Arriving in Nice by train from Paris, we settled in for a week of endless beauty and rich culture. Old town Nice was a place that would take months to fully discover, with its colorful and magical ways.
The Mediterranean Sea stretched into infinity, with landscapes changing along with the weather.
The architecture was stunning at every turn. I’m sharing a few photos of the many that I took as we walked through different areas of the city.
Ornate balconies frequently caught my uplifted gaze.
Another gorgeous cathedral arose from the cityscape as we hopped a tram during an afternoon of exploration.
An afternoon in Monaco provided more grandeur and a glimpse into an unreal world.
City squares were a frequent oasis from the bustling streets.
Antique chandeliers covered the ceilings of the Fashion Gallery HERE, elegantly illuminating the clothing below.
A fan of outdoor markets, I had many choices to savor!
My favorite street fair vendor on a cloudy afternoon.
I met this gorgeous French woman at an antique market and she agreed to a photo. We communicated without speaking French/English, and I was able to express my appreciation for the creative way that she wove ribbons through her hair. Engaging with new and interesting people is one of the treasures of travel.
The Marc Chagall Museum HERE captivated our attention for hours.
Outside the Matisse Museum HERE before exploring the wonders within.
I had the pleasure of meeting Josephine of Chic At Any Age HERE, a fabulous style blog that I’ve been following for several years. Josephine generously took a complex journey from St.Tropez, which involved two buses and a train in inclement weather in the early morning, to get to Nice for lunch. We had a great time laughing, sharing our stories and engaging in hat and blog chat. Meeting the warm, fascinating and elegant Josephine was one of the highlights of our magnificent Nice experience.
The SC and Mr. J out to dinner on our last evening in Nice, enjoying the food, the people and the sights of a glorious setting. We had come to the end of a thrilling journey, and will be spending time living the trip again through photos and shared memories. Travel has enhanced our connection and our ability to adjust quickly to new challenges. We’re already talking about new destinations for the future!
Shortly after arriving home I received news of the death of a dear friend. I’m grateful that I visited her a few days before I left for Europe.
My friend was a decade older than me. I remember her 50th birthday. Her 60th birthday. Her 70th birthday. Her 80th birthday. She was an important figure in my life. There is another loss to integrate and another adjustment to the dynamics of my life and the lives of those around me. Another reminder to live fully in the moment.
I’m very happy to have fulfilled the dream of travel. I feel enriched, energized and motivated to move forward. Who knows what will appear on the horizon, as I observe the shifts that will surely occur due to a realized aspiration. Today I’m alive and open, and ready to start planning another adventure.
I’m off to join the party at Patti’s Visible Monday HERE at Not Dead Yet Style. I have a lot of catching up to do.
What a lovely meet-up, Monaco, Matisse and this amazing market are nearly too much! Love it!
Hi Judith, I have so much enjoyed your travelogue! Your observations, be it people or architecture, art or outfits…you express your joy! Love the colorful outfit at the top! what is the story behind it??? Something to do with the art behind you??? The hat with the larger brim is lovely on you.
All best wishes! Elke
Thank you sharing your lovely photos. Happy for you!
Bravo! I just discovered your blog, and I’m enjoying it immensely. Where do you get all your hats? I especially like the pearl and black one.
Thanks for letting us join your trip vicariously!! Just what I needed to as I face another birthday (56!) next month while I am still working (thankfully) and am single. I look forward to a future which includes some fun & creative expression of fashion as I travel with my Mr. “X”.
A fabulous journey, since I normally trade in B&W, I love your colorful life!
Accidental Icon
http://www.accidentalicon.com
So happy you and Mr. J had such a wonderful and remarkable trip. Welcome home!
As usual, you are gorgeous. What an amazing adventure you are having. I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear friend.
Such wonderful pictures of your amazing trip! I loved that you could speak “style” with the French woman without knowing French!! So fun. I’m sorry to hear about your friend dying. That is a sad shock and a poignant reminder to live for today. You look stunning as always!!
xo~Jennifer
http://www.awellstyledlife.com/
Two of my favorite bloggers together! How much fun! Everything here is so beautiful…including you and Josephine!! This must have been a glorious time for many reasons. So sorry to hear you lost a close friend, but also glad you visited with her before your trip.
How sad about your friend.
Very lucky to meet up with a blogger from that region.
My husband is from Nice so I know it quite well. You took some lovely photos.
bisous
Suzanne
It has been so wonderful to follow you on your journey. Thank you for sharing. It has also been a wonderful journey to see how exciting you have matched your clothing choices with the environment.
I’m sorry to hear you have lost a dear friend.
So true – we must enjoy every moment we are here. xx
Welcome home! so sorry for the loss of your friend.
How wonderful to meet Josephine and to spend time in that most beautiful city! You and Mr. J. look happy and comfortable together. xoxo
What a lovely journey. Thank you for sharing. I am so glad that times have changed so much for you. From deep grief to travelling with a new love.
Greetje
What a wonderful trip, Judith! Thank you for sharing all those marvelous pictures. And I’m GLAD you’re thinking about new adventures…
Thank you for sharing the joy of your travels with us, so pleased it was all you expected and more. You and Mr. J look so very happy together.
Always so sad when we loose an old friend, a reminder as you say to enjoy each and every day.
I’m sorry about your dear friend.
Your travel photos are wonderful, I can feel your excitement and enthusiasm from here. So many beautiful sights, well dressed people and both of you looking incredible stylish and in your element.
Here’s to many, many more adventures together. xxxxx
My dear Judith, how beautiful you have looked throughout your travels. I am so glad that you got to fulfill a life-long dream and see these fabulous places. Even better that you had such a loving and lovely companion to share it with.
I enjoyed seeing the sites of Paris and Nice in your blog posts, having been to both places myself. Isn’t it wonderful to absorb how other people live/dress/eat?
My condolences on the death of your friend. Obviously she has played an important part in your life, and you can truly say you were life-long friends. Not many people can honestly say that. Times change, people move, life intervenes…. it is indeed a priveledge to know someone their whole life.
Much love from England,
Rose from http://www.foreveronthecatwalkoflife.blogspot.com
I’m very sorry about the passing of your friend. You always inspire me with how you handle loss. I have yet to lose a friend to death, the thought has never crossed my mind until now.
You are as beautiful as all that art! What an amazing trip from the places to the people, life is rich!
Xxxooooo
It’s all too marvelous for words. Reminds me of our
great trip to Nice.
Thanks for the mention. You look gorgeous and colourful as always. Back in Nice tonight. Just off out to diner then some art galleries tomorrow.
Chandeliers! Chagall! Colors in a market stall! Best of all — you, wearing positive energy manifested in fabric!
I, too, now have many friends whose voices are stilled except in memory. My condolences on the loss of this valued companion in your life. What a blessing for your both that you said your good-byes before your departure. I’m sure she enjoyed thinking of your joy in the great adventure.
Ahh, I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your friend, Judith. Life is always full of such contrast, isn’t it? Travel, new experiences, developing relationships, and then the death of a loved one. It’s all to be absorbed and integrated, as you say.
You sound so enthusiastic and excited about your travels, I feel quite sure you will do plenty more! You encountered some fabulous folk, and saw such beautiful sights. But welcome home, I’m sure it’s good to reconnect with Denver, friends and family! xxx
Ah…for the moment, the armchair travel is suspended…but I am buoyed knowing that future travels are anticipated. We are attracted to the same imagery…that colourful market booth would have stolen my heart too…and so I’ve found your photos particularly enchanting! Thank you for sharing! I love how you fit in so perfectly with the vibrant street art in the first photo!
Although a relief to know that you connected with your friend before her passing, I do extend my sincere condolences for your loss. Your reminders to live life fully in the moment become my reminders, and I’m grateful for that.
I’m so glad to catch up with you even just a little! So sorry to hear about your friend. Know it was hard for you, but I’m always so admiring of you onward-and-upward spirit, and the way you really process the events of your life. I send you my sympathy, and remind you of how many lives you touch so happily all the time. I’m thrilled that you and your lovely fella are sailing together all over Europe. Chagall ! Oh my stars, how much I envy you getting to see the museum. Now there was a love for the ages. He and his Bella had such a romance, as you know.
You just look incredible … this trip is making you prettier, if that is possible!
I am half French. My French family is from Aspet in the French Pyrenees and they retired to Nice so I know the area well. My Aunt even worked for a Perfumerie manufacturing scents. I’ve read all three of your posts about France and am so happy that you enjoyed your stay. It’s impossible to convey it’s beauty – or the sublime cuisine – to anyone who hasn’t been there, because there are no words to adequately describe it. I know you will cherish the memories of your trip forever!
Alicia
spashionista.com
Please accept my sympathies on your friend’s passing and may I say congratulations to her for her “promotion”? I truly think that is the case…
As always, your hats/fashion, style, companion, writing and photography are so wonderful…I look forward so much to your blog posts. If you ever come to the Midwest please look me up!