So yesterday was absolutely incredible, start to finish. It was the first sunny Saturday that was warm enough to go to the beach, so after we got up and showered, we headed toward the beach, and stopped at the grocery store for something to eat for lunch while we were there. We picked up our old fall-back: salami, cheese, a baguette, and something to drink. This time we learned that we’re not huge fans of Camembert cheese.
The air was a little chilly, especially with the sea breeze, but it felt so got to lay out on the beach and soak up some rays. Only I didn’t actually soak any up. I laid out there for probably close to 2 hours, without sunscreen (a time frame that would leave me lobster-like in Florida right now), and didn’t get so much as a single new freckle. I was a little bummed, but I can’t even try to say it ruined my afternoon, because I loved every bit of it. I brought my Kindle with me to do some reading, but didn’t get a chance to because Jon was reading Anthony Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential to me. I guess that’s just like reading it myself, only his voice sounds nicer than my head voice. That being said though, any time I read something by Anthony Bourdain, I hear his voice in my head. Either way, the afternoon was wonderful. My only wish is that the grey clouds from the north waited another hour or so before descending upon Nice. We had to leave when they covered the sun because it instantly got way too cold, even when I put my clothes back on.
On our way home we stopped at the store again to get a wine-sized bottle of beer for Jon, and a bottle of wine for me to enjoy at Fabby & Niko’s. We also brought the rest of the brandy from when we made sangria, and bought Fabby a bottle of Limoncello for her birthday, since its her favorite. We spent a few hours slowly getting ready, and at 8PM we were buzzing their apartment, dreading the four-story climb to dinner. I was introduced to brandy a coke, easily a new favorite, and a mint liquor called Get 27 that smells and kind of tastes like mouthwash. It’s a good thing to either start or end a night with, but I can’t exactly see myself drinking it all night. Two more friends of Fabby and Niko’s showed up, and we enjoyed a birthday dessert that resembled a brownie, covered in Nutella. That automatically means it was awesome. After a few more drinks, we were ready to head to Monaco.
Of course, as soon as we get into the car, its starts to rain, but that didn’t dampen our spirits. About half an hour later, we arrived in beautiful Monaco and ran to the doors of Zest, a club in the port. I had to pay 2€ to check my coat, which was mildly irritating and welcomed all at the same time. No one likes having a heavy wool coat to worry about while dancing. We already had a table and a bunch of their friends were already there. Now, this club, and probably most clubs in Monaco, was pretty expensive, and the only way you can really get and keep a table is if you buy bottles of liquor for the table. They bought a few, but Jon and I opted out of partaking, mainly because it was 20-30€ a person for vodka, which we don’t care too much for. We bought our own drinks, but not many, because they were expensive and small. For instance, I ordered a 12€ margarita, and got one in a glass usually used for martinis. Margarita are supposed to be huge, right? All that aside, I had an absolute blast. Some of their friends are a lot of fun, and after feeling like the awkward turtle for about 10 minutes, we found something to break the ice and spent the rest of the night talking, dancing (on the dance floor and the furniture) and singing the night away. Jon and I repeatedly told each other “Hey, we’re clubbing in Monaco… IN MONACO!” Probably an experience we’ll never be able to afford to do again, but it was unbelievable. And yes, for my readers who know Jon, he danced. And I mean it when I say “the night away.” Last call, like we’re familiar with in the states, doesn’t really exist here. Some clubs don’t even open until past midnight. So at 2AM, when we would normally be forced to go home, the party was just hitting its peak, and continued on until well past 3AM when we decided to it was time to go home.
That being said, there’s nothing left but the pictures. Obviously not the best of quality, given our physical state most of the evening, but alas, totally necessary.
Parlez Lentement. 