I am glad that I didn’t because I found Nice to be quite nice. The water was stunningly beautiful rivalling the waters of Corfu and Cepholenia in the Ionian sea. It was a bit windy so there was a marvelous contrast between the deep and shallow waters along the board walk I was pleasantly surprised to find a little mole separating the harbor and the boardwalk. This mole was exquisite for several reasons. The first was the fact that a “forested” mountain of tranquillity could exist in a town that I thought would be devoid of tranquillity, Secondly, I was impressed at the waves crashing at its base. The hills around the town also give the town some of its splendor.

   I also learned a bit of history about the town while I was there. The town was originally founded by Greek sailors around 4 BC but there are human remains dating back way before that. It was given the name Nike and then Nikaia for the goddess of victory. Nike/Nikaia eventually was corrupted to Nice as the Latin language was introduced to the region and then the French "dialect" emerged. This town most likely started out as a protected hide away from pirates. Trade most likely grew up around, and the port became a fortified town. On the top of the mole are the ruins of a Greek acropolis which supports this notion. Nice enjoyed obscurity through the Roman's which saved it from barbarians when they were vandalizing the major Roman ports. Nice remained a backwater until around the tenth century when it began to grow. For the next 500 or so years the ownership of Nice would shift between French, Italian and Austrian hands until it finally became part of the duchy of Savoie (which Haute Savoie is a part of) The last invaders of Nice of course were the tourists. There endless droves come in search of sun and relaxation. But my advice for the tourist is first, Nice is worth a Day’s visit and two, explore more of the city than just the waterfront.

I hope you enjoy the photos. Any comments, please E-mail me, .