Nice la Belle!
Nice, Nice la Belle as the French call her, the city is already starting to captivate our team with her azure sea (hence, the French name for the Riviera la Côte d’azur) and that Riviera essence that made writers like Fitzgerald swoon. Our team member John Urbanczyk writes of “the beauty of the water, a stunning two-tone of deep blue and turquoise, a constant mixture of languages surrounding you, the blending of the fresh sea air with innumerable wafting scents of the endless restaurants across the street creates an irresistible aroma that screams “paradise.” Continue reading about Nice as Emily Kundert describes below the famed, sun-soaked Promenade des Anglais. Photo credits, in order of appearance, to Rachel Schuttler for the first two images, John Urbanczyk, and Caitlyn Dabbs.
Nice is a town constantly bustling with the shuffling of feet and the roaring of engines – but this human activity can be seen in its greatest form along the Promenade des Anglais. The promenade spans nearly 8 km along the beach. Locals and tourists, some rollerblading and some strolling slowly, flood the walkway to enjoy the sea breeze and sunshine. Sunbathers line the rocky beach to take in as much of the sun as their bodies can handle while children play in the water nearby – their laughter echoing up and down the promenade. Those who aren’t sunbathing or walking can be seen seated upon the benches or walls that are littered throughout the promenade marveling at the beauty of the deep blue sea and listening to the crashing of the waves on shore. Across from the beach, small shops and restaurants overwhelm the promenade. Those who aren’t sunbathing can be seen hustling into stores or relaxing under the shade of restaurant patios. As walk further to the west, the crowd begins to thin out and the scenery becomes more breathtaking. Overall the promenade a bustling, yet peaceful place. Gazing out over the sea, everything around you seems to disappear and a state of self reflection seems to overcome you. It is this time on the promenade that you must not take for granted – it is a time you will never get back, but a time you will never forget.
