Nissa la Bella

The last weekends have been rather hectic, with visits to Egypt, Milan and the UK. So we decided it was time to take it easy for a change. So after a leisurely morning at the flat, we jumped on the train and headed down to Nice. The plan was to catch a film, have dinner and then meet up with the Mikko, Sami and Pete for some poker.



We took the opportunity to walk around Nice a bit in the afternoon, walking around in the old town we love so much. We had time to catch the sunset by the beach as well, a very pretty sight it was. On the way to the cinema, we decided to finally visit Palais Lascaris (I say finally, because it’s free!).



Apparently, it’s a typical example of the baroque architecture that dominates much of old Nice (most of the churches in the ‘hood at least are definitely very baroque…). I have to say I found it a bit disappointing. I mean, it’s interesting, kind of, but they could definitely do with a bit of funding. The place looks kind of ran-down. That will all change soon, perhaps, as they are apparently planning to house the 2nd-most important collection of musical instruments in France here!



The movie was a documentary set in India, about the children of prostitutes in Calcutta, who want to become photographers. Great stuff, and actually almost uplifting stuff considering the subject manner (I mean, compared to Kaurismäki, for example ;-). After the film we had dinner in Gesu, a real Nice institution (if Provencal cuisine tickles your taste buds). We had a very nice time – the food was good and the service was entertaining (with one of the waiters coming up with phrases like “s’il vous plait, sit down ici, monsieur”).



Unfortunately, the poker evening was cancelled due to two participants being incapacitated due to some Pastis-powered movie watching (I shall mention no names…). So we had a drink in Wayne's bar instead and took the train back to Cagnes.