wednesday, August 21, 2024
Rebecca and I went to our doctor for a routine visit—the cost 35 eu. Our share was 8 eu each.
Here is the waiting room and the doctor does all his billing via an app. Excellent service but no frills. Also, there is no squad of billing agents to fight with the insurance companies.
It is nice to be in a healthcare system geared toward the patient rather than a profit center for service providers.
Cannes, Sunday, August 18, 2024
Today is the last day for The Plages Électroniques a big music festival on the beach here. I didn’t realize how big it was until I read more about it.
Coming from the four corners of Europe to dance with their feet in the water, in the sand, or in the Palais des Festivals, the public will be able to enjoy the multiple stages (beach, rooftop and terrace of the Palais des Festivals, a stage on the water, an after party stage inside the Palais des Festivals for 15 hours of non-stop partying
ONE OF THE BIGGEST EUROPEAN BEACH PARTIES!
Les Plages Électroniques is an electronic music festival that takes place every year on the Croisette beach in Cannes, on the French Riviera.
- 3 days of celebration,
- 15 hours of non-stop music,
- 40,000m2 of dancefloor,
- more than 60 guest artists from the French and international electronic scene,
- More than 40,000 festival-goers.
https://www.tiktok.com/@les_plages_electroniques/video/7356659181904039200
Grasse, Saturday, August 17, 2024
Rebecca and I took a day trip to Grasse the perfume capitol of the world today. The 660 bus took 45 minutes and cost 2.50 Eu each way.
We had visited before so we skipped the perfume tours, just had lunch, and explored the town. The downtown is canopied with a multitude of pink umbrellas.
We visited an old-school bookstore and chatted with a skilled artist from Poland.
The walk back to the train station was somewhat challenging as it took us down a steep winding stairway.
At the end of the day the sunset was brilliant.
Cannes, Friday, August 16, 2024
Cannes is hosting a big music event this weekend (The Plages Électroniques) and the Rich kids from the Middle East have shipped their cars to town.
The Plages Électroniques in Cannes, one of the biggest European beach parties, attracts festival-goers from all over the world, who come to dance on the most beautiful beach on the Croisette and on the roof of the Palais des Festivals!
On 16, 17 and 18 August 2024, the city of Cannes, used to major cultural events, will host the Plages Électroniques in a new format, with a renewed visual identity and a dantesque programme. Between electronic music, rap and pop, the Cité des Festivals will concentrate for three days the cream of the French and international scene. The organisers are expecting a record attendance of up to 60,000 people over three days.
Here is a sample some are over a million dollars.
Cannes, Thursday, August 15, 2024
Tonight was another installment of the Cannes fireworks spectacle (Pyrotechnics Art Festival ) featuring Canada this week. The annual winners compete for the gold every four years.
We enjoyed a ringside seat on our terrace.
Cannes, Thursday, August 8, 2024
Finally, finally, I received my French Health card in the mail today. I have been working on this for about a year.
Mandelieu, Wednesday, August 7, 2024
We have been trying to schedule a little adventure each week this Summer. Today’s was to trek to a nearby village Mandelieu-La Napoul (7 min train ride) to wander a bit and support a new friend who wrote a play about 𝗖𝗵𝗮̂𝘁𝗲𝗮𝘂 𝗱𝗲 𝗟𝗮 𝗡𝗮𝗽𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗲 which is located there.
𝗖𝗵𝗮̂𝘁𝗲𝗮𝘂 𝗱𝗲 𝗟𝗮 𝗡𝗮𝗽𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗲 has an interesting story behind it.
The Château de La Napoule houses and preserves the cultural and historical heritage of Henry and Marie Clews. At the same time, La Napoule Art Foundation, owner of the château, allows the reception of international artists. Thus, accomplished and emerging creators from all over the world are selected each year to participate in the artist residencies of the Château de La Napoule .
The Henry Clews Museum , meanwhile, is the showcase for the secret world of Henry and Marie Clews. Henry Clews’ mystical and strange sculptures blend in wonderfully with the building and gardens, bringing their own touch of strangeness to the place.
Before the play, we explored the town a bit and enjoyed a nice conversation with a shop owner from Morroco who offers some interesting things. Rebecca invested in a new necklace.
After the play, we briefly visited a local artisan market before catching our 8:15 train home.
Cannes, Sunday, August 4, 2024
We had our friends from Nice over today (Bruce, Sheila, Mark, and Veronika). We always enjoy their company. Later in the evening, we gathered on the terrace as the day cooled down a bit.
Cannes, Saturday, August 3, 2024
Walked to the Bocca area (5 KM) to visit the open air market. Did a few shots along the way.
Cannes, Thursday, August 1, 2024
From the nobody cares department
We have been struggling with low water pressure in the kitchen sink. I wrote to the faucet manufacturer for a replacement head and got the run around. Did a bit of Googling and discovered that soaking the head in a vinegar solution removes built-up calcium.
Did it and it worked. Saved us $75 for a new head.
Cannes, Wednesday, July 31, 2024
I surprised Rebecca with some flowers today. Banked a few mate points.
Cannes, Monday, July 29, 2024
We are in the dog days of Summer.
We try to get out early in the day for a walk and then enjoy our day with AC indoors.
Cannes, Sunday, July 28, 2024
Out for my walk, I chanced across the Le Bols de Flus near the convention center. This is a weekly event in Cannes featuring a different theme each week. This week’s theme was Space Disco. Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dn95tFTaEBk&t=9s
Ventimiglia, Italy, Friday, July 26, 2024
Today I took the train to Ventimiglia to check out the big market there. It is just under an hour and a half ride along the seacoast and through Monaco.
The day was hot and the market was crowded. 
I treated myself to a nice Italian pizza lunch while there at La Vecchia Napolia (via trossarelli 28, Ventimiglia, Italy)
That evening Rebecca and I watched the Paris Olympics opening ceremony on French TV.
Cannes, Thursday, July 25, 2024
Well, Rebecca had an adventure today. After a few hours of shopping on a hot day she returned home and entered the elevator to go to our floor. Unfortunately, the elevator became stuck a few feet up trapping her. In addition, the elevator was acting like a Faraday cage blocking her cell phone.
She was finally able to get someone’s attention who came to my door and got me. We called the elevator guy. He arrived an hour after she was first trapped and released her with an elevator door key.
She is fine and I ordered an elevator key from Amazon to protect against future issues.
Cannes, Wednesday, July 24, 2024
It looks like the Yacht family was gathering for a summer reunion.
Cannes, Monday, July 22, 2024
Another night of fireworks as part of the Festival International d’Art Pyrotechnique where the world’s top fireworks companies compete for top honors. Tonight featured Italy and was exceptional. We watched from our balcony.
Here is a 21 minute video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5H0i4i4HaF0
Cannes, Sunday, July 21, 2024
Holy cow Biden drops out of the race. Rebecca did her happy dance all day.
People in France are very aware of US politics.
Antibes, Wednesday, July 17, 2024
Rebecca and I took the train to Antibes today to attend a Democrats Abroad meeting. We explored the village a bit before the meeting.
There was a lot of concern regarding Biden being our top candidate. We also met a few folks from Cannes who made the trip.
Cannes, Sunday, July 14, 2024
This was also a night of fireworks as part of the 
We went down to the seafront to watch.
Cannes, Friday, July 12, 2024
Rebecca and I attended the Americas Club coffee today and met an interesting fellow named Marco. He lives near us so we are hoping we can get together again. Rebecca also got a lead for a tax person to help us with our ongoing filings.
Cannes, Thursday, July 10, 2024
I visited the local tax office today to fix our accounts.
The simple solution is to provide them with an official document stating we do not own property in the US.
The challenge is how to prove a negative.
Cannes, Tuesday, July 9, 2024
Today I finally received my Social Security number, a prerequisite for any French Health card. This after almost a year and a half of trying.
Of course in typical French fashion, they listed my Middle name and not my first name on the number.
Also the tax office sent me some letters notifying me that 1) I do not need to file French Income tax and 2) they require employment information so they can set up my French tax Income account. Both were signed by the same person.
Cannes, Sunday, July 7, 2024
Wandering around today I noticed that there were many young people dressed up. I asked the local tourist office what was going on. They told me that it was Le Bal des Fous, the ball of fools. It is held on several Sundays each with a different theme. This week was Devils and Angels.
https://www.palaisdesfestivals.com/offres/le-bal-des-fous-cannes-fr-3651223/
Cannes, Thursday, July 4, 2024
unHappy 4th of July.
On a happy note, Rebecca’s Health Card came today, after months of interaction with the French bureaucrats.
Sanremo / Italy, Wednesday, July 3, 2024
We took the train to Sanremo Italy (via Ventimiglia) to resupply Rebecca with her beloved coffee (Moka alfa Caffe) which is produced locally in Sanremo.
The light rain in the afternoon offered some interesting street reflections.
Cannes, Tuesday, July 2, 2024
Today we had the pleasure of hosting one of my Advertising buddies (Eric) and his family in Cannes for the day. We began with a tour of the city and then had a nice lunch at le grain de sel downtown. His son recently became engaged in Paris as part of this tour.
Antibes, Tuesday, June 25, 2024
Today was go-to-the-dentist day for us both in Antibes. Afterward, we wandered about town for a while.
Cannes, Sunday, June 23, 2024
We were treated to a nice rainbow and sunset today from our balcony.
Cannes, Monday, June 17, 2024
I went out for my daily walk and chanced across some interesting outdoor art. 
Later Rebecca and I encountered some Monet-like waterlilies down by one of the ports.
Cannes, Sunday, June 16, 2024
Today we met up with Marina and Stephane downtown for coffee and desserts. As always we had a pleasant conversation.
Cannes, Saturday, June 15, 2024
Just out for a walk and saw this beach scene.
Sanremo, Italy, Friday June 14, 2024
Today was a road trip day (via train) to Sanremo Italy, a nice seaside village about 2 /12 hours from Cannes. We took the 9:08 AM train to Ventimiglia, Italy, and then connected via an Italian train to Sanremo two stops away to arrive at about 11:30 AM.
We were feeling a bit peckish after our ride and sought out a local restaurant setting on San Sci in the town center. After a light lunch, Rebecca discovered a pizza place a few stores away so we had a slice for dessert.
After lunch, Rebecca discovered a coffee shop that offered amazing coffee. She purchases a kilo bag to take home from the owner.
Being fully fueled we decided to climb up the steep hill to visit the Santuario Madonna della Costa at the crest of the city. It was an arduous climb but we were rewarded with stunning views and a very ornate church.
The current baroque construction dates back to 1630 and the dome was erected between 1770 and 1775; the reconstruction was due to a sailor who, having miraculously saved himself from the corsairs, opened a subscription, in which the entire population participated to erect a sanctuary to the Madonna della Costa which already had the reputation of being miraculous and of exercising a protective function from dangers. The expense was enormous, but always, almost miraculously, the money for the work was found.
From there we took a bus back down to the city center and ran into a man eating a gelato cone. Rebecca asked him for directions to the glato place and we struck up a conversation. He was a retired chef on vacation from France.
After our excellent gelato (Mantica, Via Corradi 40), we wandered about town for a while and ended up at the seafront.
From there we headed to the train station feeling a bit tired. We arrived at the station just as the next return train to Ventimigila was scheduled to leave, fortunately, it was running ten minutes late so we hustled to make it. The station is surprisingly long feeling a bit like an airport. We caught the train with minutes to spare. We had a short wait in Ventimiglia for our return train to Cannes.
It was an excellent day trip to Italy.
Monaco, Sunday, June 9, 2024
Today was a Monaco car day with Bruce. We took the train to Monaco to attend the Monaco Top Marques show at the Grimaldi Forum and then hopped the bus to the Prince’s car collection. After we had lunch and caught the train home.
On the train there I could not get my phone to display my ticket for the ticket agent. After she moved on I continued to struggle to get my app to work. Bruch noticed that we were at a station for a bit of time and then realized that we were at the Monaco stop. We quickly scurried off the train just before it left the station.
Monaco Top Marque show-
Prince’s car collection-
Villefranche sur Mer, Saturday, June 8, 2024
Today we met up with our friends from Nice (Bruce and Sheila) to visit our other friends (Veroinka and Mark) who just moved into their new home in Villefranche sur Mer. It was also Mark’s birthday, so it was a double celebration. They have a lovely sea view.
Cannes, Saturday, June 1, 2024
I’ve been noticing several road rallies going through Cannes lately. Here are a few shots
Valbonne, Friday, May 31, 2024
We returned to Valbonne via the 663 bus for market day and to resupply Rebecca with her favorite cheese. The place was crawling with English-speaking people.
Cannes, Thursday, May 30, 2024
Carte Vitale Part ????
I have been struggling to get my French healthcare card (Carte Vitale) for a very long time. With each attempt, I receive a response about 2 months later requesting additional information. A month ago I thought I was close as they only asked for one thing.
Today I called the English help line for an update.
It seems that the item I sent a month ago was never cataloged into the system. The lady on the line suggested that I send it again.
Back to the post office.
Juan-Les-Pins, Sunday, May 26, 2024
Today we took the eBikes to Juan-Les-Pins a quaint village 10 KM along the coast. It was a nice ride mostly along dedicated sea-side bike paths.
We stopped to check out the beach and rehydrate before returning.
Later after returning home, I watched the Monaco Grand Prix live on Austrian TV (in German).
Cannes, Friday, May 24, 2024
This evening we joined our Cannes friends, Francesca and John for dinner downtown (La Bambola) across from the festival. They brought their little friend Alfie.
Cannes, Thursday, May 23, 2024
During the day I wandered downtown to check out the red carpet activity.
We invited our friends, Stephan and Marnia over for pizza and wine on our terrace. She is originally from Uruguay and he is from Germany. They now live in Cannes and Switzerland.
We had an interesting discussion regarding languages.
After dinner we watched the full moon rise from the horizon over the sea.
Valbonne, Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Today we spent a delightful day in Valbonne, with our friends from Nice, Bruce and Sheila. The 663 bus takes about a half hour to get there (2.50 eu each)
We began with lunch in the town square and then headed to the mandatory stop at the English bookstore to browse. After which Bruce and Rebecca raided the fabulous cheese store there.
The town is quaint and small so we explored it a bit, visited the local antique shop and then caught the bus home.
Cannes, Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Today Rebecca and I stopped downtown at the bus station and rented two electric bikes for the month. They have a special deal for Cannes residents, 35 EU a month for each bike. It was a challenge biking home through the Film festival crowds but the bikes are now safely locked in our garage.
Next week we hope to set off on a few bike adventures.
Cannes, Monday, May 20, 2024
Another French holiday in May – Whit Monday.
Whit Monday, also known as Pentecost Monday is a public holiday in several countries on the Monday after Whitsunday. Also known as Pentecost or Whitsun, Whitsunday is observed fifty days (approx. seven weeks) after Easter and 10 days after Ascension.
It marks the end of the Easter cycle, which began 90 days ago with Ash Wednesday at the start of Lent.
Cannes, Sunday, May 19, 2024
Yesterday we purchased two more sets of flowers (Surfinia® Petunia) for our terrace.
Today Rebecca finished planting them. The place is looking good.
Also, I did a few new shots of unknown famous people attending the Cannes Film Festival.
and the offshore yachts.
Cannes, Thursday, May 16, 2024
Rebecca did a bit of gardening today planting some flowers on our patio.
Later we walked downtown to view the red carpet activities at the film festival.
Cannes, Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Out for a walk to scout out the hotels for famous people. People gather to watch them leave for events.
Cannes, Tuesday, May 14, 2024
Today is the opening day of the Cannes Film Festival.
The weather is rather wet with scattered rain.
Cannes, Sunday, May 12, 2024
Happy Mother’s Day –
Spring is in full swing so Rebecca and I took a beach walk to enjoy the day.
Cannes, Saturday, May 10, 2024
There is considerable construction in preparation for the Annual Cannes Film Festival which opens Tuesday next week. For a week and a half the city will be filled with attendees from the International Film industry. As this is a trade show it is largely closed to the public but there are open red-carpet events that one can view from a distance.
Many international films are debuted here. https://thefilmstage.com/our-20-most-anticipated-2024-cannes-film-festival-premieres/
Cannes, Thursday, May 9, 2024
Happy Ascention Day, Another public holiday in France
For Christians, the feast of the Ascension refers to Christ’s ascension to heaven, symbolizing eternal life. According to the Bible, the dead and risen Jesus ascended forty days after Easter, and disappeared before the eyes of the Apostles. The feast, initiated by Pope Leo I the Great, has been celebrated since the 4th century.
But when did Ascension Thursday become a public holiday in France? It dates back to theAncien Régime, when Christian feasts were a regular feature of French life.
Cannes, Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Happy VE Day.
A French national holiday-Jour de la Victoire en Europe
Victory in Europe Day took place on the 8th of May, 1945. The public holiday in France commemorates the victory of the Allies over Germany. The date also marks the end of Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich and the Second World War. VE Day proclaims the unconditional surrender of the armed forces of Nazi Germany. If English speakers call this day the “VE Day” (Victory in Europe Day), the French refer to it as le 8 mai 1945 or Jour de la Victoire en Europe.
Cannes, Tuesday, May 7, 2024
Upon returning home from our Spring Vacation both Rebecca and I contracted Spring colds which knocked us on our butts for a week or two. We are both happy to have avoided this while on our trip.
Cannes, Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Happy May Day. A holiday in France.
What is the origin of May Day as Labour Day?
It all started in 1886 in the United States. In May 1886, American workers demanded an eight-hour day. The worker’s protest led to a bloody strike at the McCormick factories in Chicago. As a tribute to this memorable strike in American history, the workers of France demonstrated it on the 1st of May 1890