We have just arrived in Italy and no kidding both my handbag and shoes have just broken. Handbag yesterday. Shoes today. Obviously some retail therapy god is looking over me for which I am very happy. Actually getting here – Lucca in Tuscany has involved some absolutely fantastic travelling.
We left Arles in France three days ago – heading by train to Nice. We are definitely getting the hang of the trains now – make sure ticket (if it’s not a paperless ticket) has been validated at the little yellow machine (check), look for platform train is departing from no more than 20 minutes prior to departure (check), purchase ham and cheese baguette, chocolate and water before boarding train (check). So far its all been surprisingly easier than we were expecting.
Departing Arles and heading to Nice via (grotty, dismal Marseilles) the houses have started to change colour. Unlike Australia – the houses in Europe appear to be a much more uniform colour. Whereas further up north most of the houses appeared to be made of brown or yellowy stone – down south closer to the Mediterranean and the house are more a rendered light orange.
Our journey into Nice involved (some) travel along the coastline – it was the first time in weeks that we had viewed the water and it was such a welcome sight. Nice was so much better than we were expecting. Another of those large, sprawling French cities – easy to negotiate by foot or tram, beautiful architecture and of course – the sea. We arrived around 2 pm and spent the afternoon just orientating ourselves. We bought glacé (ice-cream) and walked the promenade mindful of what had happened here 10 months ago. Despite the sight of numerous heavily armed guards the number of tourists indicated to us that things in Nice were pretty much back to normal. We had unfortunately only booked one night here so we made the best of the time we had.
Up early the next day it was a short stroll back to the train station – purchasing coffees and almond croissants on the way, before once again boarding the train this time en-route to Italy! If we had enjoyed the scenery on our entry into Nice – then we were absolutely stunned by how gorgeous it was on our departure. Hugging the French riviera (Cote d’Azur) sometimes as close as 10 metres the train snakes its way along, passing such iconic places as Cannes and Monte Carlo. We actually saw people swimming in the Mediterranean from our seats as did we also see portaloos, beach umbrellas and cafes all situated on the (sometimes stony or black sand) beaches.
Not long after changing trains at Genova (close to where Pinocchio originated from) our train made a twenty minute stop. The change of personnel from French to Italian signified that we had arrived in Italy! As did the inspection by armed guards and sniffer dogs.
Some points of interest. It cost me 80 euro cents (about $1.20) to use the toilet at Marseilles train station. The skies here are the most incredible clear blue. Everyday one sees many many vapor trails. Italy has a lot more signs in English than France. One can see snow from ones seat whilst travelling through Tuscany.
As I mentioned we are now residing in Lucca, Tuscany for the next 8 days. Stay tuned…
For further information and photos visit
2 Comments
Anne
Wow, what a fantastic trip! While you’re in Lucca I can highly recommend buying food from a deli called “Vini e Olio Fruit and Verdura Gastronomia” in Via Dei Borghi, 24. They cook amazing food each day and you can buy an assortment of takeaway- we would make a picnic on the city wall or somewhere special…
And thanks for all the inspiration in France, I love the way you are travelling!
Darma
Oh wow Anne what a fantastic recommendation. We will certainly do exactly that. Will even eat it on the wall which we have yet to explore. Whilst in Paris we tried to emulate your shot in front of the Eiffel Tower – the picnic one. Unfortunately it had rained. So ground was wet and we only had chips and water. We were thinking of you and Big Bird constantly. Now nice to copy this memory in Lucca. Xxxx
Comments are Closed.