26 March 2011: Nice Day Nine.

So let me recap on the very reason we find ourselves in Nice and some of the characters that have assembled here. It’s Marks 50^th birthday and his wish was to spend it Monaco (as you do). A few more have joined our troop but for the sake of everyone reading this blog, I will explain:

Dominique and Mark           The hosts.

Michelle and Steve              The tag alongs.

Georgina and Lucas            The brother and sister.

Gianina and Christian         The niece and Swiss husband.

Laureen, Brode                    The friends of the host.

and Ryan

And a finer bunch of people never was assembled in Nice for a more worthy occasion.

This morning we wandered down to the Marche Fleurs (Flower Market), which was an experience in itself. The colours and the produce were first class and the thing that struck me most was how neat everything was. They really do put a lot of time and effort into their presentation and as Michelle said, “they are very meticulous and proud of whatever they do”

As a group we decided that it was time to split up and go our own ways but decided we would all reconvene in the park across the road from our hotel for lunch. Michelle and I were the designated food purchasers and it was our job to remain in the market and but food for everyone. Didn’t mind that in the least as it gave us more time to stroll and get a better look at the individual stalls.

About thirty minutes into shopping, a five-piece band came through the market and stopped periodically to play some music. Couldn’t help but laugh when a guy stepped up beside them and started doing a little jig (see the video below). If we didn’t know we were in France by now then nothing would help us.

We all gathered again for lunch and I have to say it was like a good old Rhynehart picnic in the park like we used to have as kids on the Mornington Peninsula. The guys had purchased a few bottles of wine and some beer and we lazed around on the ground eating and drinking to our hearts content.

As it was going to be a big day for Mark’s birthday the next day, we decided on a quiet afternoon and did a little more shopping in a swanky department store not far from the Hotel. It was during that two hour jaunt that Michelle took numerous snaps of jewellery, linen and other gorgeous little goods with the view of launching her own label in Melbourne. I can just see it now Gucci, Hermes, Prada, Fendi and Misshell watch for it…….

Well, its late afternoon and I’ve done all my shopping and I’m ready for the ball. Got a quick score on the Collingwood game against Port Adelaide (something’s never change) and we are comfortable winners. Went to bed with a smile on my face.

Michelle has very rudely pointed out that I should write that had consumed a few too many beers late in the afternoon and that is the reason I went to bed early and smiling………for the record it was four and it was just that I was very tired from shopping…..