I have been inspired by Alan's travels to Copenhagen to document my own observations about Nice. Here are my top 10:
1. Although Nice is situated right on the Cote d'Azur, it is not at all flat. In fact, you are either going straight up or straight down once you move away from the water. People appear to be very fit here as a result, especially the runners and cyclists, of which there are plenty. Lots of pro team riders here too, which I've never seen in person before. Apparently, all the cool kids train here!
2. Having coffee is all about the conversation. One stands and stirs and stirs and stirs while chatting for about 10 minutes. Then you shoot the espresso back and "en y vas".
3. "Politesse" or politeness is a real thing here and is almost mandatory. The French always greet one another, usually with hugs and kisses, and always say good bye. The kisses and hugs can be confusing. How long do you have to know someone before you are expected to exchange hugs and kisses? How many kisses - 2 or is it 3? Should your lips actually touch their cheek or is it more of a gesture? It can be an awkward dance if you are not certain, or if you hesitate.
4. Cars and cyclists tend to drive or ride in a jumble rather than any sort of organized formation. It can be very unsettling for those of us who are used to order and discipline in a pack!
5. The toilets here are highly suspect and idiosyncratic. You watch with nervous anticipation as the water swirls and swirls, never quite sure if even the toilet paper will disappear. Highly unsettling for those of us who are used to high energy toilets that would have no problem swallowing a bowl full of golf balls! In many stores you actually have to pay to use the washrooms.
6. Cyclists pretty much rule the road and have little regard for rules. To my dismay and discomfort, my guide never hesitates to split the lane (ride down the middle between two single lanes of opposing traffic). Apparently it is common practice in the congested, narrow streets around here, but I'm too nervous to attempt it.
7. It is a very socialist country with a bloated and inefficient work force. For example, police officers usually travel in 4s rather than 2s, not because of increased crime but because, um...I'm not sure why. And city workers are found in groups of 6 or more where 2 would do. And yet, the roads are still in desperate need of repair.
8. There are beautiful, well kept bike lanes that bypass the multitudes of traffic lights, but there is a 20K speed limit that is strictly enforced by groups of police offers on segways doling out $70 euro fines rendering the bike lanes unusable for real cyclists. We're therefore forced to ride on the congested, narrow roads with the chaotic traffic.
9. Lots of fruits and vegetables grow all year round here so that the produce tastes like it should, even in January.
10. Cyclists here where a lot clothes. Apparently, 9 Celsius and sunny is a cold winter day in Nice requiring long tights, hats, winter jackets, long fingered gloves, and booties. Steve would not be amused.
Tomorrow is shopping in Monaco followed by dinner in Cannes. Life is pretty rough here
