My hostel in Nice had tiny dorm rooms and a microscopic bathroom. But Nice is nice (excuse the pun). The usual walking and cruising around the city, etc. I did the evening routine of watching a WorldCup game in the hostel’s common room (I think it was Ghana vs Czech Republic). The hostel was full of people on this Busabout tour, which is, to my extent of knowledge, a sort of package deal for backpackers…with a guide on the bus and everything. Isn’t that cute?

Later that evening I went out with a an Australian couple to find a place to see the Italy Vs. USA game. The place is friggin’ expensive! The girl got dizzy during the half time break and we left..I wasn’t sticking around for another EUR 7 beer anyway!
The next day I went to check out Cannes..the little town of the rich and famous. I walked the length of the water front boulevard and did some people-watching. It seemed like at least 3/4 of Cannes’ population is made up of filthy rich 60+ folks with facelifts and toy dogs. Whoever said the french aren’t friendly didn’t visit Cannes though: twice when I was looking at the city map, I would be stopped by an old lady with a toy dog who would ask me” Que est que vous cherchez?”...my French was as good as their English, and the language barrier screwes up everybody’s good intentions so I usually got even more lost than I actually was. But it was cool of them all the same.

There was this classic car show near the Palais de Festivals . Check out the sweet rides.

Art on some buildings in Cannes

On my way back I bumped into the Aussies from yesterday. I hang out with more Aussies back at the hostel. Cool bunch. I met so many Aussies on this trip that I was thinking “Is there anyone in Australia right now?!” I decided to make use of the cooking facilities and made a pasta and suasage dinner, half of which got thrown away. I went down to this local market earlier this day to procure rations and there was this cheese display with all those kinds of cheese. I loudly said “Look at all those kinds of cheese”. The vendor said “Yes, monsieur..we have 60 different kinds of cheeses“. I said “Cheeses Christ!”. He didn’t get it.
The following day I go to check out Monaco. I spent the morning wandering its opulence-dripping streets. I have never seen that many exotic cars on one street!

Count the Ferraris…

..and checkout the yachts..

The famous Casino..

Back in Monaco’s train station the weirdest thing happened: I got attacked by a seagull! I was on the upper level of the station in this open area and this little bastard makes a quick, sweeping flight over my head, almost touching my hair. First time I though it was nothing, just a curious bird checking me out. Then it made a second run…and a third. Then I realized that the damn thing was going for my sunglasses, which were up on top of my head. I ran back into the station. Aggresive wild life in Monaco! Who would’ve thought?!