After such a long, sunny day yesterday, “we” were in desperate need of some rest (ok, ok… mostly just Becky), so we slept in this morning in Marseille, having booked an early afternoon train back to Nice. This gave us just enough time for a short stroll around the port, a little shopping, and a quick stop for doner kebab for lunch before we caught our train.

Our train ride was mostly uneventful, aside from an extended family on our car who were never taught to use headphones and indoor voices on public transportation. We arrived in Nice mildly annoyed but otherwise unscathed a few hours later and dropped off our luggage at our apartment before heading back out for a little more shopping. Since we only have a few days left of our trip, we have to get a little more serious about stocking up on anything we hope to bring back with us. Having accomplished one shopping mission, we came back to the hotel and changed into swim gear for a little trip to the beach.

We were hoping that by waiting until late afternoon/early evening on a Wednesday, we’d find the beach relatively empty, but alas there were still quite a few people. We managed to find a spot on the beach to spread out our towels and then headed into the water. The beaches in Nice (and other Riviera cities) are somewhat unique in that instead of sand, the beaches are made up of smooth rocks (pebble beaches). Many visitors dislike this but we’ve become somewhat fond of the rocks which, while unpleasant to walk on barefoot, are much less likely to come home with you in the creases of your swimwear and person.

We spent a pleasant couple of hours floating in the cool water, enjoying the setting sun, and not getting pick-pocketed (Becky was watching the few belongings we brought with us like a hawk the whole time she was in the water). Soon it was time for dinner, so we headed back to the apartment with Chuck making a detour to our favorite old town pizza stand.

Today’s Highlights

• Doner kebab
• Air conditioned train car
• A relaxing soak in the Riviera surf
• Hot stone massage on the beach
• Pizza
• Not getting pick-pocketed

Tomorrow’s Proposed Adventures

• Perhaps a train ride into Italy
• Possibly touring the Rothschild Mansion on Cap Ferrat
• A little more shopping
• Hopefully not getting pick-pocketed