Day 26 - Nov. 8 - Off to France

After a light breakfast (we already miss the semmel rolls), we went for a walk along the water's edge. It was a sunny day about 54-degrees.

We briefly looked near the church to see if we could locate the house where we were supposed to have spent the week, but did not find it.

Check-out was 11 AM, and we were on the road. We encountered MANY bicycles (serious riders dressed in all their gear), and it was quite tricky maneuvering around them on the narrow, winding roads - especially when cars coming the other direction were also moving out of their lane to avoid bikers on their side. Even more challenging in tunnels! We passed through Laglio, two villages south of Argegno, the location of George Clooney's villa. He purchased it in 2002 for around US$10 million. Sad to say, we didn't have an invitation, nor did we see a glimpse of it.

Just before Como (the center of the silk industry ever since Marco Polo brought silk worms from China), the GPS routed us onto the autobahn toward Milan. I haven't mentioned that the GPS is very interesting, as it warns you of upcoming red light cameras and speed cameras, which seem to be everywhere.

Passing Malpensa Airport in Milan, we had to laugh as we recalled the time in 1976 when Ron was to pick me up there when I flew in from the States. We had just moved to Italy, and he didn't realize Milan had THREE airports, and went to the wrong one and was very harried that he would be late. Our wonderful dog, Patches, was with him and shaking like a leaf the entire drive from Vicenza.

After bypassing Genova, we left the autobahn and went into Arenzano, a busy coastal town. We hoped to find a cute place with nice view, and HATE not having access to internet while driving. We later learned that there are some very good places, but we had no way to know. We ended up parking and walking a few blocks along the Mediterranean and sat outside, as it was a pleasant 70 F, at the Ristorante Grecale. Ron had pizza and I had linguine with clams - OK, but nothing exceptional and service very slow. There was a "gedeck" (can't remember what it's called in Italian) of EU 1.50 per person for "bread and courtesies". The house white wine was a bit "fizzy" and tart. Later read pretty poor reviews!  The restaurant was directly on a rocky beach, and there were people in their bathing suits, and a couple actually swimming There were many Africans selling blankets, flowers, fake handbags, etc. and pestering everyone along the beach and one even approached us in the restaurant.

Linguine with clams

The day's minor drama involved paying tolls, which in France and Italy is done the old-fashioned way at a toll booth rather than with a "vignette". At each toll, Ron would insert his credit card and off we'd go. Until we reached France. We were in a line behind several cars and an 18-wheeler. The truck was having some problem, and we sat for ages. Finally, the cars in front of us managed to move to another line, leaving us room to do the same. When it was our turn to pay, the machine announced that our card was "not accepted". Tried different cards - same result - it wanted one with a chip. Ron tried putting in numerous coins, but didn't have enough. The machine would not seem to accept bills. Finally he found where to insert bills, but it would not accept the 5 EURO he put in.  By then people were as mad at us as they had been at the truck! At last, the machine accepted a 10 EURO bill.

Driving into another of the many tunnels along this route, Ron was going the speed limit (about 66 mph in tunnels) when a Porsche roared up behind, flashing his lights until Ron was able to pull over. The Porsche gunned the motor and shot off at about 100 mph.

When we reached our exit at Cagnes-sur-Mer, we were faced with another toll booth. This time we were in the line which allowed all manner of payment, but Ron was impatient waiting, and shifted one lane to the left. I could see that this line only accepted Telecard (like our EZ Pass), but before I could speak, he had moved. Once there, no way out! The only thing he could do was to press the button for assistance. Of course, people were honking their horns by then! A lady answered on the intercom and told us to wait a moment, and eventually came out and Ron paid her in cash. He was quite frazzled at that point!

It was only a few more miles to our destination, but on roads that were a bit tricky. The owner of the house, Susan, greeted us when we arrived and gave us a tour and explained how everything works. She had put some cheese, fruit, eggs, and juice in the fridge, left a fresh loaf of bread, and filled the freezer with ice. She and her husband were spending the night in the apartment on the lower level, and leaving in the morning. The house is very spacious (a totally different experience than Vienna), and beautifully and tastefully furnished. There is a lovely covered terrace and even a swimming pool. The view over Vence and St. Paul is lovely with twinkling lights. This evening there is a full moon, making the scene even more spectacular.

Ron in living room with a much-needed beverage after the toll experience

Dining Room

Television Room

Kitchen

Study

Main Bedroom

Dressing Area/Vanity off Bedroom

And so, we are settled in for the night in the hills above the French Riviera. We plan to relax and enjoy the house for a few days before embarking on any excursions. We have been told where to find the best baguettes, the tastiest rotisserie chickens, and everything we need to make ourselves at home.