Nice, Nice, Very Nice

The title was an early hit song for Ambrosia, an LA-based progressive rock band, in about 1971.  And, while it refers to the word "nice" (not Nice like this place), the sentiment fits our extra 3 days here on the French Riviera.

St Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral

Today (Friday) was pretty relaxed.   We had a nice breakfast and then took a cab to the Russian Orthodox church we saw on yesterday's tour .  . . just as the bus whizzed by it.  Today we had a chance to look around at what is the largest Orthodox church outside of Russia, built by Russians on the spot that Nicholas I died of an unknown illness in the late nineteenth century.  It was opened in 1912 thanks to the generosity of his son, Csar Nicholas II, who was killed a few short years later as part of the Russian revolution.

On the way in was a clearly marked sign that showed, in symbols, no video/no photography/no eating or drinking, etc.   The problem was that I missed the sign, so about three or four photos into the inner sanctum and at the beginning of a service being held, a young Russian "security" officer came over and said "Twice, o.k. Three times and you're out!" and he wasn't saying it with a smile.  So, Cheryl and I turned and left and only then, on the way out, did I see the sign.  I felt bad about it all day, but hey, people make mistakes.

Ray, Cheryl, and I walked the several blocks back toward the English Promenade and then along it, surveying the beach and the blue, blue, blue Mediterranean.  Magnificent hotels from yesteryear and well-kempt throughout the ensuing decades, lined the Promenade des Anglais.  One of these, the Hotel Negresco, was particularly interesting.

Opened in 1912 by Romanian Alexander Negrescu, it was meant for the wealthiest of society.  It features a spectacular Baccarat 16,309-crystal chandelier in the Negresco's Royal Lounge as commissioned by Czar Nicholas II who, due to the October revolution in Russia, was unable to take delivery.   Today's owner is Madame Jeanne Augier ,  She's 95 years old and has no family to leave this magnificent hotel to as part of her estate. 

Instead, her will bequeaths it to France's SPCA for the ongoing benefit for their animals.  That should provide quite a nest egg for the care of defenseless creatures all over France for many years.

Arriving at our hotel, we decided that it was the right time for a nap, so that occupied the next couple hours.  We arose for dinner and went back to the "Old City" where we had a lovely dinner at  Bistro Romain, followed by a stroll home (back to the hotel).

Tomorrow (Saturday), we leave Nice at 11:30 a.m., land in JFK with a long layover, and hope by 8:30 pm to be landing in good ole' Columbus, Ohio.   Can't wait to be home and pick up Gracie Lou Freebush Mace.   I'll probably write one more post to sum up the trip after having a bit of time to reflect on it, so don't hesitate to check back in a couple days.