How do European Naturopaths treat their patients - the journey/the adventure
1 July 2024
Sitting in the Qantas Lounge, waiting for my flight, I sit with my glass of champagne, I sit and think how lucky I am to be on this adventure. I think how lucky I am to be able to do this, to attend the ICNM conference in Barcelona and then to spend 4 weeks in Nice, France looking at differences and similarities between Naturopaths in Australia as compared to in France in how we treat certain conditions. This is a trip of a lifetime and I am hoping to come back with pearls of wisdom to bring back home.
Firstly, if you are thinking “Hey she is having a glass of champagne and she is a naturopath”, then know that I am a person of moderation. Life is not meant to be difficult, life is not meant to be hard, it is meant to be enjoyed and everything in moderation. You can’t give up everything. We are on earth, in this lifetime, just once, so be happy, enjoy, love those around you, help others when you can.
I feel a certain level of anxiety, mixed with elation and joy, as I am away for 5 weeks without my loved ones around me, but I feel certain that the universe will look after me. I am wearing my crystals as they give me joy and a security that helps me be the best version of me.
2 July 2024
Here I sit at Heathrow Airport after 2 flights – first from Sydney to Singapore and then second flight Singapore to Heathrow. I was lucky to have a wonderful girl sitting next to me, who owns Latitude 32 Wines in the Hunter Valley. We talked for the entire first leg of the journey and our paths have been similar. Both grew up in the inner west, both in finance but have recently branched out. I learnt that unsalted and unbuttered popcorn pairs perfectly with Chardonnay, something I will have to try. Whilst in Singapore, she took me into the First-Class Lounge where I was able to have a shower and choose a meal of the menu.
I haven’t even gotten to my first destination, Sitges in Spain and already I feel like this journey was meant to happen.
Is it fate? Or is it luck that when two people are sat near each other. I feel we had a great connection and look forward to having a tour around her vineyards.
Another stroke of luck is that I have been able to transfer to an earlier flight in Heathrow to Barcelona (only a 2 hour wait, rather than a 5 hour wait) and have been given an exit row for my extra-long legs!!!!!
This has been a very long day. I think I’ve travelled about 30 hours from Sydney to Sitges and I’m exhausted. I checked into Hotel Capri, which is a 3-star hotel but just what I needed. Clean, beautiful gardens, 2 minute walk to the sea – I really don’t need anything else.
I went out to a restaurant and ordered a salad with chickpeas, artichokes, Spanish onion, radicchio and lettuce and it was the best meal. I love flying, but the food from the airlines isn’t what your body needs. I was craving a salad and the salad I had from Vitale in Sitges was just what the naturopath ordered. Combined with a couple of glasses of Spanish tempranillo to help me sleep. Hoping I crash tonight, so that I can make the most of tomorrow, but on the flip side I will be kind to me as its been a long haul over to Europe.
3 July 2024
Spent the day walking around the city and finding herb shops or health food shops, to help with my chest that feels a little tight. Very similar to what we have in Sydney, however a lot more varieties of dried herbs as compared to what we can purchase in a shop. I generally purchase my dried herbs online and not via a shop. I purchased a very nice tasting chest and cough syrup and a little tetra pack of cashew milk (this is not something I have seen in Australia, but a great idea) and some fresh turmeric that I made into a tea. Communication is not easy in Spain as not everyone speaks English and my Spanish is non-existent. I am looking forward to going to France as I will be able to communicate.
These three days in Sitges is predominantly to get over jet lag and my chestiness. The sunshine has been lovely and the hot weather. I spent a couple of hours on my tan, which is coming on well. While walking around the city I stopped into a local café for a coffee and when you ask for a coffee you get an espresso (a tip for anyone travelling).
Sitges, from what I can see is a local holiday destination for the English, Irish and Spanish and has such a lovely feel about it. The warm weather cheers everyone up. Lunch today was a pulled pork burrito and for dinner I may have a salad (repeat of last night) as difficult to keep up intake of vegetables while travelling without a kitchen. Looking around the shops today was great but I didn’t go into any, as I really don’t need more jewellery or clothes.
The other thing I noticed about this village are the large groups of men that holiday together. In Sydney, this isn’t what men tend to do, or something I have never noticed, but it is great. Women go on girls trips, but not generally men.
Dinner tonight was a very simple nachos with 2 glasses of tempranillo. I have always found that European food is much simpler than what we eat in Australia. Met 4 people from the UK and Scotland whose jobs ranged from Property Development to Job seeker for those on the government benefits. One of the guys had had his phone stolen from his back pocket by a guy who showed some interest in him. Goes to show you that there are some unscrupulous people around.
As a tip, I have my slash proof hand bag that I wear across my body with the purse in front of you. Yes it happens guys.
4 July 2024
Huge walk up to Mirador Llevantino Sitges, which is a lookout. About an hour walk uphill and a much easier walk back down. Definitely worth the hike.
Observations so far, are that Europeans are overall happier and more relaxed than Aussies but am I seeing this because it is a holiday destination. Is it the weather which makes everyone happier. To be honest I have never been to Europe in Winter. – might be a good comparison!!! In addition, I notice that overall and like I have already mentioned this is a holiday destination, there aren’t as many large obese people as compared to in Australia. Why is this? Do only thin people go on holidays or do the Europeans just eat more healthier than we do overall and stick to a Mediterranean diet. Drinking with dinner is also not a big thing, as many people I saw drank water (still or sparkling) or stuck to 1 or 2 glasses of wine. It is more people just being social and alcohol not being the centre of any social occasion.
The best is also being out at 8.45pm and it is still light as the sun hasn’t set. It isn’t dark till after 10pm.
5 July 2024
Last morning in Sitges, Spain so went for a sim in the sea. It is so refreshing and invigorating and unlike Coogee beach, relatively no waves. For anyone that knows me, I am not a fan of waves. It is interesting that at 8.30am, the beach is very very quiet as the Spanish tend to sleep in generally but stay u late. I am no longer a night owl, where once I was. the water was so clear and peaceful and for anyone that hasn’t tried a morning dip in the sea, try it.
On the way back to my hotel for breakfast, I noticed myself walking quickly, then stopped myself and said “Why are you rushing?”. Are we on auto pilot? Are we always in a rush? Are we missing out on what is in front of us? And focusing on the end game instead of the journey? I found it interesting that I caught myself out and will try to be mindful in future, especially when I am back at home.
Key takeaway at breakfast were the tomatoes - they tasted like tomatoes. This reminded me of when I was young and we used to put a slice of tomato, small slices of fresh raw garlic and olive oil on pieces of bread and this was a delicacy. Have I forgotten the simple pleasures of life? Have we as a society forgotten about the benefits of simplicity and enjoying the simple joys of life.
The bus ride from Sitges to Barcelona was non eventful but made me think that basically I had no idea where I was or where I was going. I put faith in the coach driver (who spoke no English) and hoped that he sort of understood where I was going. Is life a game of trust?
The 8th ICNM Congress commenced today at about 2.30pm. The afternoon offered us great speakers ranging from genetic markers, mental health, inflammation, and Mistletoe as a cancer treatment as well numerous stands from various companies offering lymphatic drainage through your feet, breathing Maritime Pine to enhance cell oxygenation, oxygen treatments for wound healing and various functional testing companies. So many great talks and information. Looking forward to tomorrow offering more great speakers and the opportunity to visit more stands. So many great technologies and products, of which are not available in Australia.
6 and 7 July 2024
ICNM Congress was full of inspirational speakers and topics, that ranged from the healing nature of Mistletoe in immune therapy, specific treatments to. build up mitochondrial efficiency, restoring and recognising mental health and anxiety in patients and not being afraid to ask direct questions, the importance of detoxification to overall health in a similar vein to biohacking, use of medicinal mushrooms, the first 1000 days of a child and the importance in adult years, remembering how important circadian rythm is to helath, immunity, longevity and chronic disease, the growing mental health crisis and can essential oils be an effective tool?, looking spiritually at a patient initially rather than grabbing supplements, the growth and issues with EMF in our lives and has this played a roled in chronic disease, lymphocyte profiling, and fascial counterstrain.
Now to be fair, some of this was way over my head, but it sparked an interest as there are so many ways to help my patients, but the key is that everyone is an individual so no two patients will have the same treatments.
I met some amazing people who I look forward to remaining in contact with both for friendship and for mental, emotional and spiritual growth.
I don’t want to dwell on this next part too much, as I don’t like to focus on the negatives, but worth mentioning fo education to others. While on a public bus with some @ICNM congress memebers, someone opened up my bag and pulled out my phone that had my physical credit cards in it. Note to self, keep physical credit cards separate. Even though that was a definite stressful, running form a tiger moment, the help I received, emotionally and technically were great. From loaning me money, to allowing me to use their phone, to waiting until I got back really helped me in this shock. I cancelled my cards and didn’t get much sleep on Sunday night as I stayed awake until it was 9am Sydney so that I could arrange for replacement cards to be sent to me. I take from this blip, that yes there are not so nice people around, but on the whole most people are good. I had heard stories that Barcelona is rampant with pick pocketer, but guys it is true.
8 July 2024
I arrived in Nice about 2pm today. Really quick flight (I slept the whole way and I think I even snored as I think I woke myself up. I apologise to the guy next to me, but I was exhausted from last nights lack of sleep. So back to good things. Got a flight from Barcelona to Fabron (just 4-5 kms away from Nice Centre) and caught the tram (I think only 20 minutes from Nice Airport. Travel is easy, however I didn’t buy a ticket as I couldn’t see where I could pay by cash so crossed my fingers that no-one would pull me up to check my ticket. The tram is so easy and I will explore more tomorrow and purchase a ticket for 10 trips (17 Euro) as cheaper to buy in bulk.
First stop, a swim in the mediterraen - OMG the water is so clear and warm, but it may take me a while to get used to the pebbles. I looked like I was in pain walking from the water and back to my towel. I am sure in 4 weeks, my feet will be accustomed to it. While sitting on the pebbles, I looked to my left and Nice doesn’t look far away - maybe 4-5kms in total. I noticed many europeans wearing wetsuit material type shoes to protect the feet. maybe something I will look into.
I feel much more settled here in France as I did feel like I was always looking over my shoulder in Barcelona and not sure if that is because everyone said to be wary or just a 6th sense. A very calm day today, washing clothes and buying some basic groceries and washing powder etc to settle me in. My apartment is really cute (photos to come when i get a phone) and is on the 9th floor so the views to the sea and into the surrounding gardens are so calming and peaceful.
Tomorrow I will decide what phone a purchase, just a simple cheaper one or something more elaborate. Spoke to Optus and they said it is easy to install an eSIM which maybe a good option to restore the apps I had.
10 July 2024
Spent the morning at Cours Selaya, which are fruit and vegetable and cheese and saucisson and bread until about 1.30pm. the fruit look and tastes so fresh and I am actually in love with the tomatoes and the apricots. I purchased a baguette, a ssaucisson 4 apricots and walked the streets fascinated by the culture and the food and the architecture and everything. Have I told you that I think I was french in a past life?
I spent the afternoon reading in the gardens where I have my Airbnb. I haven’t really just stopped and it was lovely just to give my feet a break and I asked myself “How will I get to live in France?”
Late in the afternoon, I met up with Jelena (from a Facebook expats group) and her 13 year old son. We swam at a very crowded beach near La Reserva restaurant, but he water was worth it.
11 July 2024
Phone set up 80% done, not perfect but getting there and at least I have access to my mobile number - especially with logging into apps etc and changing passwords. Spend the day visiting the Matisse Musee and the Marc Chagall Museum. Great museums, with lots of culture and the. grounds are so special and inviting. I am finding the french overall very friendly and generally always say bonjour or bonsoir.
The afternoon was spend at Cholline du chateau having a yoga lesson with Daisy (who I found on Facebook). An english girls witha vey fluent accent. Yoga class ws great and makes me realise that I need to do this at least 3 times a week.
12 July 2024
Journey down to Cannes, to spend the day on an island off Cannes called Ile Saint Honorat with Rosaria, Bertran and friends of Rosaria and Bertran. The transport system in France is really easy to get around, so to get from Fabron to Nice, is on the bus to Saint Laurent du Var train station and then a train straight to the centre of Cannes. We caught the midday boat to the Island 9only about 20 minutes). The Island has monks living on it and frommemory I think there are 26 monks living on the island. They make their own wine, from the vines on the island. We stopped off at a few places for a swim and the water was so clear and calm (yippee no waves). Such beautiful company including theri dog Kenzo, who looks like a bear and was calm, unlike my dog Max - who is the opposite of calm.
Rosaria and Bertram were running late, which was great as there were all these people dressed up in costumes from around Shakespears time and it was to celebrate the Fair of the masque. - which is the story of the Man in the Iron Mask (and all the participants went to the other island, which has the prison - Maybe a trip when I am in Cannes next week minding Rosaria and Bertrams cat.
13 July 2024
So today was a surprise. Jelena told me about a Herboriste/Naturopath place called La Sante par les Plantes L’Alimentation ar Rue Lascaris in Nice. I could smell the aroma of all the bags of herbs, before I walked into the shop. I got there at about midday and there were about 5 people in front of me. Well i was unsure if the people were waiting to be served or were waiting for their prescriptions. Huge bags everywhere in every corner of the shop and bottles and bottles of herbal tonics. What a place and there behind the desk was Claude who has been a herboriste for 20 years but before that he was a pharmacist and stopped being a pharmacist as he realised the drugs were actually killing people.
The shop was meant to close at 1pm, but there was no way this was going to happen as Claude did full consultations with everyone. A woman Cecilia arrived at about ten to 10pm on her husbands recommendation that she should explore. Cecilia is same age as me and in a crossroads in her career - she wanted to leave the job she has been in for 20 years but what next? We got on famously and basically talked for 4 hours straight about everything. Cecelia is form Sweden and loves Nice and her and her partner go to Nice every year. We had lots in common: second marriage for her and her partner and her 1 daughter is 25. So pleased we met as she was lovely and also because her partner brought us back lunch. I hadn’t had breakfast as I was thinking I would look around and then have lunch/breakfast. When it was our turn, we asked Claude about where he sourced his herbs and he usually uses small local growers who are all organic and gave us the name of a few brokers, as I would love to do some foraging or look at where the herbs are grown. The first is Cailleau Herboriste and the second is l’herbier du diosis. Claude suggested St Johns Wort Tea for myself and Cecelia as I seem to be overthinking everything (especially about the stolen phone) and I really don’t want to be as it is not healthy. We parted and I am sure we will see each other for yoga or a matcha before we both leave Nice.
After my wonderful adventure I met a group of women from the Women in Nice Facebook group, who Jelena (from the Expat group suggested). There were about 12 women from all walks of life and Jessica is the group organiser of the face book group. I only stayed for one drink, as I am finding that I don’t like walking around late at night and I had a few days of blogging to catch up on. I met a few lovely women, who I may see at another occassion.
I’d like to replicate a drop in centre for patients, like Claude had……………….
14 July 2024
I found out that in Nice, Bastille Day isn’t celebrated as would be expected, because in 2016 a huge truck drown along the promenade and killed an injured many people, so it is a memorial day to remember those that were killed.
I like that the local community have not forgotten about this tragic incident, just to conform but pay respect to those who have lost their lives. I started the day at Cholline du chateau with Antonella doing a yoga class that was all in French. I must admit I probably only understooda bout 5 %, but it was very enjoyable. Good to do some stretching. I am off the Canne tomorrow, so will look at a class tomorrow otherwise this afternoon somewhere around Nice.
I spent the day on my own today and tried to catch up on listening to podcasts or webinars on CIRS or Automimmune conditions. It is funny that I feel guilty not exploring but the idea is that this is not just a holiday but work. I really want o be able to live in France for three months of every year, but how?
a) need to spend less on things that are unimportant. I love the french, or so it appears live more simply than us in Australia and enjoy life more. It doesn’t seems to be a rat race continually or is this just becasue I am in a holiday destination?
b) Look at waster - money, food, time etc and be more efficient and in not as much of a rush always. Do things mindfully. I think this is real. I catch myself wanting to walk quicker, or wash the dishes quicker or eat quicker, but really it is important to appreciate what we have and not rush everything.
My aim for when I get back home
In the afternoon I spent the afternoon at the sea, sunbaking, swimming and ready my book “Pain and Prejudice” by Gabrielle Jackson whih about the history of women and how our make up over the centuries has led women to be thought of as hysterical and precious and so unable of serious work as our bodies are too complicated to be using our minds, but merely as sex objects who shouldn’t enjoy sex in our right but to be objects for men for their pleasure. Fascinating book. Luckily I am not pereceived in that way, but I am sure there are many women who are. Do yourself a favour and grab a copy. While reading I found it fascinating to watch people climb in and out of the sea on the pebbles and try to look like it wasn’t huring their feet. I was of the opinion that only tourists wore those wetsuit material shoes, but Rosaria said it was the locals. maybe I should get a pair.
15 July 2024
Before meeting Cecelia I went to La Maison des la Plantes and met the owner who has been a Herboriste for over 20 years. I love the huge array of different dried herbs and spoke to another Herboriste who speaks English. (When I come back home, need to recommence have to face french classes as mandatory to moving to France).
Started the day at Clay Cafe meeting Cecelia from Sweden (the woman that I met at the Herboriste a few days ago). We had a wonderful breakfast together and I really enjoy her company. I love that Europeans are so well travelled becasue it is so easy to get around Europe. One Day. After breakfast, I headed off the Eze Village, which reminded me of Mont St Michelle with its little shops and restaurants and cafes, small doorways and cute hotels and accommodation. It has a very old worldly feeling about it and I had my first Pan Bagnat (roll with tuna, anchovies, tomatoes, olive oil, spanish onions, capers etc) and it didn’t dissapoint. Yummy. I walked up to the Exotique Garden at the top and that didn’t dissapoint with its gigantic cacti and stunning views over the Cote D’zur. Walked down from Eze Village down to Eze sur mer, which is about 2kms of downill descent on a very rocky path - my Sketchers shoes probably weren’t the best for the the walk, but I made it. It was very hot and I was drenched by the time I made it to the bottom and got the train back to Nice. I must be getting used to the French way, as I was able to help someone buy a train ticket, so pretty pleased with my self.
I cooked dinner at home tonight which consisted of a piece of scotch filled purchased from the Boucharie and tomatoes and goats cheese as a salad. It was fulfilling to cook for myself with very little fancy items to cook on or with, but I did it. Note to self - that you don’t need the best or most glamorous to be happy.
Even though I wanted an early night I stayed up till about midnight watchhing Netflix show called “Who killed Sara?”, but I should know and do know that watching a screen with blue light is not going to invest in a very good night sleep. The problem is that it doens’t get dark until about 9.30/10pm, so it feels wierd going to bed early so by the time I am ready for sleep it is at least 11pm.
I have started daily morning meditations using an app called “Insight Timer” and doing a 40 day course for Transformation and I am up to Day 8. It has been great and a struggle sometimes as the meditations go for about 30 minutes, but I think this is important for me to learn to stop and slow down, so hopefully by the time I go homeI would have mastered this (well I hope).
16 July 2024
Well, the American Express card scenario continues. I had no idea where it was sent to, but after talking to DHL France it is still in their possession, so have organised to get delivered tomorrow in Cannes. The first half of the day has been noneventful except for writing this blog, posting a few posts and trying to find yoga or other form of exercise for this evening. I am finding that even though I am doing loads of walking, I need more. So far, I have done 2 yoga classes and need to plan for about 3-4 a week on top of the walking.
17 July 2024
Made my way to Cannes, Rosarias house and what a beautiful home. About 15 minutes by bus from Cannes Centre Ville. I am finding the public transport in the south of france really easy to get around. Thank you to google maps. How did people travel before phones and google maps.
18 July 2024
Spent the day wandering the streets of Cannes and exploring the delights of Cannes. Obviously visited the fesh produce markets and bought the usual apricots, peaches and wild strawberries. These strawberries really tasted like strawberries. Why doesn’t fruit in Australia have flavour. Then spa for a few hours. I feel guilty not exploring, but sometimes it is nice to just be.
19 July 2024
Last day in Cannes in Rosaria and Bertrans house. Absolutely beautiful and a nice reset living in a home, instead of an AirBnB. Nice to have use of a full kitchen and a spa. Spent the day at Antibes, which is north of Cannes and it is so charming. Smaller than Nice and Cannes, but also more quaint - maybe a place to stay at next time. Visited the Picasso Musee and loved the way he paints and expresses himself. Decided to indulge and spend the afternoon at a Beach Club in Antibes, as one issue with travelling by your self if swimming and having to leave your phone etc unattended on the beach. The beach club was just what I needed, even though I did get a little sunburnt, but am sure it will turn brown tomorrow - lucky me. Did a spot of shopping and bouth a lipstick, gold eye liner and hand cream from a BIO company called AVRIL, who are priced really well. My french is doing well, however when I tell people I am Australian, they then try to speak english to me - so I am finding the French people just gorgeous.
20 July 2024
Spent the morning at the house, waiting for Lizzy (Naturopath form Byron Bay), who is staying at Rosarias’ place. Was lovely to be able to read my book and move from room to room following the breeze. When Lizzy arrived we decided to head out to lunch, before I made my way back to Nice to a restaurant called Le Benitier and had a vongole pasta with a crisp chardonnay. Was so lovely to meet Lizzy at the Conference in Barcelona. I am grateful that I met some lovely people at the conference but also know it wasn’t by chance as the world puts you together and life is not a coincidence.
Trip back to Nice, was eventful as there sadly was an accident between Antibes and Nice, so all the trains were delayed. I felt proud that I was able to navigate an alternative way to Nice. I took a bus (1 hour journey), instead of waiting at Antibes train station. This trip has been great as it makes me do the work in working out problems. If I was with my husband Paul, I would probably rely on him, so for me it is important to do these things myself. I didn’t backpack around the world when I was younger so beign independent travelling was not something I have done, so to be independent and work out how, where, what etc is a great acheivement for me.
21 July 2024
Today is the final of the Tour de France in Nice. This is a historical year as normally the Tour de France ends in Paris, but because Paris are hosting the olympics , the end of the Tour de France is in Nice. I started the day with a fruit bowl and capaccino (with a biscuit shaped moustache) at Le Segurane before meeting Cecelia outside the Breakfast Club on Rue Catherine Segurane. She suggested we go to a new hotel that used to be a convent with beautiful gardens called Hotel du Couvent. The gardens were beautiful and you can see yourself just sitting and sipping your jasmine iced tea, which is what we both had. Such a nice way to spend some time chatting. Then we worked our way and luckily found a spot right on the fence 500 metres away from the finish line. We were so lucky and were surrounded by mainly Danish fans who were just beautiful. We stayed at the fence with clear view of each rider that came through until the last one. The atmosphere was so calm all around the town, considering how many people there were. Was it the Gendarme presence that kept everyone calm or was it just the Europeans who just take every thing in their stride. I just loved how there were no drunks, no pushing, just respect and calmness. is this just Europe, or just me only seeing the good things. I love France.
22 July 2024
A wonderful day in Grasse. Wish I had more time and wish I had stayed the night. Really pretty charming town with pink umbrellas hanging everywhere. I had a perfume making workshop booked at Fragonard at 2pm, but didn’t know that the workshop was at the factory, so by the time I got to Grasse Village it was 12.30pm and as I wasn’t sure how long it was going to be for an uber I had to leave the village at about 1.20pm just in case. The workshop was great and my nose was in overdrive smelling the base notes (Orange, citron or bergamot) and then the higher notes (vervain, mandarine, lavender and can’t remember the rest) to add to the base mixture. There were about 20 people in the workshop and the perfumerist was french and a wealth of knowledge. It was great to smell and understand the feelings, memories that were conjured up after smelling each aroma. I mademy own O’de Cologne and I really like it - Fresh andd uplifitng. We got to make our own 100ml personalised fragrance, with a Fragonard apron, little bag and certificate, in case I want to change careers.
Another highlight, just before the workshop was seeing Becca, who was a customer at Go Vita but she know lives and works in Grasse. She is lovely and hoping to spend some time with her before I go back home. She loves Grasse and not so much Cannes but thinking to come back to Sydney as France doesn’t have the same focus on waking up early and going for a walk or exercising early in the morning.
I had a special guest staying with me tonight, Lizzy who is a naturopath that I met at the ICNM congress who lives in Byron Bay. I had suggested she could stay with me as she had a flight out of Nice tomorrow morning and I am not far from the airport by Tram. I met her near the Promenade des Anglais and we had dinner and an ice cream before heading home. I have been so blessed to have met such lovely people.
23 July 2024
Started day with Yoga/pilates at @houseofbarrewithsonia at 8.45am. Awesome class that was a mix of yoga/pilates and barre. This will be my focus when I get back homer - more pilates/yoga etc and less weight but still weights but not the main and only focus. I need more stretching and flexibility in my life. It is important when travelling on your own to try to get into groups as otherwise it is hard to find your tribe of people. When I Jelena, she introduced me to a facebook groups called “Ladies in Nice” which is started by Jessica. Jessica is an American living in Nice and she is an artist. Her aim has been to find women in Nice and provide a group and/or base for those travelling alone. Jessica had suggested a coffee meeting at 10am and I turned up where there were 3 other women (Michelle, Miriam and Barbara) and Jessica and I felt good to meet others and realise that meeting people isn’t as easy as I initially had thought, but good to know I am not the only one. It has made me realise more that I need to be fluent in French (french classes to start when I get home) and also to be involved in groups. And it is important to say “Yes” as you really don’t know where yes will take you. I have now a group that I can call upon when we move to France.
The day then continued with me purchasing Air pods at FNAC, which is a great store for electronics and books etc.
Then the day got even better with meeting Cecelia at 4pm at Negresco, which is a fabulous hotel right on Promenade des Anglais with artwork worthy of museums. It was like going back in time. Loved sitting there with Cecelia and I have a feeling we will see each other again.
24 July 2024
My next adventure - 5-hour train trip from Nice ville Gare de Thiers to Aix-les-Bains to visit Audrey and her husband Germaine and his Aunty Malou. I am very excited. Train has been delayed due to an accident, but the train is on its way and is about 2 hours delayed. I will miss my connected train to Aix-les-Bains from Lyon, but they seem to be regular from Lyon. The trip took 3 hours longer than expected and I got to Aix-les-Bains at 4pm instead of at 1pm, but otherwise uneventful. The scenery on the train trip was magnificent. The mountains, the hay bales, the horses and cows. Audrey and Germaine live in an apartment overlooking the lake, which is the biggest lake in France. Surrounded by high mountains and sparkling blue/aqua/green water. As it doesn’t get dark it about 10pm here, we went for a walk around the lake and looked very funny (like crocodiles) getting out of the water due to the pebbles. It is easier to crawl rather than walk as they hurt under your feet. Note to self - buy those special shoes on next trip to France. The water is so clear and a different feel to salt water - maybe more refreshing as it doesn’t leave that salty feeling.
Dinner was very special - a mix of meats (duck, beef and turkey) sliced into pieces with a variety of vegetables like mushrooms, capsicum, tomatoes and radish which were all cooked on a hot plate in themiddle of the table. You cook as you go and is a great way to have dinner. They are the most gorgeous couple and they have been very more than hospitable.
I have to say I am pleased with myself for actually being calm about this hitch and knowing all will be ok.
25 July 2024
Audrey worked during the morning and I spent the morning exploring the lake. I walked to the right of the apartment and I am just in awe of the lake and the mountains surrouding me. It is like being in a fairy tale. I was just about to get lunch when Audrey messaged that she had finished work for the day, so I came back and we had home made taboulleh for lunch. The fruit here is awesome - totally unlike the fruit we get in Australia, which tastes like water and no taste. Maybe we should go back to going to the markets for our fruit and veges.
I have been noticing that there are so many people riding bikes and thought it maybe something for me to try as the promenade is wide and there aren’t many people usually, so Audrey tookme to Giant and we hired a bike for me - sadly no basket but I get I will survive. Yes I was very shakey but rode the bike home (about 10 minutes), so the aim tomorrow is to ride up and down the promenade practicing as I feel I am missing out as I can’t or won’t ride a bike. A new adventure begins.
Dinner was at a lovely place called L’Aquarmin and I had perch cooked in spices from the lake and we had a lovely white wine form this region. Follwed by icecream from FanFan - the best icecream ever. The icecream is made fresh every day and served from an ice cream truck.
Sadly today we heard about a death in the family, so won’t be going to Malous place over the weekend, so will need to meet up with her another year.
26 July 2024
So I have my bike and head out at about 9am with. my bike. I take it slow and go tot he right to the Jardin de Vagabond, which is a great garden. Loads of artichokes in the garden with a feeling of calmness. Another thing I need to do - spend time in nature (go for a walk/hike at least once a month). My other to do items is to meet one contact person each week and to write one instagram post a week. I am not a creature of habit, but I think I need to have some habits. After my ride to the Jardin (park) I head back to the left and keep going about 6.5kms around the lake. It is great as there is a dedicated bike and pedestrian lane (no cars). I am wobbly at times, especially when starting but I am getting better. I kept looking at google maps as I wanted to get to the end of one side of the lake and I did it. I did think, omg, know I have to get back, but brushed that away. It was about 1pm and messaged Audrey to see if she wanted to stop for lunch. It was about 2pm when she met me, but by 2pm most restaurants close, so we ended up having a panini (me) and Audrey had a very unimpressive poke bowl. It didn’t matter as we were in the outdoors. The ride back consisted of 3 swims in our underwear (as we didn’t have our swimmers) and because it is so hot, you dry in no time. Just beautiful. I’ve decided to keep the bike for another day as we are going to the markets tomorrow to do some shopping for our picnic tomorrow. The Adventure begins.
27 July 2024
The markets at Aix-les-Bains were really cute, but didn’t have much time to stop and wander as we were supposed to be leaving to go across the lake at midday. We bought a few supplies for our picnic on the other side of the lake - sauccison (with pepper (and really yummy), pain (bread), melon, abricots and peche and aubergines for dinner. We cycled to the markets and yes it was a little tricky as had to go on the road a few times to get to the market and no I wasn’t wearing a helmet as its not really french to wear a helmet (yes I know that is silly and irresponsible). I felt a bit more comfortable and it will be my mission when I go back to Australia to continue my bike riding even though there really aren’t as many bike tracks that aren’t on the road - but maybe centenial park as I would love to investigate bike tours around Australia or even other countries. I felt like I had more freedom as compared to walking everywhere as you can travel much longer distances with little effort. (A must do for back home).
Also something else I want to do when I get home is to do something different ie hike, walk, road trip etc at least once a month as feel like we get caught up in the. mundane instead of exploring and growing mentally, physically and emotionally.
Once back from the markets, we prepared our picnic (pain and saucission sliced very thinly, melon and left over pasta salad), we made our way with the kayak and the paddle board to the lake. Well, I was really out of my comfort zone, as the width of the lake is about 1km and I was at the back of the kayak with Germain paddling - I actually stopped breathing as I was so scared. This had nothing to do with Germain as he does this all the time, but for me I was so scared of falling off into the middle of the lake (yes I had a life jacket). I was exceptionnally scared to the point where I didn’t actually talk for fear of tipping the kayak. But we obviously made it to the other side. Once on the other side of the lake, it was decided that I go in front of Audrey on her paddle boar - which wa a good idea and we paddled down the side of the lake till we found a little beach. It was absolutely beautiful and totally worth the “near death experience”. I was quietly panicing as how I was going to get to the other side and secretly had plans to hail down another boat to take me ashore, but I was a big girl and went back on the paddle board and we were towed behind Germain on his kayak. On the way back, a storm had started and there was a loud burst of thunder and maybe I had another heart attack, but luckily the storm blew over we made it unscathed back to shore. I was very pleased to have made it back - not becasue of the drivers of the kayak and paddle board but that I didn’t give myself a heart attack (haha).
I am so pleased with myself for having done this, as it really put me out of my comfort zone and was so beautiful. I need to try more things as it is really easy to stop being adventurous. The night ended with “apero” at about 7pm and dinner which was a mixture of chips, grisinis, tomatoes, radishes, bread and a lovely eggplant dip.
Life has to be a bit simpler when I get back home - learn to enjoy the little things in life.
28 July 2024
Still at Aix we decided to have a very sleepy morning, as it was Sunday and Audrey and Germain had work on Monday, so we didn’t really get up till about 11ish/12ish and ventured to the markets by the lake. Beautiful craftmanship and I purchased a handmade pair of earrings from a guy who uses offcuts (from making knife handles) and stone to make them as well as a hand made necklace with the Dent du chat (tooth of a cat mountain) and it is lovely and will always remind me of the time I spent there. After the markets we had lunch including ice cream at a little place along the lake before me heading home by train to Nice. The 6 hour train trip was uneventful and even more surprisingly on time.
29 July 2024
My vow to start this week, waking up at 6am started today as I think it is important to get back into a routine instead of my sleeping in until 9am. New regime - wake up at 6am, meditate using ghe Insight Timer app and I am doing the 40 days of Transformation with David G. Then I quickly booked myself in with Sonia for her yoga/pilates etc @houseofbarrewithsonia at 8.45am. I love this class and I need to find something similar in Sydney. Next thing to do while in Sydney is to keep weight training but definitely do more yoga and pilates - maybe cancel my gym membership??? not sure.
The rest of the day until about 4pm was spent shopping - bought some gorgeous green shoes and some pressies, but still have more to buy. Extremely hot today so spent the afternoon in my apartment reading and staying out of the heat but a very good day in all.
30 July 2024
Continued my “back to normal” by waking at 6am, meditated for about 45 minutes then went down to the beach for a swim. Really nice at 7.30/8am as not many people. The water was glorious but the pebbles I am not sure about. Farily casual day with muesli and espresso at a local cafe followed by mentoring with Linda. Good lesson on understanding where to start with patients and most cases it starts with the food - what is ingested, when, how much etc. It was really hot today and I couldn’t bring myself to go outside so I stayed in and read my book and went through a few emails. Dinner ended up being with a woman called Marina, who I met at the first Expat grooup I met. We went to a sushi place and had such a lovely time. She has been in Nice for 4 months and has a calling to go to Ireland, so she is leaving on Tuesday. It is so intereting how the universe puts people in front of us. She answered a post I put up on the Ladies in Nice Facebook group asking if anyone was free for dinner and she replied. I get the feeling she wouldn’t normally accept an invitation like that, but maybe we are meant to meet up for some reason. Had a really lovely night and she went through my astrology chart with me. She is Aquarius and someone told me that Sagitarrians (me) and Aquarians are probably the best star sign matches. We have said that we will catch up on Sunday (the day before I depart).
1 August 2024
Catching an uber from my apartment, I had a tear in my eye, as my time in Nice has been very special. My solo trip, in a long time, at my age has really touched me and I feel sadness but also joy and a sense of achievement at having got so far on my own and having met lovely people on the way. I realise that France is where I am meant to be, but also my husband and kids are a special part of me, so I need to find a balance as I won’t be able to live without time in France in future years. Also a thought came to mind, in that the Gendarme wlak aroudn very cool vaping and I inwardly laugh to myself as it would be wierd seeing Australian police men vaping while on duty, whereas in France it suits them perfectly. My bias towards France again - sorry dear reader.
Train des mervailles - Train of marvels and yes I agree that the whole train trip was a marvelous experience. I caught the special Train des Merveillest 9.15am from Nice Villes Gare Thiers and at that time there is a guide for the entire 2 hour journey up the mountain in French and english. Spectacular views the entire way up the mountain with the guide, saying quick look to your right and then left - don’t miss teh chateau or the beautiful village. Really was something. I stopped at the second last stop which is la Brigue (the last stop being Tende) and it truly is beautiful. Mountains all around me. I got to my room at Hotel Le Mirval at about midday and had heard about the Notre Dame de Fontannes from the guide, so started walking on a path/walking trail and before I realised it I was half way to the Church. Not entirely sure of where I was, I found a path back to the road and followed the road for the last 2.4 kms to the church. Wow, what a church. Nota an ordinary church, but beautifully painted all over including all the ceilings and walls in 1492 by one person. Astounding and considering its age, still in great condition, with the ceiling more faded due to the windows close to the ceiling. The church has no artifical light with only windows providing interior light. While waiting for the bus to take me back to La Brigue I met a woman and husband and their 30 year old daughter waiting for the bus and we both had the same plan of going to Tende (another hilltop town tomorrow).
For lunch I went to the Auberge restaurant and had a typical La Brigue dish called Suegeli, which is homemade pasta and the restaurant make all their own pasta. The pasta sort of looks like ravioli but not stuffed and cooked with mushrooms and so lovely in taste and texture. Paired with an aperol spritz off course.
But the day doesn’t end yet, as there was a delightful french/italian comedy/play on near the old fort at 9pm so I had decided to go and the same family were also watching the play. So clever and even though I could only understand about 10%, the actors/comedians were brilliant and it was so funny. So special to be able to see such a wonderful outside production close to the old tower and fort. A very much surreal feeling to watch a play outdoors with about 100 or so other spectators while the sun was going down. Just brilliant.
2 August 2024
Today I decided to continue to wake up early, to get ready for back home. It was harder this morning as I don’t think I went to bed until about 1am, watching a netflix show called “Raising Voices”, so I will have an early evening tonight. Meditation, breakfast and then a walk around the town - I need to spend more time outside and the views are extraordinary from evey angle.
Then a bus trip to Tende with the people I met yesterday. Such a beautiful day walking around the museum, having lunch with a whole burrata in my antipasta and then a walk around the old village. It was actually like stepping back in time. Next trip here will be with a car, as I would love to drive to the Mervalles - which incorporate hundreds of rock carvings - but inaccessible without a car. Such a special day that I will never forget as this area in the mountains is really like stepping back in time. So moved by the mountains in every direction that I turn.
3 August 2024
Another wonderful day spent at another Medieval town called Saorge. Also, like going back in time. I went with Carol, Jack and Bernice and I have to say again how blessed I have been to have met really lovely people on this journey. We visited the Monastery, which is now a residency for artists, which is such a great idea for artists to have somewhere to go and to be themselves. I heard that sometimes wealthy or successful artists take over these places so provide artists a place to work that is all paid for. Such a wonderful idea. Carol and her family left about 1pm as they were travelling back to Nice in the afternoon and the buses aren’t that frequent - I think 1pm and 4.25pm, so I spent the remainder of the afternoon at a lovely lunch venue eating stuffed courgettes (zucchini) with mince and vegetables with a glass of chardonnay. Then wandered the village until my bus to La brigue turned up. A note to anyone visiting Saorge - many places close in the afternoon, so plan your day trip for the morning as there are a couple lunch venues open but not many. After a fruitful day, went back to La Brigue and had dinner in one of the local restaurants. A note for anyone travelling alone, this was probably the first place I found a little wierd having dinner on my own, as it is a holiday venue for the french, so not many if any single people.
4 August 2024
Journey by train back to Nice, for my last day in France. I booked a room in an IBIS hotelo next to the airport so that I didn’t have to travel or worry about ubers/connections etc for tomorrow journey back to Sydney. The hotel had a swimming pool, which was just what I needed to cool down in the warmth of the sun and heat of Nice. Perfect to refresh myself before meeting Marina for my final french dinner. Marina is someone I met through a Nice facebook group and we had a lot in common. She is off to Ireland on Tuesday to continue her journey. She was born in Brazil, married an American and lived in the US for 20 odd years and had 3 grown up kids. She has been in Nice for 4 months and like many people is trying to work out where she is meant to be. This has been an amazing trip for me as I have met many people over this 5 weeks - and the interesting part is that it was easy, like these people were meant to meet me and we all know that there aren’t coincidences - it is what was meant to happen. This is the great part of travelling on your own, as you tend to be more open to meeting other people. I believe that the people I have met on this trip will be people that I will know for my lifetime - maybe not see them all the time, but definitly keep in touch, if they either come to Australia or when I go back to Europe.
Carol sent me a message to wish me good luck and said “I think we wil see you sooner than in 2 years time”.
How, how how? Not sure if Naturopathy in Europe is where my future lies as not sure the Europeans would spend the money on a naturopath - but I may be wrong - more investigation is needed.
5 August 2024
Last day and the start of my long trek back to Sydney. Nice/London Heathrow/Singapore/Sydney - commencing from a 12.04pm flight from Nice and arriving at 5.10am in Sydney on wednesday. Being a Gold QANTAS member helps as I arrived in Heathrow about 7 hours prior to my departure and if I was not a gold member I would not have been able to hang in the lounge and have lunch and a shower. It is worth it.
So in summary: Would I do this again? Would I recommend that everyone of all ages travel solo, especially woemn over 50? Would I do this again? Have I learnt anything from this? Was I lonely at times? Did I feel sad at times? Did I meet amazing people on the way?
Yes to all the questions above. Travelling solo for anyone, who hasn’t done this before is exttremely rewarding mentally and emotionally. It has made me a more independent person and I feel great that I was able to navigate directions, transport, restuarants etc without the help of my wonderful husband. Even though he wouldn’t take over intentionally, I would probably let him, so on this journey I had to take the lead. I am capable of anything.. It is
It is great to be out of your comfort zone, even if you don’t realise it at that particular moment. It is ok to be scared. It is ok to be sad. It is definitely ok to be happy. It is definitely ok to be challenged.
I am looking forward to what the universe has to offer me - and I in turn will be ready with open arms.
Don’t overthink - as what is meant to happen will happen if you let it.