French Riviera Escapades

Middle of June was quite hot in Nice and it was apt to roam around the favorite city tourists wanted to roam every summertime. I was lucky to be here and I gladly like it. 

After spending three days at Aix-en-Provence with my friends living there, my hunger for their company was already quenched and we spend endless days and nights reminiscing our friendship from ten years ago. It was a bittersweet reunion and I liked it.

Taking a Flixbus going to Nice was the most convenient for me but other alternative like the train was only pretty much handy but I opted for the bus. It was a smooth ride.

Checking in at Exupery Hostel was a breeze and I immediately settle din. I met a guy from Canada and we immediately clicked well. I dropped my luggage at the room and then I started to roam Nice. The city was old but fashionable. A lot of tourists but it's still manageable to roam at. 

I started at the main square where the Apollo Fountain was and  then went to the market to browse the stalls and then headed to the beach which was crowded with tourists. It was hot in that afternoon and breezy at the seaside. I walked  to the other side and saw the marina there then I came back to take the stairs for a scenic view of the beach and the city. I took a lot of pictures and they walked around the vicinity.

After the stroll, I decided to go back to the hostel to freshen up and then went out to find a decent dinner at the market street. I had a grilled dorade and white wine. It was a sumptuous dinner indeed. I went back to the hostel after that and rested for the next day activities.

Amalfi Coast And Puglia Vacation

Early this Summer, I embarked on a two week vacation to Amalfi Coast and Puglia Region of Italy together with my best friend Ludy and and her family. It was the most memorable vacation I have ever had. I am so pleased that my friend let me join their vacation, and as a freeloader (hehehe is what I have described myself) it was fun to do it in groups rather than by myself,

I flew to Rome and then took an express train from Fiumicino Airport to Naples. The train ride lasted for 2 hours and to me it was just a breeze. When I arrived in Naples Central Station it was close to midnight. Naples at night felt like an eerie place because the piazza was filled with black migrants and it was very scary.

I have to look for my hotel which was just a few stone throw away from the train station. I dragged my luggage while walking towards the hotel nervously skimming my cellphone at Google map to guide me for the direction to the hotel. Fortunately, I found the hotel after several turns, bends, and alleyways. Phew!

I checked in at the hotel and then went up to the room and then went down again to ask the receptionist where's the best to eat during that time. I was so famished because I have the eat two meals and had skipped breakfast and lunch. 

The receptionist recommended me a pasta restaurant across the street which was still open at that time. I ordered half-a-dozen of fresh oysters and a pizza. Naples reputation for the pizza was been heard worldwide that is why I have to try even just one since I am there and by tomorrow I will transfer to Amalfi Coast so it was the right time to indulge myself of pizza at that time.

The pizza was called San Rafael and it was awesomely delicious. That when I finished  the last slice I still went licking my fingers because it was  crazily yummy. Yeah, Naples really live up to its name and had proved to myself that their pizza was topnotch. I am glad I made a decision to have one for it was just that moment that this rare opportunity can come into fruition. 

After dinner, I went back to my hotel since walking at Plaza Garibaldi at that time looks dangerous because the plaza was eerily dark. In my  fatigue, I didn't even realized I made myself vulnerable to fall asleep.

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The following day, I woke up early and prepared myself to meet the gang at the train station so that we can be together for a long ride to Amalfi Coast. It was a promising morning so I decided to take my time and just enjoy the vibe that Naples had imparted to me upon my arrival last night.