Carol takes the plunge

Tuesday! What did we do today?

Well, we decided today was a Nice day (note the capitalisation) and also a day when I would attempt to get by without my crutches. Looking back, a degree of success on both fronts. It was also the day we decided to try the local delicacy - Socca.

After our usual slow start, we headed down to the port area by bus and proceeded to look for Chez Pipo, a restaurant we'd been told (by Timeo's parents - remember him?) was the best for Socca. We found it and found it didn't open until 5.30! So we set off for the town. Eventually, we came to Place Garibaldi, which had been coccooned in Heras fencing last time we were here during the completion of the tramway. On the corner, we found a cafe/restaurant that sold Socca, pissaladiere and beer - just the ticket. It turns out Socca is a pancake made with chick pea flour and olive oil - served with black pepper! Despite this, it actually tasted OK and was a good portion for lunch.

It was then time to hit the Promenade des Anglais. We promeneered for a while then we settled down for a lengthy stay near to Opera Plage (and conveniently close to the conveniences!). People watching is the thing to do here and there are lots of people worth watching.........for all sorts fo reasons! After a short while, Carol could resist the lure of the water no more so it was off to the public toilets to change into the gear. I decided my time was best spent in reserving our seats and looking after our belongings!

Off she went (with beach shoes on to protect her feet from the pebbles and sharp sand) and had what looked to be a fabulous time swimming up and down the beach for some 20 minutes or so. When she came back, she reported the water as "lovely" - she always does!! However, she admitted it was freezing to start with but then got better - I've heard that before, as well!

By now,we had decided we would stay in town until dinner time and then go to L'Acciardo, a little restaurant we had been to last time and which was highly recommended by Timeo's parents. We mooched about the old town, resting my foot on occasions (usually easing the pain with a beer or two!) before eventually reaching the restaurant.

Having made no reservation, we had to take pot luck and ended up on a table between 2 couples - on one side, a young French couple (he from Calais but now resident in Nice; she from Nice), on the other side, a couple from southern California, near San Diego. Good conversation flowed with the wine, intermixed French and English, and good food (petits farcis and foie de veau for Carol, assiette de charcuterie and foie de veau for me) - our Californian neighbour, Lawrence, also demonstrated how to make a red rose out of a red paper napkin. A good time had by all!

By the time we had finished, it was too late to catch the bus so we caught the tram to the gare and took a taxi home from there - a complete rip off at €10 but, hey, we were home!

Another good day and my foot seemed OK - we'll see in the morning!

Dormez bien!