Today we woke up bright and early at 6:30am (on vacation?...yup!) and looked out our cabin window to see this...
The view was incredible and I called the boys over to the window to watch the sunrise. It really was so breathtaking.
Tagg's first comment after looking out the window for a while was, "Uhhhh where's the eiffel tower? I don't see it? Isn't this FRANCE?" We died laughing at that one. I mean France is smallish, but not that small.
We got all ready for the day and then headed down to breakfast. It was so early we were one of the only families in the dining room, which was great. We filled up on yummy disney food and then headed down to catch a small boat from our big Disney boat to take us to the port of Villefranche.
The boat ride views were gorgeous. We docked and got off the little boat and on the ground to Villefranche. This little town is unbelievable and I honestly couldn't believe the sights. The french riviera is to die for.
I loved all the colorful, bright buildings and the way the town was built up on the hill...
We made our way to the train station and then proceeded to pretend that we could read French and buy five tickets to Nice. It was confusing to say the least, but we muddled through and succeeded in getting ourselves to Nice.
The train station in Nice.
We decided to walk from the station down to the pier and beach area, and it was quite the walk. But the architecture blew. me. away.
I am slightly in love with France. And yes I do feel a little guilty saying that. Like I am cheating on Italy in a way by admitting my affection for France. But I have to say it, the French really know how to show off. I love all the architecture, the shutters, the fine fancy details, the colors, the rod iron...it's all beautiful.
Palm trees!
We got to the main road and walked to the beach. It was about 9:00am still when we got there and nobody was out yet. But the water was beautiful, and I loved all the white umbrellas all in a row...
We walked along the boardwalk just taking all of Nice in. Nice is very nice...no doubt about it!
Carousel, they sure love them in France!
I loved this pretty pink building...
This is one thing I adore about Europe, their sweet little markets with pretty fruit and
veggies all in a row of baskets.
We walked along until we came to the "old town" and wandered around the streets here...
We came to an open market and decided to browse to see if we found anything fun to buy for souvenirs. I picked up this cute teapot and accidently dropped it a couple of inches. You would have thought by the way the stand keeper gasped that I just smashed it into bits. He muddled something in French at me very angry and I just smiled at him. Oh the French! Gotta love em! Or not...
We were all pretty hot by now as it was quickly becoming a very warm day so we stopped for some ice cream, because that is what you eat in Europe. They LOVE their ice cream! And so do my boys...
Classic Tagg, ice cream in one hand lollipop in the other...
We walked over to castle hill, which is exactly what it is called, a castle on the hill. The hill is steep, but don't worry, they have a lift to the top! I was very happy to see this as we had Tate in the buggy by now. Todd took the boys to walk to the top, and Tate and I took the lift.
Once we got out on the top of Castle Hill the view was INCREDIBLE. I couldn't stop gawking.
"I think I see my Dad!"
At the top of the hill there was this large playground which came in very handy for letting the kids run and play and get all their energy out.
Thatcher climbing...
Taters loved being out of the buggy and the backpack...who could blame him?
The views from up here were insane. I mean c'mon...really??!
That's a pretty fancy yacht down there! I wonder who might that be? James Bond no doubt! It seems he is always in the French Riviera...right?!
Todd spun the boys around on this spinning thing so much they got totally sick...but what are Dad's for if not to do this kind of stuff to their kids?
Here we all are in Nice...can hardly believe it really, who would've thunk?
After we played for a good amount of time we decided it was time to head back...
We went back to the center of town and found some souvenir shops and grabbed a few things.
We took the train back to Villefranche and found the little tender boat to take us back to the Disney Magic.
By now the boys were DYING to get back on the ship, and I am grateful we only did a half day excursion today. They were ready for some swimming and playing, and frankly so was I!
There she is!
Taters!
This kiddo is the best little world traveler around, let me tell ya!
We hardly hear a peep out of him, and he is so good natured about us lugging him around everywhere.
All smiles! This boy is such a blessing.
We ate a quick lunch and then I zipped off to the spa while the boys went swimming. The spa was heavenly and I loved every single second of it.
The boys had a blast swimming! Here is Tagg going down the slide...
So on the Magic there is the Aquadunk, which is basically a dropping kind of water slide. It is high on the top of the ship, and the boys were VERY nervous to do it once they saw it. Todd challenged them to go and so they went up...
And then they came right back down! They were too scared. Ha!
Here is the view from the ship looking over the whole Riviera. Insanity. So unbelievably gorgeous.
After I got back from the spa and the boys swimming we got ready for dinner. Dinner tonight was at Animator's Palate, which is such a fun restaurant! Everything is themed around animation, the decor starts out black and white, and gradually turns colorful during the evening. It is so fun!
The show at the end of dinner is finished off with Sorcerer Mickey!
After dinner we headed over to the Walt Disney Theater for the evening show which was a magic show. It was actually a great show and the magicians were really good. In the beginning they let the kids from the audience come up and examine the chest for one of the acts.
During the show they asked for volunteers and Tagg raised his hand and got picked! We were so shocked! He loved it and totally hammed it up and got lots of applause. If anyone can pull off something like that it is Tagg.
Tomorrow we are heading to Pisa and I am SO excited. I've never been and always wanted to go...
Today has been incredible. My heart is full as I go to bed tonight, love spending good fun time with the four people who I love most. Add a comment »
