Pilgrimage
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03 CHAPTER
NICE
Nice is a city that sinks deeply into its exotic greenery, overlooking the sea. Dozens of gardens and parks invite you to stay under their shade, after a hot day on the beach. In the past, it was a favorite vacation spot for the aristocracy, and to this day, Nice attracts a considerable number of tourists of all backgrounds, eager to enjoy a mild and warm climate.
Once you are in this paradise, you really want to stay closer to the sea. Promenade Des Anglais is the most famous stretch of seafront in Nice – a hallmark of the city. It runs for the whole 6 kilometers sweep and is a favorite spot for long walks to locals, as well as numerous tourists.
I lived in an Arabic neighborhood. It took me about twenty minutes every day to reach the Promenade. This walk did not bother me at all because it helped me to absorb the local culture. I wandered through the tricky labyrinths of streets dotted with old houses and busy restaurants until they finally led me straight to Promenade des Anglais.
If you wander along the coast for a long time, then you will inevitably run into the “Castle Hill” - Parc du Chateau, which offers the best views of Nice. This park is located on a high hill, the top of which is crowned by an artificial waterfall. Stunningly beautiful views of the port and the Bay of Angels are simply bewitching. It is impossible to take your eyes off the turquoise sea and neatly paved houses with red tiles seen throughout the city. But to get to the observation point, you first need to test your endurance, and climb up the hill through numerous paths and stairs, and only then fully enjoy the beauty that opens from above.
However, if you continue walking along the same Promenade des Anglais, but in the opposite direction, you can get to the airport. It is tested. On the day of my departure, I decided to walk to the airport, instead of using public transportation. It took me about an hour and a half, and this was perhaps the best way not to get stuck in traffic, right before the departure.
The beauty of the magnificent Orthodox Cathedral of St. Nicholas - the main attraction of Nice, strikes the imagination at first sight. It is associated with the history of Russian tsars. The cathedral was built on this soil when, in 1865, the son of Russian Emperor Alexander II died of a severe illness. This tragic event caused Russia to buy the land. The cathedral is the most beautiful and largest Orthodox cathedral outside of Russia. I got struck by a strange combination - a temple among the palm trees! It is very unusual to see the symbol of Orthodoxy in such extraordinary, southern scenery.
During those couple of days that I spent in this warm, marine city, I tried to see as much as possible. I wandered around the famous old part of the town and was fascinated by the crowded cozy cafes and gift shops. I crossed the central square of Massena, which resembles a giant chessboard, paved with light and dark stone slabs. I saw the new high-speed trams sweeping along the central axis of the square. They looked unusual against the background of the old buildings. I listened to the sounds of the noisy Sun Fountain, surrounded by ancient bronze statues and photographed from many different angles, the seven-meter high marble Apollon. He was gracefully rising above me in the center of the fountain. I observed the sunsets from the beach. And of course, I didn’t miss the chance to swim in the sea and warm up my guts on heated pebbles. This trip was a success, and I hope to come back to the Cote d’Azur again!
