Day 74 Travel Day

Sunday February 17th.

We arrived in Trieste this morning at 6:30am. We had a few passport checks during the early morning hours – I think it was Slovenia and Italy but not sure.

We start to explore our options and through a complicated process decide to catch a train to Milano via Meste. We have time for a Cappuccino before we head out.

On the train I start to read the France and Milan Lonely Planet entries. I am very concerned about heading to Milan. It sounds preys and we might not get to see the Last Supper – at least Pam assures me it is not fashion week which means the place is even more expensive and impossible to find lodging.

When we get to Meste we grab McDonalds – I feel guilty eating it but it also brings a little comfort to my day.

Pam decides to talk to the information lady. When she returns she has found out that it is Italian Fashion week – our worst nightmare.

Am has got some information regarding trains to Nice and Monaco.

On the trip we decide to try and catch the train that leaves for Nice 20 minutes after we are scheduled to arrive in Milano – we are going to skip Milano – I must admit I am not too disappointed.

The plan is I will take the girls and the luggage while Pam rushes to get the tickets and validates that if we miss the train the tickets should still be good for the one that leaves at 7pm and arrives at midnight.

We are skipping Monaco – and hope to find a room in Nice tonight – perhaps we will stay 2 days but right now the Plan is to rent a car and drive across the south of France – up the Atlantic to Mount St Michel and return the car in at Paris after a week. That will leave 4 days in Paris – It looks good on paper – let's see how well it executes!

I cannot believe how rabidly our return to the states is approaching –I am anxious as I want to see as much as we can but at the same time I am longing for the familiarity of my own country.

I start to study conversational French – this is important but I am also eyeing my Tolstoy novel which I have nearly devoured.

We arrived in Nice and discovered that it as Carnival there. Also, a very big celebration with floats and other various activities with the finale being the burning of the king of the carnival – the float representing the fairy tail character that is the theme and the king of the celebration.

Pam hits a couple places and on the second try finds vacancy – a few blocks from the train station.

We move our luggage and then go for our first French meal -a place with a set menu featuring BBQ meat – I get the chicken – it is very god.

Back to the room and to bed. The room is not great but it will do.

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