september 5, 2007 wednesday

OK, let's recap our 2 weeks on the French Riviera. By the way, for those of you who have heard Susan utter her now-famous line - "I only swim in the Mediteranean" - it is still true and she did go in a few times, but then quickly got back to the tanning. And no, I can't show you pictures of a tan Susan.  A: I'm not a good enough photographer to capture it, B: You need to see her in person for the full, shocking effect. Then again, it will probably wear off  during the airplane rides home.  This is the beach at St. Maxime, where we stayed for 6 nights. I went for 5 great rides in the mountains above the coast, while Susan ... that's right, tanned it up.

This is the bouncey, bungy ride on the beach. "It mesmerized me," Susan was heard to say as she climbed out of the water.

From St. Maxime, we headed to a trailer park at the edge of Port Gramaud, where we met up with the crazy Coreys: Deb and Ken and the kids. The accommodations were a bit tight and effected my morning ritual, but we compensated by drinking more wine than normal and it was a lot of fun to see everyone. I still got to ride and, knowing the end was near, made the most of it. Here I am at the start of my very last ride (a 70-miler up in the mountains). Notice how skinny I look! It's from all the riding and, due to the value of the dollar, not having enough money for both of us to eat  dinner every night.

Then it was on to Nice, where Susan once again swam in the Mediteranean. For those of you not in on the joke, for some reason Susan was once describing one of our trips and actually said "I only swim in the Mediteranean." It sounded as snobby as you'd think, but what we think she meant was that the water in New Jersey is too cold for her. Then again, she is a bit snobby.

But she's also a great photographer - and here's a shot near the port in Nice where we think we saw the yacht of the King of Monaco.

This is me, headed for the beach. I know, it's strange to see me without a bike. Am I musing about my bike too much?

This is just to remind you where we are (yeah, still France). From Nice, after 3 great days, we took the TGV to...

Paris. We'll provide more details on Paris ("I only eat snails in Pris," Susan was heard to say) in our next post, hopefully tomorrow. And Susan wants to know why none of her stinking relatives have responded to our last post. Joyce, Tor, Linda, Wayne, what's the deal? Too busy to write? Everyone in my family, including the black sheep (Howard) have responded.

Comments

[Arlene Wartenberg]

Dear Snobby Susan and Bike-less Steve,
Don't want to show up "the other side" but couldn't resist after seeing the new pictures. WOW! They are gorgeous. They make us want to return to France - which we will probably do when Deb, Ken, and the kids (those Crazy Coreys) return to the trailer park. We were already warned the space is cramped - but what the heck.
Enjoy the last few days in Paris.
Love, Mom and Dad

[Lin]

I love the pics. Sue Holglizing the eiffel tower. Mom and I and Wes are off to Piney Point tommorrow....I may Holgasize it. Love u travel safe and welcome home

[Otto K.]

I was thinking the same thing as Lin. We are going to get a Holga of the Eiffel Tower from Susan...yay. Glad to see you are having fun, of course.

[susan]

you mean you are not home yet? sign me up for your job.

[Lin/Joyce]

This is your Mom, Susan, on Lin's computer.
I've been here since I don't remember when, and will leave for Calif. on Monday, Sept 10

I have been reading your blog but not commenting. Sorry. Steve doesn't need to call us "a stinky family."
Went to Piney Point yesterday with Wes and Linda. Very nice day. That will be my last trip.
Today I'm alone here. Toby outside and can't come in. He caught and was eating a squirrel and Den said don't let him in today.
Yuk.
Okay, love you bushels
MOM

[bryan and possibly michelle]

I am glad you finished your trip with some luxury and relaxation - great highlights in your hair , by the by. I am guessing you are airborne at the moment. Love these final shots.