Spring break has officially come, and gone… And BOY was this adventure a fun one, with both my brother and my best friend {thanks to study abroad} by my side.
Nick arrived in Madrid on Friday evening {WAHOOOO} and of course my plan was to be standing outside the baggage claim and have a sign with his name on it, welcoming him to a country he's been wanting to visit forever; HOWEVER, of course I managed to get on a train that broke down three times on its way to the airport. That being said, I was running a tad bit late {sorry mama… I know you counted on me} BUT I did make it, and after running up to a random guy at first recording him thinking it was my brother, I managed to scout out my actual brother.
After our taxi ride back my hopes were to let nick rest a tad while I packed for our journey to the South of France in the morning and then eventually introduce him to the infamous mango margs {shoutout to Tepic}. We filled our stomachs with enough food and margaritas to last us until we were to arrive in the French Riviera the next day. After a long day of travel, Nick went straight to bed and then Megan and I covered ourselves in tanning mousse in order to appear WAY more bronzed than we actually were.
By eight in the morning, we were moving and already at the airport: destination… NICE, FRANCE!! Our hotel was about a twenty minute drive from the airport and it was STUNNING!! The water was crystal blue, the palm trees were lining the streets, the sidewalks were bustling, and the weather was perfect and sunny. We checked in, left our bags at the desk, and decided to scout our some yummy food… Our appetites however did not allow us to wander far, within just a couple of steps of our hotel, we managed to stumble upon one of the first restaurants located on the beach. Without our “spring break body” mentality while ordering food, we got ourself a large pizza to start out with and pina coladas.
By the time we finished our brunch, we headed back to the hotel where we finally got to see our room. We had a large room with a comfy bed {thank goodness} and a balcony with an amazing view of the Mediterranean. Within seconds of walking in, all of our shoes were off and we were all on the bed ready for our midday nap. Three hours passed, yet it seemed like we did not sleep at all, but I figured it would be best for us to get moving rather than waste away the day. With plans of walking around the shopping area in Nice, we were walking up and down the busy streets, just to find that all the shops closed early; however, with an atmosphere like the one we were in, shopping was NOT a necessity.
We made our way back to the boardwalk, watched the sunset, and then searched for more food {that was not strictly fish and steak… I know… I’m a picky eater… sorry future boyfriend if you're reading this}. Once again, we managed to find a place on the beach that was able to accommodate us. Stuffing our face with more carbs, more pina coladas, and dessert, the day went by so quickly.
The next day, we decided to explore a little bit on our own. We slept in a little bit, but not too late to waste away the day. We walked the boardwalk in search of food and lemme tell yah, Europeans really do not eat breakfast, so for me, that’s brutal. Our breakfast was just a croissant and tea or coffee {definitely not ideal for a Doder}; however, following breakfast we went to search for a lil path we had been told about that would lead us to a beautiful lookout of the town. After TONS of stairs, unpaved pathways, and winding, we made it to the top of a mountain. The people who told us about the view were not lying; Nice was absolutely gorgeous from a bird’s eye view!! ALSO, if one was to keep wandering the random paths, one was bound to end up at a park where only locals hang out. Kids running everywhere, people tightrope walking between trees, teens playing volleyball, couples having picnics, etc… And just a few more paths later, there was a beautiful, manmade, waterfall in the middle of the mountain.
By the time we finished our trek up the mountain, our workout was done for the day and we were ready for more pizza and pina coladas at the same beach restaurant we went to the prior day… CHEERS TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY WHO LOVE TO EAT!!
We wandered a little more, came across an “I Love Nice” sign, took touristy pictures, and then headed to the room to change into bathing suits. For about two hours we hung out on the rocky beach {fun fact: Nice doesn't have sandy beaches like California because there are no waves to grind up the rocks}. After laying out, which I really don't like doing due to boredom, I tried to get myself to hop into the inviting water; HOWEVER, the water was so stinkin cold… Probably as cold as Malibu during the winter {but luckily I have a wetsuit when I get in there}. I honestly have NO idea how people were able to swim laps in the icy water, but just like that, we were back in our room and getting ready for dinner {at the same place as the prior night… The pasta was just TOO good to pass up}.
The day following our own exploration, we were lucky enough to take part in an eight hour long tour of the whole French Riviera {that Megan had originally set up for her dad and her}. We were driven to different towns throughout the coast and got to take an hour to two hours at each stop to walk around, eat food, and wander in and out of stores. From the places that we stopped at, I would have to say that one of my favorites was Cannes which is where movie stars are infamous for being spotted AND there is incredible shopping {which of course is out of my price range BUT HEY, a girl can dream}. Also because the private tour took up the whole day, we had the chance to munch at other restaurants other than our two go- to places back near our hotel in Nice; however, we did return to our dinner spot for THE BEST pasta EVER!!
The next day we turned into a half day in order to check out and make our way to Monte Carlo, Monaco. We started our morning by going to the big farmer’s market just down the boardwalk, had a chance to smell all of the flowers, and look at all the spices. The assortment was amazing, yet we were only there for enough time to pass to give restaurants a chance to open because before we were going to make our way to Monaco, we wanted to have full stomachs. Although they weren't TOO full, we did indulge on crepes {talk about a beach body} and then we headed back to the hotel, got our luggage, and called an Uber. The drive was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING… We got SOOO lucky with a fun driver {who spoke English} and prior to our departure, he gave me the AUX cord {shoutout to the Chainsmokers for a fun ride}, and he offered to drive us the long scenic route. Along the way, he drove us up a winding mountain and had us get out of the car where we continued our adventure on an unexpected hike. We got to see the WHOLE French Riviera from where our driver took us, and it was stunning. Crazy to think that the entirety of the French Riviera is only twelve or thirteen miles!! By the time we made it to the Monte Carlo region, after about an hour and a half of exploring, we checked into our hotel and headed out to grab a bite of food and cocktails. I got a drink called “The Beach Boy,” because honestly, who physically needs a beach boy when you can have one with no feelings involved.
Following a few scoops of fresh gelato, we continued with our siesta, then got ready for the night. We were recommended by the front desk of the Monte Carlo Hotel Hermitage to go to a place called the Buddha Bar for dinner. It was about an eight minute walk from our hotel, near the Grand Casino and all of the shopping, and the atmosphere upon arrival was SO neat. The place was all dark red and burgundy hues and the lights were dimmed. The bar was at the entrance where hookah and couches were strategically placed and there was a DJ on a platform leading up to the second floor where all the food was. Granted I am not a big fan of sushi, and the place was mainly sushi, I managed to find a couple of other food items that quenched my taste buds. We took in the scenery and the taste of decadent food for a couple of hours and then headed back to our hotel. Along the way, we decided to take a pitstop at the Grand Casino just to check it out. Although we didn't fully go into where the tables were {because they charge you 10 euros upon entry}, it was NOTHING like I had expected. It was very old fashioned, not as big as I had thought, and not as regal as what I had in mind.
Another day in Monte Carlo, and thank goodness for my mama back in the United States having time to look up things to do… Or at least things that two college students and one graduate could afford. The life of a person living in Monte Carlo is one LUXURIOUS life. Not planning on hiking up tons of hills and mountains, that is EXACTLY what we did. Having the opportunity to walk on the track where the Monte Carlo Grand Prix takes place and watching as they were in the process of setting up the track and bleachers. HOW COOL IS THAT?!? How many people can say THEY walked on THAT track just before the race took place?!
As we continued our adventure, WE were on the Palace of Monaco. Covered in flowers, looking right over the ocean; it was STUNNING. Then, we finally made it to the very top of the mountain. Crowds of people, on tours or just with families, looking at all the attractions: the church, the palace, the scenery, and the aquarium and underwater museum. If after reading that list of attractions, you bet we did them all!! We walked through the gorgeous church and had the chance to check out the museum and aquarium. It was neat having the chance to read about the wildlife {because if you didn't know, after taking environmental science in high school, that was a major I was looking at pursuing}. Following our tourism, we were all running on empty bellies, so on our way back down the mountain to our hotel, we came across a local diner. Each indulging in our own HUGE pizza {no doubt coming back with an abroad bod}, and of course making conversation with some random man from Ireland… Which I blame Nick for, because just like our dad, he LOVES to strike up conversations. However, this was NOT a normal conversation… Apparently the diner knew this man much too well and offered to move us because he was a chatterbox. First telling ME that “[I’m] not good enough for [him]” and then telling me to call him when I'm older. Let me tell you though, this man was missing teeth, had white hair, was super chubby, and just NOT my type. Finally making our way down a little bit more, we stopped at a rooftop Starbucks and got tea and cookies {OF COURSE Monte Carlo would have a rooftop Starbucks}, and then made it back to our hotel where Nick worked on some of his business stuff and Megan and I watched a movie. After resting up, we made our way to a yummy dinner by the water and once again ended up at the Grand Casino, but this time went in. Although Megan and I did not play, it was entertaining to watch, and sadly Nick lost a few rounds of roulette that night.
On Megan’s last full day with us {because she was heading back to Madrid the next afternoon to meet her mama}, we started our day at the spa. Although the weather wasn't hot, we got to swim a little bit and then we hung out on the main balcony where we indulged in some pastries. Because we didn't want to waste away our day, we went back to our room to wash up and get ready to head out for the afternoon. We stumbled upon another local restaurant that was underground, feasted on gnocchi, walked to the old car museum, and then walked down to the boat landing. Surprisingly, looking at cars was very entertaining. The hot pink Mercedes was one of my favorites, as was the light blue Nash Healey. It was actually intriguing getting to see the progression of cars throughout the years…
Following our relaxing stroll back to our hotel, we booked reservations at NoBu {which surprisingly I had never been to in California}, and had some delicious food and cocktails. We talked for hours, my brother laughing at how “scary similar” Megan and I are, and talking about how dumb some boys can be {cough cough}. If you figured out the pattern by now, we went BACK to the Grand Casino. Again watching and analyzing players moves and betting; however, this time I wanted a chance to win… Of course having my eyes on a Yves Saint Laurent purse was my motivation. I put in ONE HUNDRED euros, had played for about thirty minutes, could have stopped at one hundred and twenty euros, BUT I wanted more. Without realizing how dang addicting gambling is, I kept playing until the point I was swept clean of my money. You live and you learn though, I guess, and gambling is NOT my thing. The odds were NOT in my favor. After my “big” loss {but also watching people lose thousands} I was sad and ready to go back to the hotel.
On Megan’s last day, we began by shuttling to the Monte Carlo Beach Club… Too bad it was super cold and windy though. If the sun was out it would have been PERFECT!! The pool was the size of the olympic pool and beach cabanas were lined up on the other side of it along the shore. We managed to sit in the brisk air long enough to eat ice cream for breakfast and maybe take a thirty minute nap, but then we were over it. We decided to grab lunch at the hotel and we reminisced about the past couple of days. Taking in EVERYTHING and recognizing how fortunate we were to be where we were. WE WERE {and ARE} SO LUCKY!! After making our way back to the hotel, Megan gathered her belongings and left us. We decided to have a more relaxing night, went to the spa again, and just soaked in the jacuzzi until we turned into prunes.
That was the END of it. One half day left in Monte Carlo, and BOY did we LIVE IT UP!! We walked to the Monte Carlo Grand Hotel and Casino to have breakfast, consisting of pastries, coffee, tea, and ice cream, and just sat in the sun chatting. knowing that my brother was going to be heading back to California was so sad, especially knowing that my spring break was officially coming to an end and I was going to need to get my mind to focus more on school. We ate more carbs and sugar than we should have, headed back to the hotel, and packed away our week full of memories. In the afternoon, we checked out AND THEN we were greeted with a Lamborghini!! My mama had looked into things to do in Monte Carlo, and one was drive a Lambo, SO naturally, we took advantage of the opportunity. First, Nick went on his cruise and an hour later it was my turn. I had never experienced something so exhilarating in my life {or at least I don't remember doing so}. It was the FIRST manual car I have EVER driven {shoutout to the passenger for trusting me}, and just driving in the convertible gave me a rush. The rev of the engine, the wind in my hair, and the music in my ears. I EVEN GOT TO DRIVE IT ON THE GRAND PRIX RACEWAY!! I felt like I was on top of the world, and honestly, I could probably talk about my Lamborghini experience for days because it is one I will NEVER forget!! Driving on the raceway, driving through tunnels, driving past the Grand Hotel and Casino, and having EVERYBODY come up to the car and take pictures of it while I was in it… I felt FAMOUS!! It was, without a doubt, one of the best experiences!! And sadly, after a little bit over an hour, I was back at the Hermitage, loading my luggage into a car to take me away from Monte Carlo.
Upon arrival, back in Madrid, Nick and I dropped all of our bags off at the apartment and then headed out for one last dinner at Tepic. Ending spring break off right: guacamole, chicken tacos, and mango margaritas. Overall, this spring break was one for the books; one I will NEVER forget; one I will cherish FOREVER!! If you made it through my entire post, I congratulate you, as I realize it was one my longest {almost as long as one of my final papers}. I hope you are enjoying keeping up with my endeavors as much as I am enjoying going on them and keeping y'all updated!! If you want to know more, need any recommendations, or just want to chat, do not hesitate to either comment on the bottom of my blog OR “get connected” via my personal blog!!
xoxo V
