The Beatings Will Continue Until Morale Improves...: Europe 2018 Day 14

Monday, November 5, 2018

Europe 2018 Day 14 - Nice

We left Vernazza, ironically, on the anniversary of the 2011 flood. A looming train strike threatened to dampen our plans, but luckily it was not taking effect until later in the day, by which time we should be in France. Hopefully the Finns made it safely to Florence!

With limited departure options from Vernazza, we took the local train one stop up to Monterosso, where we had some coffee and focaccia while awaiting the rather ominous sounding train 666 to Genoa. They switched the departure platform on us at the last minute, meaning Jane had to crutch down the stairs, under the tracks and up more stairs to the other side on very short notice....and then the train stopped well past us and we had to chase it into the tunnel in order to get on!

The ride to Genoa was pleasant, once the rude French lady accusing us of taking her seat finally admitted her error. We were also better organized with the snack accessibility this time.

We switched trains in Genoa, descending the stairs into the "subway" underpass only to find out that our next train was departing from same platform we just came from....at least we didn't have to go very far!

Winding our way around the Italian coast, we followed the margins of the Mediterranean and by early afternoon found ourselves crossing into France, before a brief stop in the tiny but wealthy country of Monaco. Unfortunately train tunnels through the mountains meant we didn't get to actually see much of Monaco.....but we did catch a glimpse of the harbour and many fabulous yachts.

Soon we were arriving in Nice, at a gorgeous train station just a few blocks from our chosen Airbnb for the night. We made the short trek and followed the precise series of instructions in order to access our room. Dropping the luggage, we headed out to enjoy a night along the French Riviera.

Walking over the main pedestrian zone, we caught the handy tram for a quick but preferable ride down to the waterfront, sparing Jane some walking. After finding a great dinner spot at an outdoor patio, we strolled the famous promenade as the nightlife began to pick up. It was a very busy spot with several different speeds of traffic to contend with, involving cars, motorcycles, bicycles, scooters and joggers all flashing past us at varying velocities.

Working our way back through the streets and alleys of the Old Town, we caught the tram back up towards the train station and returned to our room for some rest before heading off to Paris in the morning.