French Riviera--part 2

Before I begin my tale, I want to explain that yesterday was a busy day (and I actually managed to do all the things on my agenda). I am finally in a crisis mode about getting a movie project done. My good (German) friend that knew Günter and I before we were married, is getting married herself in 2 weeks. I vollunteered (Why? Because, like pregnancy, I forgot how much trouble it was when I did my dad's life movie for his 70th birthday--which put on an extra 15 lbs that I haven't been able to shed) to do one of her and her fiance growing up and of them together. It was no easy task getting all the pictures from them and some music suggestions but I did and then I went on vacation. Vacation is for letting go of all the stress, right? I completely forgot about it and remembered it yesterday. I have to get it done in 2 weeks! Unless you have made movies yourself you don't know how many hours is involved and it can be a bit complicated. I use Ulead Video Studio and it has some quirks, I can assure you but it is the best I have. So last evening after the kids got to bed I started working on it. I am not sure what adrenalin kicked in but I couldn't stop until 1:30 am and only did then because I was scared about how I would manage the kids during the day. When I did go to bed I couldn't sleep until 3 am since I was obsessing and thinking about what to do with it. I should have just kept working on it if I wasn't going to sleep. It was a judgement call. I still have a lot to do but feel much better getting started and now I hope the momentum will carry me through so I am not doing this the night before her wedding!

Tuesday 8 July 2008 after we got up we went to the beach (of course)! The kids were starting to get the hang of being on a beach and I invited them to walk with me along the water to explore. There weren't any shells to collect and it was a bit hard walking on a slope and the sand really slows you down (remember how Chariots of Fire how he ran on the beach to strengthen?) but we made our way with Jenna crying and insisting on papa carrying her. We were a bit of a spectacle, I tell you. Anyhow on our way to the edge of the pier we walked past many beach areas owned by resturants and resorts. It was common for children and many adults to be nude. It is so intermingled that you can't avoid it. Children nude, I don't mind but wouldn't allow my kids to be that way (unless in our backyard--ha ha) but the adults...it wasn't baywatch, that is for sure! Mostly it is old fat women and men. I did see (couldn't help it) women that were unnaturally tan. I mean like dark leather. I didn't dare take a picture, but the memory will stay for a long time. I wondered why Michael Jackson wants to be white and these people want to be...black. Another thought that occured to me is that it hurts to be a woman (as if I din't know this every month and with child birth). I didn't intend to look at any of the nude people, but I couldn't help but notice when they were walking along the beach towards me that they didn't have hair anywhere but on their head, if you get my meaning! I wouldn't even notice the men if they were the same, because I have some modesty. Anyhow, it was a strange world on the beach!

After lunch and naps we decided to try out our bikes.

If you take all the trouble to bring them from Germany, you feel obligated... the road leaving our camping area was nice and flat but the main highway was uphill. I was quite ashamed of how belabored I was going up a small hill and thought of the people riding their bikes UP THE ALPS, it didn't make me feel any better. How out of shape I am. We did reach our destination, let the kids play a little while I went to the diving shop (our errand) and found out that there was only a few dives--a small wreck by the lighthouse and not many fish. I decided not to go because they required 3 things, 2 of which I didn't have (so I didn't go diving or even snorkling even though I brought my gear).
1. diving certificate and book
2. a doctors letter saying you can dive (not a general one saying you are in good health).
3. An insurance letter saying they cover diving injuries (should I be worried about decompression--surely not with these simple dives).

We planned to go to the Azur Amusement park but when we arrived we found it wasn't opened until 8 pm. In order to stall for time we went to McDonalds. When we returned we found that this amusement park was not one-price-for-all-rides (which I was hoping so the kids could jsut ride the little cars all evening) but you could buy a ticket for one ride on each of the kids rides. It was fun., especially as the evening got dark and the lights and smells made it all the more exciting.

Thekids rode these cars a few times (since it was empty the man let it run twice through the cycle).

There was a turtle train.

This was a fun house that Niki did really well.

But we had some problems with Jenna she was able to somewhat keep up with Niki but when they got to the 2nd level she got scared. She was stuck there and we kept yelling at Niki to go back and help Jenna. He did manage to figure out how to get to her but she still wouldn't go so a lady by us sent her older daughter (around 10 years) to help and Jenna was somehow able to get through but it was quite a lengthy "ride"for her! One funny thing was when the operator was trying to help out left her spot Niki came out and shot right through the entrance again without another ticket. It made me laugh.

Our pass had a ticket for the go-karts and the ticket guy didn't say our kids couldn't go on it, but when they got in they started pushing the gas and took off. We and the ticket guy were yelling at them to stop and he eventually pulled them back. He tried to keep it orderly, but with kids that is impossible. These karts went quite fast and got Günter a bit anxious. I just figured that they wouldn't allow them on if it was dangerous for their age.

A variety of other rides:

On the way out Günter wanted to ride the adult go-karts (an extra 8 euro). He did pass the girls but not the other guys. I guess he better not give up Engineering.

I want to put this picture in even though it isn't very good. For whatever reason I was drawn to this man. I think he dressed so classy (not very many people can get away with this) in white pants, white shoes and a navy sweater. By the way, the lady sitting there is one with the unnatural tan!

It was another enjoyable day and we busted the sleep schedule again.

On 9 July it was another beach morning--surprise! The kids were really getting "it" about enjoying hte beach. However, Günter has never really been to the beach growing up and didn't really enjoy it. Finally I had to give him some ideas of digging a big whole and helping the kids make castles.

The yatchs starting coming in.

Jenna made a friend with this French teacher (who spoke perfect English).

There were these sales guys wandering up and down the beach trying to sell beach covers and other things. One guy came over and eventually I got a white beaded cover for 10 euro but he was mad (why did he sell it then?) because I am sure he didn't get any profit.

Later I coached Günter on how to lay on the beach and listen to the waves and feel the warm sun and relax. After he took the kids back for a nap I stayed.

I did the same until I started feel like I was getting a sun burn despite the 30 SPF. Sure enough, Günter missed some places on my back and I was hurting any time I wore a bra!

That evening our little excursion was to the medieval village of Ramatuelle. It is a short drive from the beach up to the wooded area.

I went to some trouble to borrow umbrella strollers for the kids but Jenna wouldn't ride in it and insisted on riding on Günter's shoulders. In the end I had to push two empty strollers around.

This picturesque village had such a nice ambiance. There was a pedestrian zone with booths selling all kinds of foods (the olives and sweets were heavenly--we tried some) and wares. Provence is famous for its table clothes and lavendar we did end up buying two table clothes--one for me and one for my MIL (I'll post another time).

They even had some fun for kids:

Not just the cat, but also these musical instruments that were partly art partly practical. The kids loved finding them and using them. This one is with boots that each play a note.

This one is made with a ski pole and was like a xylaphone.

Jenna is one of the most social people I have ever met and here she was insisting her new friend go play with her.

We did have dinner there (pizza) where I had the stinky cheese (picture posted under French food).

On the way back to the car we found this interactive park for kids. They had fun games.

On the way "home" we drove through the other medieval town close by called Gassin. You can go on that site and click on photothèque for pictures of the village.

There are a lot of resturants and hotels, but we only saw the narrow winding roads. And we went bed to get to bed!

Posted by Krista at July 24, 2008 06:16 PM