When the Sun Returns

While we have had a few bouts of rain and clouds, the sun is back again, give or take a few very large gusts of wind. Regardless, this means lots of time on the beach and visits to Saint Marguerite, an island off the coast of Cannes. We'll do a little picture book tale to sum up the past few days.

Well this doesn't have much to do with the sun, but Julia's parents visited and took us out to dinner for her birthday on Monday. This is the soup de poisson (fish soup) I had, which is a specialty in this area of France. It is the
fish-based broth of the well-known bouillabaisse, but without the whole pieces of fish and vegetables added. Instead you just add rouille (a type of spicy mustard) and hard bread. Quite tasty, if you like fish. 

On Saturday I took myself on what ended up being a two hour walk to find L'Hotel Belle Rives,
which is the name of the hotel where Scott Fitzgerald stayed when he lived in Juan les Pins (a little
town that is a 40 minute walk from Antibes.) It looks like quite the swanky hotel, but I'm hoping
to visit the Fitzgerald Piano Bar when my parents visit. 

On Saturday afternoon I spent a good 4 to 5 hours on the beach, with this view.
The picture really doesn't do the Alps justice, they stand out so crisply against
the sky. And this view of the Picasso museum is a classic view of Antibes that
appears on many post cards and paintings. 

And this is how you warm up one of your friends who spent too long swimming
in the Mediterranean, which is gorgeously blue but not quite warm enough for
too much swimming. We take care of each other on the Riviera. 

On Sunday we took a ferry ride to Saint Marguerite, the island-prison where
the famous Man in the Iron mask was held for 11 years. Its a fascinating story
that I suggest you read about, or watch the movie. 

These red poppies are popping up all over the place, even on the
train tracks in Antibes. 

It was very windy on the island, but particularly on this side.
So many white caps, but on this other beach...

...the water was much calmer, which allowed for a performance
from a CEA girl band. They're fantastic. ;)

It also made great weather for bubble-blowing, made possible by
my parents and their thoughtful care packaging. The bubbles are a big hit.