Cannes

Yesterday was a national holiday here in France (Ascension) so Irie didn't have school. We decided at the last minute to go to Cannes (our photos) since it's only 30 minutes down the tracks and the world's most well-known film festival was happening. When we arrived, at about 11:30 am, we walked around the Festival grounds, which are directly on and next to the bord de la mer. It was still early so not much was happening.
Lisa and Irie did some window-shopping, while I did some eye-rolling people watching. Cannes has an up-scale exclusive feel to it anytime, but especially now with all the movie stars and wannabe's in town. Plenty of gaudy glitz and interesting apparel, and later in the day (as we were heading to the train station) more tuxedos and gowns. Lots of big yachts out in the bay, and helicopters coming and going as well. We didn't take in any movies, but every night after dark they show a classic on the beach for free and that would have been fun to do.

We found a sushi restaurant for lunch and had our first sushi since we left the States. Good, but pricey. Then we hit the beach, which by mid-afternoon had to be the most crowded beach I've ever been on. Film Fest + National Holiday + warm sunny day = EVERYONE AT THE BEACH!
The water has really warmed up so we did plenty of swimming, more people-watching, and headed home. It's great to be able to hop on a train (for about $7 each) and take in a place like Cannes or Nice, but one day here was plenty. No we didn't see any stars (that we recognized at least), but when we saw big crowds we beelined in another direction.
Another example of what one can do living here on the Côte d'Azur.