Cannes, France

    There is nothing like sleeping to the sound of waves on a really comfortable bed.  I slept like a log.  We stop on the French Riviera at Cannes today.  Amanda’s aunt Barb suggested that we order breakfast in our room to save time when we were getting ready for a day of touring.  Our choice was pretty complete and breakfast came right on time.  I ate while Rick showered.  It is raining today so there isn't much to see as we dock at the port.
    Barb also suggested that since we are a big group we could hire a guide and a car just for ourselves rather than taking the ship tours.  She has a suggestion for a company in Rome.  I booked tours in Italy with them and they gave me information on a company to use in France.  As we left the ship to get to our tour it is just pouring.  Our tour guide was able to bring the car right close to the ship and has a couple big umbrellas for us.  I am so happy that we made this arrangement, especially on such a crummy day.
   Our guide took us on a winding drive along the cliffs of the Riviera.  We stopped at some great overlooks and then got to Monte Carlo where we walked around the casinos and saw a lot of expensive cars and luxury jewelry.  We walked the road where the famous race takes place – I don’t know how anyone can drive the narrow and winding streets.
    Our next stop was the Principality of Monaco high on the hill above Monte Carlo.  We ate at an outdoor café with an amazing view of the Mediterranean and ordered Salad Niçoise.  I have not had one since Jo and I were here in 1969.  Carter again had a little tummy trouble and Marlene and Amanda had to clean him up in a bathroom smaller than one on a plane.  Many adventures on this trip!  After lunch three nuns came by and saw Carter.  They were so taken with his happy smiles and played with him for quite a while.  They told us that they blessed him.  He just loved the attention.  He is doing really well adapting to this trip.
    After lunch we drove to the ancient town of Eze.  It is located on a high cliff 1,401 feet above sea level on the French Mediterranean.  The area grows flowers for perfumes and has dozens of varieties growing everywhere.  There were some beautiful shops including perfumeries.  Great views and photo opportunities.  Our ride back was sunny so we had even more spectacular views.  We didn't stop much so that we were sure to get back to the boat before it left port.  Carter and Rick napped all the way back.
    We had another wonderful family dinner in the formal dining room.  Our waiter remembered to get a high chair for Carter and had already ordered him green beans and pasta so he didn't have to wait.  Since he was not so tired and could eat right away he had a fine time at dinner.
     We went to be early – very tired from the busy day.  However, I found the ship library and got a couple books so I had a little time for ready before I dropped off to the sound of the waves.  The seas are very calm.  We feel no rocking at all which is good for Matt.  He has had no seasickness issues and is having lots of fun.