The night after my last blog post, Jerome took me to Vieux
Nice—the old, touristy part of town. We drove to the city center and walked to
this park that overlooks the whole city and has gorgeous views of La Méditerraneé
and Le Promenade des Anglais—the main strip. Afterwards, we hiked back down to
the ocean and “took a bath in the sea” as Jerome would say. The “beach” had
these awful, big pebbles that were so uncomfortable to walk on and made it
completely awkward to walk down to the sea with the steep incline. Once in the
water, is was nice. Beautiful and clear. We then sat on the stony beach for a
while enjoying the sunset. Then we set off for something to eat. Jerome had a
specific restaurant in mind, so we headed there. I was soooo starving by that
time (I feel like I always am here), so I was excited for a good meal. I
ordered in French, and the waitress congratulated me since she could tell I was
American. My meal was completely AMAZING! I ordered a ravioli dish that
apparently was a classic dish from Nice. I took a picture, but it doesn’t do it
justice—oh well. But it had ricotta cheese, pesto, pine nuts, and all sorts of
yummy things.
We then went to two bars that Jerome likes to go too. He
bought us a shot he wanted me to try called a White Rocker where you take the
normal shot, then eat this flower that makes your mouth all tingly, and then
you take another shot of the same thing, and it tastes a lot more intense. It
was a cool experience. We headed home afterward and went to sleep at some early
hour in the morning.
The next day I met Jerome’s parents. I had anticipated this
for so long, and of course was worried. I was worried for no reason (as usual),
and they have been completely welcoming towards me. I have been practicing
French with them, but they speak English as well thankfully. Two of Jerome’s
friends came over as well and we swam in the pool and played the classic French
game of pétanque—to put it simply you throw your balls at a small, yellow one
and score points.
Then Jerome had a concert that night—his last one before he
moves to Paris. It was a lot of fun! I sat with his mom most of the time, and I
really enjoyed the music. They play cover songs, so I knew most of them. A of
his friends were there, and we hung out after the concert. Everyone has been so
nice to me here; I didn’t expect anything less, but I still really appreciate
all the hospitality. They all think I am
too cute with my accent and make me say funny phrases sometimes, which I find
funny as well seeing their reactions.
Now it is the next day. I had a big lunch with Jerome and
his parents. They cooked fish (whole fish), rice, a salad with cheese, apples,
and all sorts of things, and of course bread. It was super yummy. I am not used
to eating a big lunch, though, but it is a nice change. His parents asked me a
few differences I have noticed between our cultures, and the first thing I
mentioned was eating here is an experience. As an American, we eat for energy,
but here it is all about the company you share the meal with along with what
you are eating. It is a nice change of pace, and I love how the French love and
appreciate the food here. I am going to become incredibly spoiled.
Later today, I am going rock climbing! This is the mountain
I am going to climb—well a small portion at least, and this is the view I see
every day. Quite amazing to say the least!
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