Mediterranean Sea from the Palace of Monaco.
My first two weeks in Aix en Provence, France, have been absolutely amazing and absolutely terrible!
Living in southern France gives me fast, affordable access to extravagant cities along the Mediterranean Sea. I spent last weekend with IAU students exploring the French Riviera (Cote d’Azur, in French). We traveled from Nice to Monaco to Eze.
First stop: Nice. It’s not yacht season quite yet, but many Nice residents found other ways to enjoy mild temps this Saturday. Some jogged along the Sea. Some visited the Musee d’Art Modern et d’Art Contemporain (Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art). Others spent the day shopping at high-end retailers, Luis Vuitton, Longchamp, Galeries Lafayette, just to name a few.
Living in southern France gives me fast, affordable access to extravagant cities along the Mediterranean Sea. I spent last weekend with IAU students exploring the French Riviera (Cote d’Azur, in French). We traveled from Nice to Monaco to Eze.
First stop: Nice. It’s not yacht season quite yet, but many Nice residents found other ways to enjoy mild temps this Saturday. Some jogged along the Sea. Some visited the Musee d’Art Modern et d’Art Contemporain (Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art). Others spent the day shopping at high-end retailers, Luis Vuitton, Longchamp, Galeries Lafayette, just to name a few.
Waterfall at the height of Le Chateau, Nice
My friends and I sipped wine as we caught the breeze along the shore. Then we climbed the steps of Le Colline du Chateau (the hill of the castle), which ascends 302 feet to overlook the Cote d’Azur. The Chateau was the first settled land of Nice. We took pictures throughout our climb and admired the serene waterfall at the top of the hill.
My favorite place in the Riviera is Monaco! Monaco is a haven for wealthy spenders. Saturday night we tried our luck at Monte Carlo Casino. Unfortunately, losses outnumbered wins for IAU that night. One classmate won 30 euros (approx. $40), while another walked away with 75 euros (approx. $100) less than he started with.
Monte Carlo Casino, Monaco
Prince Albert II currently rules the sovereign state. He resides in Monaco’s breathtaking palace. The palace was built 822 years ago. It covers over 400 acres and serves as a museum for tourists to learn about its rich history. As a sovereign state, Monaco has no property taxes, and profits from Monte Carlo and tourism.
Finally, we stopped at Eze, France, home of most noses. “Noses,” in regard to the professionals who dedicate their lives to testing and smelling scents to create the world’s greatest fragrances. We visited Fragonard Parfumeur (perfume factory), where a tour guide explained the importance of the “noses,” and the process of fragrance making from start to finish. We were able to buy some of the world’s finest perfumes after the tour. Of course, I was satisfied with the free sample of Violette.
Finally, we stopped at Eze, France, home of most noses. “Noses,” in regard to the professionals who dedicate their lives to testing and smelling scents to create the world’s greatest fragrances. We visited Fragonard Parfumeur (perfume factory), where a tour guide explained the importance of the “noses,” and the process of fragrance making from start to finish. We were able to buy some of the world’s finest perfumes after the tour. Of course, I was satisfied with the free sample of Violette.
Statue of Christ in St. Nicholas Cathedral, Monaco
I’ve walked on the land of billionaires, what can be so terrible about that? Unfortunately, I’m not writing this entry from the Prince’s Palace, or Monte Carlo, or the Mediterranean’s Seashore. I’m writing it from my sickbed.
At least ten IAU students are sick right now. (That’s 10% of the school!) After tossing and turning Thursday night, Friday morning I woke up with a fever, cough, chills, back pain and breathing trouble. After Friday’s class I slept until dinner and went to the doctor Saturday morning. The doctor spoke a small amount of English, but we were able to understand each other. He explained my symptoms weren’t serious. He gave me Albuterol inhalers, nasal spray and medicine for the fever.
I felt a lot better after resting all day Saturday, so I decided to go to mass at the Saint Savieur Cathedral Sunday morning. I bundled up and made my way down the hill, but le mistrel (heavy wind, common in Aix), made it hard for me to breath. The poor heat ventilation and fumes from burning incents in the cathedral challenged my breathing once again. I was cold, and couldn’t stop sneezing. Sadly, my trip to church worsened my cold. I returned home with a terrible migraine and relentless sneezing.
Each time I walk home after school, I’ve noticed I have trouble breathing. I’m assuming the pollution from excessive tobacco smoke and the exhaustion of the diesel fuel causes my shortness of breath. I’ll have to get used to it, because I’m not going anywhere, anytime soon!
Along with cultural adaptation, my immunity must also adjust to living in a new environment. Adapting to weather changes, different pollution, travelling, and classes, all while living thousands of miles away from home, is pretty stressful. This cold won’t make me forget the amazing opportunities France has to offer. The absolutely amazing adventures outweigh this absolutely terrible cold. I’m sure I’ll be back to the exploring in no time!
At least ten IAU students are sick right now. (That’s 10% of the school!) After tossing and turning Thursday night, Friday morning I woke up with a fever, cough, chills, back pain and breathing trouble. After Friday’s class I slept until dinner and went to the doctor Saturday morning. The doctor spoke a small amount of English, but we were able to understand each other. He explained my symptoms weren’t serious. He gave me Albuterol inhalers, nasal spray and medicine for the fever.
I felt a lot better after resting all day Saturday, so I decided to go to mass at the Saint Savieur Cathedral Sunday morning. I bundled up and made my way down the hill, but le mistrel (heavy wind, common in Aix), made it hard for me to breath. The poor heat ventilation and fumes from burning incents in the cathedral challenged my breathing once again. I was cold, and couldn’t stop sneezing. Sadly, my trip to church worsened my cold. I returned home with a terrible migraine and relentless sneezing.
Each time I walk home after school, I’ve noticed I have trouble breathing. I’m assuming the pollution from excessive tobacco smoke and the exhaustion of the diesel fuel causes my shortness of breath. I’ll have to get used to it, because I’m not going anywhere, anytime soon!
Along with cultural adaptation, my immunity must also adjust to living in a new environment. Adapting to weather changes, different pollution, travelling, and classes, all while living thousands of miles away from home, is pretty stressful. This cold won’t make me forget the amazing opportunities France has to offer. The absolutely amazing adventures outweigh this absolutely terrible cold. I’m sure I’ll be back to the exploring in no time!