My favorite days

Day #5 

I had expected to have an amazing nights sleep, due to the fact that there were six pillows on my bed as well as relaxing oils and sprays on the nightstand. I was wrong. Crap sleep for Pam. I didn't mind though because I woke up the happiest I had been on this trip. I no longer felt sad about the phone. I felt thankful to be with this wonderful group of people and to be visiting these exquisitely beautiful places. Such a blessing. #blessed

Today we travelled to Nimes, home to an ancient Roman arena. What an amazing structure. Walking through, we saw the very spots, where hundreds of years ago many, many, many people were killed, either by lion or gladiator. 

We then walked around the city of Nimes and stopped for lunch. I enjoyed a cheese pizza and a pitcher of Rosè. I could really get used to having wine in the middle of the day! 

Next stop, Pont du Gard. French for "bridge over the Gardon River" this Roman aqueduct was built 2000 years ago, in the 1st century. Holy crap was it awesome. Pamcakes even did a little  hiking with flip flops on! It was so beautiful. I'd really like to visit again. Maybe next time with sneakers and a fella ;) The views from the tops of the hills were amazing. 

That evening, we arrived in Nice. I loved, loved, loved my hotel: Hotel Nice Excelsior. Each floor had a different theme associated with transportation. My floor was automobiles. The rooms were wonderfully weird and I even had a balcony!

I arrived in the lobby early for our quick walk about so the concierge gave me a tour of the garden courtyard. Tres Jolie! Very beautiful! Afterwards, I made a mental note to enjoy some wine there later. 

After our walk about, Jen, Bree and myself found a place to eat around Place Masséna. I wish I could remember the name! I enjoyed a plate of cheese (go big or go home right!?) and a few glasses of Rosè. What I enjoyed the most though, was Maxime, our waiter. It only lasted but a night, but his memory will live on forever. ❤️ With a belly full of wine and cheese, I was ready for sleep. 

Day #6

What a wonderful nights sleep I got! I slept like a log in my quirky little room. I awoke with a smile. This was the day I had been waiting for: villas of Cap Ferrat and Monaco! I could not wait. Our first stop was the Villa Ephrussi. Some Beatrice chick lived there in 1905 and designed 9 different gardens, filled with a plethora of types of flowers and plants as well as gorgeous views of the Mediterranean Sea.  Simply stunning. 

We headed next to yet another villa: Villa Kerylos. Built in 1903, I barely walked around inside because I was so captivated by beauty around the building.  With its breathtaking views and beautiful seascapes, this was seriously the most beautiful place I have ever been to in my entire life. At one point, I sat on a bench and just took a moment to to acknowledge how thankful and blessed I felt. Such a dork. 

We made it back to the hotel with a few hours to kill before Monaco. While my camera charged, I joined some friends for cava in the beautiful courtyard. A lovely time was had by all. Soon enough it was time to get all dolled up and head to the principality of Monaco. What up Grace Kelly! I got teared up as we drove along the very road where my beloved Princess Grace lost her life in a car accident in 1982. So sad. Seeing the castle where she lived for 25 years was amazing. We stopped at the cathedral where she married Prince Rainier in 1956 and was subsequently laid to rest. So special. I can't believe I got to experience that. 

After dinner, it was off to the Casino in Monte Carlo. I expected it to be a little more lively, but it was still fun anyways. Bree, Jen, and I "enjoyed" some super expensive, yet crappy wine and did a little gambling. Unfortunately I didn't win anything but it didn't matter to me. This was by far my most favorite day of the trip. 

Side note: Every year, the streets of Monaco are transformed for the Grand Prix of Monaco. We happened to be there during this time. It was super cool to see the roads that will be raced on. I may even watch my first car race!