On The Road

Macau: Hippy Chic

2019-07-22T17:26:00.000+10:00

Sitting down for my usual lunch at Crystal Jade (Dan Dan noodles and a plate of French beans with minced pork), I notice my Mandarin speaking neighbors are dressed like John Lennon & Yoko Ono. I don't think its fancy dress? Perhaps dressing like hippies is back in fashion in China?

Their first dish arrives: a plate of three round pale yellow balls. I’ve never seen these before and am quite intrigued. They share the dish and I assume that’s all they have ordered. It must be something special I figure.

A whole procession of dishes appear soon after but I’m still not sure what those balls were. I coax a menu out of the staff who are doing an excellent job of ignoring me. I find the mysterious balls in the desert section: “Soufflé Egg White Ball Stuffed with Red Bean HK$62”. I order a plate for research purposes.

They arrive after a while. A bit to big to lift with my limited chopstick skills so I gingerly bite into one hoping the filling is not scalding hot. The outside layer is soft and fluffy and dusted lightly with icing sugar?. Inside the red bean paste is sweet and not too hot. There is also a slice of honey coated banana in with the red bean paste. Not bad!

It’s almost what I would call a doughnut but not quite as good as the jam doughnuts we ate as kids at Victoria market in Melbourne.

Düsseldorf Card

2019-07-11T01:21:00.000+10:00

I always take a look at city cards when I’m traveling but I’ve never seen one I that I wanted to buy. They’re usually wildly overpriced compared to using the public transport pay as you go.

But, the Dusseldorf Card at €10 seemed like pretty good value. Public transport rides start at about €3 so it pays for itself pretty quick if you are getting around. Plus there are plenty of free entries to museums and discounts as well. I showed the card to the cashier when I was buying a Rhine panorama cruise ticket and he gave me 20% off straight away.

If you’re staying a few days, the card gets even cheaper on a per day basis. I wish I’d bought a 48 hour card on artival. Next time!

https://m.duesseldorf-tourismus.de/en/duesseldorfcard/

Map showing what public transport zone is include withe card;

https://www.rheinbahn.de/fahrplan/Liniennetzplne/Düsseldorf.pdf

Renaissance Düsseldorf Hotel

2019-07-11T00:08:00.001+10:00

Checked into the Renaissance Hotel as I needed a place to rest my feet after pushing them too far on my Rhine walk. I also wanted to be near the airport for my late night flight out.

It was kind of tricky to find. Tucked away behind some office buildings and next to an underground car park. The room was clean and bed very comfortable.

The hotel is your standard German business hotel and is a bit dated. I had a tarted up currywust in the bar washed down with an Alt beer and a nice glass of German reisling.

I tried to order room service but the guy on the phone told me “that department had been closed down because the hotel will close soon.” Aha, that explains why there was no room service menu in the room!

Its right on the 701 tram line which runs past the main train station all the way to Benrath in the south of the city.

I guess this review is redundant now. Oh well!

Düsseldorf Renaissance Hotel

Nördlicher Zubringer 6

40470 Düsseldorf

+49 211 6216 0

Germany

https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dusrn-renaissance-duesseldorf-hotel/

All Change at London Gatwick Border Security

2019-07-10T22:01:00.001+10:00

Arriving in London Gatwick a few weeks ago there were big changes for Australian passport holders.

Before UK and EU passport holders were in the express lane while the rest of the world had to line up in the slow lane which included an interview for every single arrival.

Now Australians (and Americans, Canadians and other Electronic passport holders) get in the express lane with UK passport holders.

It looks like EU passport holders have been relegated to the slow lane.

And, no more filling in arrival cards. They’ve been discontinued, thankfully.

Not sure about other UK entry points but I’m hoping they are the same as Gatwick.

Cashing in Recyclables in Germany

2019-07-10T20:01:00.001+10:00

When picking up some picnic supplies at Aldi, I noticed they added €0.25 to my bill as a pfand. This turned out to be a deposit on the can of Radler (German equivalent of shandy) I bought to help wash down the very ordinary sandwich.

On the way out of Aldi, I saw a woman feeding plastic bottles into a hole in the wall near the entrance. I made a note to see if I could turn my Radler can back into cash on the next Aldi visit to Aldi.

I went down to the Aldi today, and sure enough, you just feed the containers in and push a green button when you’re done. It prints out a coupon you can use at the checkout. Not sure if you can get cash but I used mine to offset the price on a bag of delicious cherries.

Four containers for a Euro credit. Its almost worth picking them up along the way and using the credit to offset your grocery shopping.

Hotel am Schwan Düsseldorf

2019-07-10T18:17:00.001+10:00

When planning for my Rhine walking trip, I figured I should book my first night at a hotel as close to the river as possible.

I typed Düsseldorf airport into Booking.com and used the map feature to find a place near the Rhine. I noticed that the Hotel am Schwan was right next to a path that led to the river: the Herbert Eulenberg Weg. It looked like a good choice so I booked it up.

Arriving quite late at Düsseldorf airport on Easyjet from London Gatwick, I wasn’t in the mood to navigate the public transport system. I tried Uber and was surprised to see there were cars available just a few minutes away.

Wasim from Pakistan got me to the hotel quickly and cheaply. Wassim told me his sister lived in Melbourne and we mostly talked about the cricket.

The hotel itself was pretty plain. More a collection of buildings than a hotel really. After fiddling around with a few badly cut keys, I was put in an apartment next door to the reception. The room was clean and the bed comfortable. The carpet printed with white swans was a nice touch.

Next morning I was keen to get away and happy to find that the path to the river was just a few yards up from the hotel. A great location for people like me walking beside the Rhine River

Hotel am Schwan

Arnheimerstr 52

40489 Düsseldorf

+49 21140691

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbert_Eulenberg

Düsseldorf Alt Bier Beer

2019-07-10T17:18:00.001+10:00

I had read about the Alt beer versus Kölsh beer rivalry in the book that Inspired my trip ( The Rhine by Ben Coates). Alt beer is local to Düsseldorf while Kölsh beer is local to Cologne.

And , a German friend had suggested I try Alt beer when he heard I was heading to Düsseldorf.

While I was checking into the first hotel of the trip, Hotel Am Schwan, I asked the host if he had any Alt Bier. He quickly retrieved a chilled bottle of Boltons Alt ber and a glass. It was love at first sip for me: malty, dark amber & delicious. I couldn’t believe I’d never tried this beer style before.

Sniffing around the neighbourhood after checking in, I picked up a bottle of Diebels Alt from the fuel station opposite Hotel Am Schwan. It was disappointing: nowhere near as good as the Boltons.

Over the next few days of walking beside the Rhine in and around Düsseldorf, I tried as many different brands of draught Alt beer as I could (for research purposes of course!). They were all very good. Even Diebels Alt beer from the tap was delicious. Maybe I got an old bottle at the fuel station?

I loved the beer culture in Düsseldorf’s old city (Altstadt). Lots of breweries serving fresh beer in small glasses. They keep refilling your glass until you put the coaster over it and each refill is pencil marked on the coaster. Sitting outside on a sunny afternoon and enjoying fresh, delicious beer. I think this is what made Dusseldorf my favorite city of the trip.

Rhine Powered Houseboat

2019-07-10T04:58:00.001+10:00

How cool is this? A houseboat with an integrated water wheel power generator. As its facing upstream in the mighty Rhine River, it will be turning 24/7. The house even has a solar panel canopy. I was surprised not to see a wind tubine attached as well.

One of the great benefits of travel; seeing things from a fresh perspective.

Moored on the right bank of the Rhine near Plittersdorf

Eastbourne Notes

2018-07-28T06:09:00.000+10:00

I spent two nights in Eastbourne while completing the last few stages of the South Downs Way National Trail.

Stayed the first night at Hotel Ellesmere (11 Wilmington Square, Eastbourne, BN21 4EA). The worst room I've stayed in for a long time. Very tired and falling apart. Also had a PVC window with a very small opening. I'm not sure how you would get out if there was a fire in the stairwell? It got an 8.0 rating on Booking.com The ratings must have been gamed? Its only saving grace was the clean and crisp bed sheets.

Had a lovely Harvey's IPA at a nearby pub: The Stage Door. Chatted with a local eccentric who had "links with the government" and was corncerned about "Zionists controlling the world economy."

Visited the Eastbourne Tourist Information Centre (Cornfield Road, Eastbourne, BN21 4QA). Noticed they were selling a train ticket I've never seen before: the Southern DaySave Ticket. £20 gives you a full days off-peak weekday travel anywhere on the Southern Railway Network. Not bad considering an off-peak day return can cost around £16.

Also noticed that there were accommodation listings in the window. Handy if you cant find anything online. Believe it or not, there are still places that do not advertise online.

Had a very good halloumi & avocado wrap at Coffee & Carrot. The iced coffee frappe was pretty good too.

Popped into the library but left just as quick: no airconditioning!

Sheltered from the heat in the new looking Towner Gallery. Air conditioned and comfy sofas in the public areas. Must go back an check out the exhibitions next visit.

Stayed the second night at Best Western Landsdowne Hotel (King Edward's Parade, Eastbourne, BN21 4EE). Much better than the Ellesmere (above). Dated but clean and well maintained. One of the nearest hotels to the trailhead even though about a kilometre away.

Celebrated finishing the South Downs Way walk with a curry at Cornfield Garage Wetherspoons. Very tidy and well maintained with lovely flower baskets out front.

Eastbourne a bigger place than I imagined with lots of marked walking trails around town. Looks to be gentryfying with lots of quirky shops and restaurants. Worth a visit.

South Downs Way 12: Seven Sisters to Eastbourne

2018-07-27T16:43:00.001+10:00

Its another hot day so I delay the walk until late afternoon when, hopefully, some of the sting has gone out of the sun. Brighton & Hove Bus service 12 (The Coaster) gets me back to the Seven Sisters visitor centre. I pop into Saltmarsh cafe/restaurant for a cold drink before I set off. The salads on the counter look great. To bad I've already had a decent lunch back in Eastbourne at Coffee & Carrot.

I get walking just after 3:00PM. The trail out the visitor centre ascends a small down before coming back down and meeting the flat track I could have taken beside the Cuckmere River. Then its back up the first Sister. The ground is bone dry and there is still some sting in the sun. The track undulates across the Sisters for about 6KM. I arrive at the Birling Gap visitor centre ready for another cold drink.

The Seven Sisters really are fantastic to see. You get plenty of glimpses from the trail but it must be amazing if you were taking a look from a boat (or even a luxury cruiser).

The next ascent is up to Belle Tout lighthouse. The small shop is open so I grab a Walls Twister ice cream. Don't miss an opportunity when shops are few and far between. More ups and downs get me to Beachy Head where I pass on going into the Beachy Head hotel and take a rest at a nearby RAF Bomber Command memorial.

The trail turns down towards the start/end at Eastbourne. Its a pretty gentle meander down with lots of welcome shade. I'm relieved to get to the end and ask a fellow rambler to take a photo of me at the start/end sign.

The start/end is on the edge of town and its another mile or so into the centre of town. I realise that I have under estimated the walk across the Seven Sisters and my legs are really tired. I should have caught the bus back into the town centre. Next time.

Southease YHA - Alfriston - Seven Sisters

2018-07-26T14:41:00.001+10:00

The plan today is to get out early to try and beat the midday heat. Rest up in Alfriston and then walk to the bus at Seven Sisters visitor centre later in the afternoon.

The trail turns out of the Southease YHA straight onto the Itford bridge crossing a very busy A26. Then it is the usual climb back up onto the downs. When I get onto the ridge I get distracted by a group of people (www.flysussex.com) setting up for a days paragliding. I stop and watch them setup and then take off. It looks amazing and I mentally add this item to my bucket list.

By the time I get going again the sun is much hotter and I regret the distraction. The next few miles is a hot, dry slog across the rolling ridge-line with no shade to take shelter in. I stop briefly at the Firle Beacon and admire the view. I envy the towns below surrounded by shady trees.

Finally, on the descent down into Alfriston, the trees return to the trail side and I get some respite from the heat. Alfriston turns out to be a lovely Sussex village and I take shelter at The Apiary coffee shop and garden for lunch. The Scotch Egg ploughman's is better than expected.

With a few hours to kill I decide to take the bus to Seaford. The Cuckmere Community Bus driver is a font of local knowledge and discusses childrens book authors and ex-hedge fund owners of the Rathfinny vineyards. We pull up outside Morrisons supermarket in Seaford and I head inside to cool down. The air-conditioning is lovely but no seats to dawdle. The friendly ladies at the nearby tourist information direct me to The Crouch walled garden where I can rest up in the shade.

I catch the Compass Bus service 119 (£3.50) back to Alfriston later in the afternoon. The trail splits just outside of town: a northerly mountain bike friendly route to Eastbourne via the Long Man of Wilmington or a pedestrian only coastal path via the Seven Sisters. I choose the later.

The next mile or so follows an elevated river bank alongside the meandering Cuckmere river. Passing through Litlington, I spot a beer garden at the rear of the Plough & Harrow which looks like a green oasis. It takes all my will power to walk past.

After Litlington the trail climbs into the Friston forest before descending into West Dean Village. A set of 200 or so steps ascends out of West Dean village and after a short distance the trail emerges from the forest with a spectacular view over the Cuckmere meanders towards the Seven Sisters.

A short walk downhill gets me to a bus stop outside the Seven Sisters visitor centre where I catch the Brighton & Hove bus service 12 (Coaster) into Eastbourne.

South Downs Way 10: Housedean Farm to Southease YHA

2018-07-25T06:01:00.001+10:00

I catch bus 28 in Brighton (£3.10) and head back to Housedean Farm. Its the hottest day of the year and the weather office have suggested people stay indoors. Maybe they have air conditioning at the met office but most indoor spaces I've experienced here are stifling and uncomfortable (London tube is a shocker).

I start walking about 5:00pm to avoid the worst of the sun. The first section is sandwiched between the A27 and a railway line. There is plenty of shade and its an easy start. The trail turns right up onto the downs which are very dry - hardly any green rolling hills! I walk through lots of wheat fields and paddocks with grazing sheep and cows.

Some nice views of the coast in the distance and Lewes, to my left, looks pretty and green. I think about the amazing Halloumi burger I had there last month. The breeze is lovely and occasionally cool - probably skimming off the English Channel.

Not many other walkers on the trail but plenty of mountain bikers. No one else seems to be wearing a sun hat or carrying water? Perhaps they are impervious to the heat?

I reach my accommodation in Southease. Its a youth hostel set in an old farm complex. Nicely done. The restaurant is still open when I arrive so I order some food and a beer start planning tomorrow's walk.

Oriel Grande Brasserie Heathrow Terminal 4

2018-06-21T19:30:00.001+10:00

I never expect much from airport restaurants so if was refreshing to have a lovely meal at Oriel, located in the departures hall of Heathrow Terminal 4.

I ordered the Pork Schnitzel Holstien and a glass of house red. They both arrived in record time. The schnitzel was crisp and topped with a fried egg, anchovies, capers and fresh cut parsley; delicious! The house red was very good and came in a generous 250ml glass.

If all airport restaurants were this good travelling would be quite a bit less painful.

Oriel Grande Brasserie

Heathrow Terminal 4, TW6 3XZ

020 8897 9510

Moxy London Heathrow Hotel

2018-06-21T14:49:00.001+10:00

After dropping family off at Heathrow Terminal 4, I need to find my way over to the Moxy London Heathrow Hotel. The lady at the National Express office tells me to catch the Hotel Hoppa H56 - £5 singe or £9 return, pay cash to the driver.

Te reservation system is not working very well when I try to check in. The girl trys a couple of times before handing me a complimentary rum based cocktail. She eventually gets it sorted out and hands me a room key.

The room is clean and tidy as you'd expect from a funky new hotel. I fancy listening to some commercial radio and try to navigate the high tech TV system. The BBC radio works but the commercial stations are silent. So much for high tech.

I notice there is a Tesco Express next door. Handy if you want to self cater or do some last minute shopping.

A decent hotel but I hope they can get their tech sorted out.

South Downs Way 9: Pyecome to Housedean Farm

2018-06-15T23:11:00.001+10:00

After a nice cooked breakfast, I head back out onto the South Downs Way (SDW). The weather is lovely and the first order of business is to climb back up onto the Downs. I'm glad I've packed a sun hat and plenty of water.

There are lots of other people ( many with happy looking dogs) using the trail with me including a group of people pushing a hospital bed. I guess they are raising money for charity - I didn't ask.

I take my first break at Ditchling Beacon. I picked up a couple of apples in the M & S shop back at Pyecombe Services. These must be the perfect hiking snack, I'm thinking to myself.

Further along, at Blackcap, I'm forced to decide between walking into Lewes or continuing on the SDW. I'm very fond of Lewes but am trying to complete the trail so I reluctantly turn south towards the A27.

Just before the A27 is a steep walk up though a forest. At the top it turns into a wheat field which drops down to the A27. I spot an Ice Cream sign outside Housedean Farm so go inside to investigate. They have a coffee machine so I grab an Americano instead. I sit outside in the sun and enjoy the coffee.

Bus stops outside Housedean farm towards Brighton and Lewes.

South Downs Way 8: River Adur to Pyecombe

2018-06-15T01:57:00.001+10:00

The number 2 bus from Shoreham gets me back onto The South Downs Way where I left off last August. I run straight into a group of ramblers from the Brighton & Hove branch. The steady climb up onto the downs gets my heart pumping. The weather is foggy at first with a little drizzle but clears up later on.

I pass a few groups of young people who don't seem to be loving the outdoors. Perhaps they are being coerced into spending time on the lovely downs? Poor darlings! I also pass the Truleigh Hill Youth Hostel. What a great spot to break a long hike. I wish I had seen this before.

The views get better and better as the day progresses. The photo above is looking north from Devil's Dyke. There is a pub here but its a bit early to break for drinks. I push on to Saddlescombe Farm where I have a coffee at The Wildflower Cafe. Not bad. The final section takes me up and over one more down until I reach Pyecombe. I have a pint of Thatchers Gold at The Plough while I wait for my B&B hosts to return home.

Overnighted at The White House Bed and Breakfast, "Between Church and Pub", Pycombe, "Dog Friendly", 01273 846 563, hosts Louise and David. Very good. Found on the National Trails website planning map.

Navigating using the Harvey South Downs Way XT40 Polyethylene map.

China Union Pay Debit Card Cash Withdrawal Ireland

2018-06-01T05:28:00.001+10:00

Landed at Dublin airport and tried my China Union Pay (CUP) debit card in a Bank of Ireland ATM machine. No cash withdrawal I'm afraid. Glad I had a few Euros left over from my last trip!

While overnighting in Kildare, I spotted an Allied Irish Bank ATM in a filling station. Tried my CUP card in this machine and again no cash withdrawal.

Walking around Ennis in County Clare, I spotted a Bank Of Ulster ATM machine. Again, no cash withdrawal available. None for three and I'm nearly out of cash.

Waiting for mum to use the toilets at the Cliffs of Moher visitor experience I see a Euronet Worldwide ATM. There's no way this would work with a CUP debit card, I'm thinking to myself. There's not even a CUP logo on the screen. Nothing to lose by trying though. Its a miracle: PBOC debit card recognised and cash dispensed. Phew!

www.contacteuronetworldwide.com

1 800 948 821

Shanghai Marriott Hotel City Centre in Chinese

2018-04-27T13:08:00.000+10:00

请带我去;
qing dai wo chu/please take me to;

黄埔区
Huangpu chu/ Huangpu district

西藏中路555号
xizhang zhong lu wu wu wu hao / xizhang middle road number 555

雅居乐万豪酒店
ya ju le wan hao jiu dian / Agile Marriott Hotel

Postcode: 200085

Phone Number: +86 21 2312 9888

Internet: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/shamc-shanghai-marriott-hotel-city-centre/

La Cigogne du Port Nice, France

2018-04-06T05:11:00.001+10:00

After a long walk around the Mont Boron, I was getting hungry. When I spotted a signboard on the footpath with Lunch Special: Linguine Carbonara my belly rumbled in agreement.

When I went in the bar was packed with guys in work clothes. The lady behind the bar motioned for me to sit down. She then drafted in another lady to bring a menu over to me. I said no need, I'll just have the Linguine and a glass of house white. She came back a few minutes later with the bad news: the Linguine was sold out. You'd think they'd put the sign away if the lunch special was sold out?

I got up to leave but the lady behind the bar came rushing over. "We have nice food" she tells me. "How about try flammekueche?" I have no idea what she is talking about but then she points to the next table. It looks like a really thin pizza. OK might as well try it out. "Bring a glass of white wine as well, please"

The penny finally drops: Its an Alsatian restaurant. The Weinstub sign outside should have tipped me off earlier. The flammekueche arrives and is quite large. It is covered in creme fraiche, onions, lardons and champignons. I must say it was really good and the Cotes de Gascogne white (Ubi) was lovely too.

As I was finishing the meal a brown dog came bounding out of the kitchen. Not an Alsatian but a Cocker Spaniel, I think. He proceeded to lick up all the food bits on the floor before settling by the door. "His name is Harold", the waitress tells me.

It looked like I was the last customer of the session. Just as I was leaving a guy came out of the kitchen and retrieved the lunch special sign board - finally!

The situation was saved and I had a nice lunch trying out something new.

Nice, France Revisit

2018-04-05T18:49:00.001+10:00

I visited Nice about 25 yeas ago but don't recall enjoying the visit. I can only remember the stress of driving and parking the hire car. This time I've arrived by plane and plan to get around on foot and public transport.

My first day is a good one. The sun is shining and it is almost t-shirt weather. I'm glad I packed my sun glasses. After an early walk around the old town, I visit the tourist office. It's a positive experience and I leave with a city map, a bus network map and an excellent walking guide with nine itineraries in and around Nice.

I tackle the Coeur de Nice (heart of Nice) walk first. It starts very near to where I'm staying. It takes me past some magnificent buildings and lovely parks. I stop halfway for a middle eastern lunch at Chez Boros. Suitably refreshed, I finish the last half of the walk. What strikes me most is how grand some of the buildings are and how multi-cultural this city is.

After a rest back at base, I set of in the early evening to do the Promenade du Paillon walk. This whole elongated promenade was rebuilt over what must have been a pretty ugly part of the city in the past. It's now an urban oasis full of people and life. On both sides there are little streets and alleys full of bars, cafes and restaurants. Nice really is a great place to promenade.

Day two and the weather is a little overcast: perfect for more walking. I decide on a longer route: Le Port - Mont Boron. I walk to the start via the seafront. When I get to the port area I notice a flea market (puces) on the left and a massive super yacht (Quantum Blue) on the right. A few sights around the port area and then the trail heads up into the hills.

Views are spectacular along the way. There are a few dirt paths and I'm wishing I packed my hiking shoes. The trail winds back down to the coast and back along to the port. After four hours of walking I'm ravenous and stop into La Cigogne du Port for a late lunch. After lunch I catch the number 3 Bus back to base.

Day three and the heavy overnight rain has let up. I catch the tram towards Blvd Carabacel to start itinerary 1 in my 9 circuits booklet. The buildings along this walk are stunning,even more impressive than the ones running parallel to the Promenade de Anglais. Who knew that Nice was such a prosperous place back in the day.

It takes me about two hours to complete the walk and then I'm ready for lunch. I devour a lovely piece of quiche at a small modern cafe (lost the card) and then contemplate my next move.

I'm feeling OK so I might as well attempt itinerary 2: Cimiez as its nearby. This time we have Roman ruins, lovely gardens, a Queen Victoria statue and even more amazing buildings. I'm more and more impressed as the exploration continues. I fail to locate an old Tramway near the end of the walk and then decide to call it a day. Bus 15 gets me back to the city centre.

I cant believe that I've ignored Nice all these years. There is still plenty to see and do and I'll definitely be back.

Accomodation Nice, France

2018-04-05T18:44:00.001+10:00

I still prefer Booking.com to book short stay accommodation in Europe. They have a vast range of accommodation providers and types. This time I book a studio apartment in the city centre.

My confirmation email tells me to meet the host at 7 Rue Halevy. This is the door to residential apartment building. I call the host using Skype and he tells me to wait a few minutes while he comes over. Anaz introduces himself and tells me they have put me in a better apartment around the corner. While walking to the next street, Anaz tells me that he is Indian and that he runs a restaurant nearby (Noori's).

The street where I'm staying is parallel to Rue Halevy: Rue Massenet. We enter the Residence Massenet using a key fob and catch the lift to the first floor. The apartment is directly above The Automobile Club of Nice. When we enter the room I notice the heating is on and it is quite warm. The layout is one room with a bed, sofa bed and TV and separate rooms for the bath and a compact galley style kitchen. The decor is a bit dated but the apartment is tidy and clean. Anaz gives me a quick rundown and shows me the Wi-Fi details (a 26 digit password no less). I put my bags down and head out to find some dinner.

The location is superb: between the Promenade des Anglais (beach) and the pedestrianised Rue De France / Massena.

The next morning I see that one of the drawers in the bathroom vanity unit has semi fallen off. Without any tools handy, I wedge it closed using the chrome toilet roll stand. I make a note to let Anaz know. The apartment has had a partial renovation but the standard is very average.

The apartment has a decent balcony and the view across the street is of a magnificent palacial style building and its garden.

In the lounge there is a union jack rug and the sofa is decorated with union jack cushions - a nod to the Promenade des Anglais perhaps? I could do without the stains on the sofa though.

During my stay it becomes apparent that I'll be sharing the muffled conversations coming from next door and the lobby. Plus, most of the noise from the street seems to float into the apartment. One group of people seem intent on slamming their car doors over and over? A local ritual perhaps. After the Easter break workmen return with jackhammers and cement mixers to work on the street paving.

One suggestion: put a coat hook in the entrance lobby so you can hang your coat up.

For all its faults, I'm happy to stay in a well located apartment with good Wi-Fi and a decent kitchen.

Pan Bagnat - Nice, France

2018-04-05T18:20:00.001+10:00

My French friend urges me to try a Pan Bagnat when he hears I'm spending a few days in Nice.

I've been looking the whole time I've been in Nice but I haven't seen one anywhere. I mentally prepare to break the bad news to him.

But, at the Nice Airport departure lounge I spot a Pan Bagnat on a food counter. Phew! Basically, its a salad Nicoise in a soft bun, about the size of a small plate, soaked in olive oil. Not bad at all. It must be popular as most of the patrons around me are tucking into one as well.

Chez Pipo

Aeroport de Nice

06200 Nice France

Le Clocher Restaurant Nice, France

2018-04-05T16:25:00.000+10:00

I notice this place as I'm heading towards the Snug and Cellar for the happy hour. After a couple of beers and some lively banter, I return for a bowl of mussels (moules mariniere) and a glass of rosè

Service is efficient and the mussels delicious. The frites (chips) are crisp and end up being tipped into the sauce. No complaints from me but I see this place really divides the reviewers online.

The young Romanian waiter speaks really good English so I ask him what Le Clocher means. "Bell tower" is his translation "but it can also mean homeless people". When I mention I've seen quite a few street sleepers in Nice, he says "... nothing compared to Paris".

I settle up and head back towards the hotel glad I don't have to sleep rough.

Le Clocher

15 Rue du Pont Vieux

06300 Nice France

Bus Map Nice, France

2018-04-05T00:49:00.001+10:00

I forgot to ask for a bus network map when I purchased my seven day pass at the airport.

I tried to download the bus netwok map from the bus operators ( Lignes D'Azur) website. It turned out to be a massive file and took ages to download. Not good when you are on roaming data. When I tried to save the map to ibooks, it saved just a few snippets to seven PDF pages. So much for smart phones.

I eventually got a copy at the tourist office on the Promenade de Anglais. It wasn't on display and I had to ask the lady specifically for it.

I like having a hard copy map on hand when I'm travelling. I can see where the bus pass might take me and it works even if my phone battery dies or in places where I cant get a signal.

It looks like there is a whole series (6) of maps available. plan 1 covers Nice and surrounding suburbs.

www.lignesdazur.fr

Chez Boros Restaurant Nice, France

2018-04-04T17:18:00.001+10:00

When I walk past Chez Boros I see a couple digging into a big platter of mezze and grilled meat. It looked really good so I return a few minutes later for lunch.

I order the lunch special: a five mezze platter with two grilled chicken kebabs. I also order a beer, to help wash it all down. It arrives quickly and the waiter is very jovial. As expected, the food is very good. Tucking into Lebanese food reminds me of growing up in Melbourne, Australia where we ate out at a lot in middle eastern restaurants.

After finishing my beer, I order a glass of house rosé. It comes with an ice cube bobbing around in it. A good idea for a hot summers day perhaps but not quite right at this time of year (early April).

The young, good looking couple next to me order desert and when it arrives I see it includes some baklava. I love baklava and go ahead and order some. My desert arrives as a lump of baklava surrounded by slivers of halva and cubes of Turkish delight. Nice but way too much food.

The portions are large and I've eaten too much as usual. I order the bill and then the theatrics kick in. Another guy, I assume the owner?, shows up with the bill. I check it and see they have charged me for 1/2 a bottle of wine instead of a glass. I call the waiter over and he retrieves the bill. After a few moments the other guy comes out all apologies in English and a revised bill arrives via the waiter. The waiter takes the money but the owner comes back with the change: It feels like the middle eastern version of Laurel & Hardy.

The food was very good but I could have done without the side show.

Chez Boros

Rue Dalpozzo

06000 Nice, France