It's nice in Nice

Wednesday morning we packed up and headed to the Gare de Lyon train station to take the TGV to Nice. We had reserved seats, which meant that we were in a car with all older people:) But I didn't want to take a chance traveling with children....anyway, it took about 5 hours to travel through the French countryside and get to the French Riviera. It was an easy 10 minute walk to our rental company and I picked up the keys to our apartment for the next 10 days. Our apartment is fantastic...two bedrooms furnished by Ikea (bonus) and the piece de resistance....a roof top patio with an outdoor kitchen area and table. We can see the mediterranean, the mountains, and the roof tops of other buildings. This is where I am writing this post from. Coffee up here in the morning, wine in the evening...it is amazing.

We decided to make many of our own meals at home, so we went grocery shopping. It is fun for me to look at the different products they have here in France, while trying to reach in the recesses of my mind to recall French vocabulary (I have yet to find out what courgettes are). So far, Sean only likes croissants, bread, and orangina. Seth has tried the crepes, pizza, and tiramasu (although I kind of tricked him into that one...he thought he was sampling creme brulee, but the waiter brought the other dessert instead). By cooking at home we can make some family standards...such as chicken, spaghetti, grilled cheese, and pancakes with honey butter syrup.

We are located about 5 blocks from the beach, very close to the Hotel Negresco. The beach is rockey..but the water is a breathtaking shade of aqua marine....it is so bright and fabulous to look at. I simply adore being by the sea....the sound of the waves crashing, the breeze that cools the rays of the sun, and the peacfulness of it all.

And so here I ponder this morning as I look out over the city of Nice, with the mountains to my left and the sea to my right, and I am overcome with a sense of gratitude. Thankful to God for this wonderful creation, thankful to my family for being willing to take this adventure with me, and thankful to Our Saviors for allowing me to take this sabbatical.