On Monday, June 15 I joined the Cru group from Marseilles on a day trip to Nice. It was planned as a mid-mission break and time for reflection for the group. I was on my own, since I am not directly involved in the mission project. My role is to support John and Karen as staff.

We boarded the train in the morning for the 2 1/2 hour ride along southern France. Beautiful vistas greeted us along the way. I’ll wager that we have seen the coastal road in quite a few movies, with the stars riding in convertibles and sports cars.

We saw several yachts cruising along the coast, but my eyes popped when I spotted this one.

A bit of online research revealed that this is the largest sailing vessel in the world, launched by Orient Express in their first maritime line in 140 years. It was recently completed, offering a suite for a three-night price of 17,700 euros! Make your reservation and hope it doesn’t rain…

We arrived at the train station in late morning. Quite a bit more ornate than your average Amtrak station.

Once again I’ll share a photo of my meal. I split a melon salad and a burrata pizza with one of the staff. Never had burrata before this trip. It’s kind of a very soft, fresh mozzarella cheese, mild and refreshing.

I had only two goals for the afternoon in Nice: the Marc Chagall museum and walking around the Old City. But it is not just about the destinations there. Everywhere you look, the city is absolutely beautiful.

Having found the Marc Chagall museum in my GPS, I made my way uphill through the city. It was a warm day, so I was pretty hot by the time I got there a half hour later. I kicked myself for not figuring out the transit system to avoid the trek. Oh well, lesson learned. Find the best way to get there before assuming the terrain is level.

The museum was inspiring. Chagall was a unique talent who lived long and contributed a lot to the culture. The exhibit included his drawings for The Firebird ballet, costumes and scenery. Several of his paintings based on biblical stories were also on display. His works make me think of dreams, connecting various ideas and images in his own interpretation of each story.

I took the bus back down to the Old City, where I wandered among the cobbled streets. I treated myself to a crêpe and ate the apple I picked up at a produce stand on my way to the station in the morning. Before meeting the group at the station I walked to the water’s edge to see yet another reason the French Riviera (la Côte d’Azur) is so popular. What a beautiful place, and I would love to return someday.

The days since my adventures away from Marseilles have been quiet. Not unpleasant, with occasional stops for pastries and a café au lait, and blessed time with family. I don’t sit around much, with cooking, doing laundry and caring for Sydney filling my days. I’m grateful for every part of it. It is June 19 as I post this. With nine more days in Marseille and two in Paris coming up, there will be more to tell. À la prochaine–until next time!