Nice Port and Castle hill

 Another sleep in this morning, we are not used to waking up at nearly 8AM, won't complain.

Slow start to hit the road today, but we are staying around Nice today anyway. Hit the road at about 10AM. Lots of changes are happening, streets are closed for Carnival even to pedestrians, the King and Queen floats have turned up as well. It is going to be a bit of a pain until we get this all figured out. We walked the furthest east on Promenade Des Anglais than we have yet, towards Castle Hill. We knew there was an elevator up, but weren't clear if it was running or not, this would impact our plans for how to tackle the hill. Lucked out, the elevator was running and only about a 15 minute wait to take it, it used to be the well and was converted to the elevator. Saved up going up about 80 meters.

The views walking to the elevator, and the view from the top of Castle Mountain were amazing. It is another beautiful sunny day, we even see a couple of people in swimming. 18 degrees. Lots of families up the mountain enjoying the park and places for kids to play. There are some old ruins and parts of the wall are still visible, including where cannons have hit the wall. Our plan was to walk down the back side of the mountain to Lympia Port, which is a gradual down slope. Stop along the way to look at a beautiful cemetery. We are also on the hill when the cannon goes off at noon from the hill. Loud.

At the bottom of the hill we decide it is time for lunch. We haven't eaten out since we have been here except a couple of take aways, we were due. Lots and lots of Italian places here so decided to try one that the patio was in the shade, the sun is strong and no umbrellas are up. I had their mushroom ravioli pasta, and had a blue cheese gnocchi, you hear that gnocchi is supposed to be pillowy, neither of us have ever had gnocchi like this before, wow.

Next off we continue on down to the Lympia Port. We had been in this area earlier in the week for a bus transfer but hadn't walked around yet. Andre spotted little boats from the lookout earlier so that is where we are headed. Not too much action in the port, it is a beautiful calm day surprised more people aren't out, but maybe these are boats that are just used in the summer here? Haven't mentioned the mega yachts, a couple of those parked here as well.

We walked back along Promenade Des Anglais around the hill, along with many other people. It will be interesting to see if there are these many people here during the week for carnival or if it is just a weekend thing. Lots of lots of police and army presence, after the terrible event of 2016 I can understand why so much police presence.

Back to the apartment for a rest then head out to watch sunset. Huge detour from what we planned because of closed roads, the first parade for carnival was this afternoon so lots more roads closed. Sat on the beach for a while along with more people than we have seen here. Lots and lots of people carrying mimosa flowers and confetti, I guess you throw then at the parade participants, we will see later next week what actually happens,

On the way back to the apartment decided to split on some Belgium fries, OK, but won't be rushing back.

Home now for the night, plans being made for tomorrow. 21,600steps, Yesterday we only did 17,500 steps as we sat on the bus lots.

Our neighbor across the street has a pet seagull. LOL

On our way to go up Castle Hill, where there used to be a castle but it was all torn down.

There are 3 tram lines in Nice

2 porta porty for about 1000 person, should be no problem

The king has arrived

And the Queen?? 

At the end of the Promenade

The promenade is 6 KM long all the way to the airport that is on the left side of the picture

Where you catch the elevator to go up Castle Hill otherwise the stairs behind.  We only had to wait 15 minutes for the elevator.

At the top now

Lots of stone mosaics

Port Lympia with 2 super yachts that are over 200 feet long and $50 million US each.

Some ruins

Old town

Snow on the Alps Mountain Peaks

Man made waterfalls

We did visit the cemetery but was not allowed to take pictures, this was from outside

Love the shutters

Now in the Nice section behind Port Lympia

Can you spot the fake window and the fake Window moldings

I may come home with long hair

At lunch

Free apitizers

I missed the steak tartare

2 Tintin exhibit in town, will go visit

Now at the port.

Loved the boat reflections

Old fishing boats, may only be for pleasure now, not sure

One of the mega yacht 

Many places to eat overlooking the port

War memorial

Many people on the beach but I imagine it's nothing like the summer

A few people were out for a swim. The water is super clear. May need to go in before we leave.

Lots of people walking the promenade

we walked thru old town to get home

This place is famous for socca

First Carnival Parade today.

Walk to see the sunset

So many people tonight, big lineup at this ice cream place

Opening parade cleanup, another one at 8:30 tonight

Sunset time

Casino

Do they know how many mussels I can eat

Not award winning fries but they were cut fresh and made fresh. 6.5 Euros