PIP 2001- Cannes
 

OK, I'll be the first to bite, hopefully the rest of the crew will fill in with some of the more descriptive details:
Wed 11/7: CO # 56 EWR-CDG
I got to EWR about 90 min before my flight, had no problem getting my 18" wheeled carry on through security, checked in at the new PC-grabbed a coke & some cheese, organized some of stuff, then assuming a need for an early boardng headed over to the gate. Well, I had lots of time, as my 8:00 flight didn't begin to board till 7:35... Flight overall was fine, I was luckily seated in 4K which had an empty seat next to me and we took off just slightly late. Nothing major to note about the flight, watched Bridget Jones Diary (very funny), some old tv shows and slept for the rest of the flight. We landed early at CDG and for once, we pulled right up to the terminal http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif.
Thurs 11/8 CDG-NCE
I was able to find my way from C to F, but everyone was stopped by 'security activity' just prior to the check in area--funnily enough while the police were not letting anyone go through where they were standing (at the enterance to F), if you went around the corner, away from the crowds--you could stroll right through! I was early so I asked about getting on the earlier flight--but no go. So I sat around and read some newspapers till we boarded. It was a very empty flight, and I dozed on and off until we got close to the coast. Am I glad I woke up! It was a beautiful clear day, and the coastline was spectacular. We landed early and pulled right up, I was able to find the bus to Cannes right outside Terminal 1 and was on my way http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif. The bus stops in Cannes across from the Palais du Festival and it was a short stroll east (actually about 10 blocks) along the harbor to my hotel- the Noga Hilton. Despite arriving early, I had no problem checking in. They noted my 'Gold' status and the concierge escorted me to my room, which while small (I'll let the others describe their enormous suties http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif,and very orange in a 70's disco way (Austin Powers would have felt very very much at home), did have a great view of the harbor and the 'old town of Cannes. Awaiting me was a nice bottle of Champagne chilling and a large basket of fruit (as a Gold this was my first Hilton amenity http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif )
After resting up a bit, and taking some obligatory pictures of my great view, the orange room, & the 'plastic coated walls, I set out to explore the city. I wanted to check out the train station, as I had plans to take an early train to some of the coastal towns the next day, I also strolled around the Rue d'Antibes and found my favorite shopping store 'MonoPrix', where I loaded up on cheap, decent wine, coca cola and snacks. I also bought some 'french cat food'--for my babies at home (Sam, Tsuki & Casey-- so they too can enjoy some 'exotic' food http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Back at my hotel, with no word from other FT'ers I went out to get a bite to eat, since it was only 6:30, pickings were slim, but I found an 'ok' fish restaurant just down from my hotel. After dinner, I went back and crashed!! About 10:30pm the phone rings and it was MJM (Mike-- our organizer) calling to check on who had made it in. I told him I was fine, and went back to sleep!!
More coming.....




[This message has been edited by mauld (edited 11-13-2001).]

Mauld, great start! Does writing the report make you feel like you're back in high school? I found that it was easier because I didn't have to worry about getting a grade. It was great to see you again. Punki says that she's doing her own report so I'm not. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Corrected for spelling http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif "Still working for the A+"

[This message has been edited by Hunki (edited 11-15-2001).]

Nice start Mauld.

Goldlust got no fruit basket http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

Well, he just grabbed some in the presidential suite instead http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Friday 11/9-Along the French Coast by Rail
The day dawned bright and a bit blustery, so after a quick bite at the buffet breakfast at the Hilton, I was off to the rail station. I bought a Cannes-Monaco return ticket for about $12 US, and was off! I had done some research on the towns between those cities and figured I'd stop off and explore as I went along. My first stop was at Biot, which was described as being a 'charming hill top town' near the train station---wrong http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif. After walking by a variety of closed amusement parks, smoldering dumps, various glass works factories, and some mundane track houses, I inquired "ou est le centre de ville" etc. from a local worker. He pointed and responded 'au loin....', with that I checked my watch, and figured it was at least a 20 minute walk back to the SNCF and the 'village--not nearby and with the next train east expected soon, I'd better head back. At the station, I did take a few nice pictures of the sea and coastline--but nothing really representing the perched village of my expectations.
Next stop was a bit better: Villefranche Sur Mer. This was an absolutely beautiful town right on the sea. I was able to wander around the harbor and down the 'hidden' streets below ground. I imagine during tourist season this place must be packed, but luckily the streets were practically empty except for local merchants. The houses were all the various beautiful shades of Provence, and the streets cobbled, twisting and charming. All in all I would definately want to make a return visit here and spend more time. After a quick 'cafe' near the station, I was off again. I had been planning to visit Eze, but after my Biot experience I thought I judge the distance from the station while on the train, and if it looked 'walkable', I'd stop on my return. The train itself 'hugs' the coast for most of the trip and the views alternated from merely great to fantastic. I did see another town 'Cagne Sur Mer', just before Monaco, which also looked promising for a nice stroll--and it's village appeared very near the train.
Monaco-- arriving in Monaco, I was surprised by the very modern rail station. After walking what seemed miles I exited near the Palace and gardens. I wandered around the harbor, imagining who could possibly own those enormous yachts and checking out the tacky amusement rides and games. Then walked up to the Casino (but decided not to go in) then back down for lunch at a seaside cafe. I was seated next to the harbor and all was well for about the first 5 minutes, then a large gust of wind hit, followed by darkening clouds. It was all I could do to keep the cloth & silver on the table. Sill, I managed to keep my hands on a 1/2 litre carafe of Provence rose, and an order of moules http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif By the time I left, the rain seemed just about ready to start, so I hurried back to the station. Now it had really started to pour, so I'm afraid both Eze and Cagne Sur Mer would be out of the question. The train was a commuter line, and getting on in Monaco it was already packed. I felt as if I was on the Lex during rush hour--only this was the local;. I finally got a seat at Nice, and almost dozed the rest of the way to Cannes. It was still raining when I got off the train at 6pm, and as the PIP Winetasting was to begin at 7--I just hurried back to my hotel to prepare for the fun.
Coming next our PIP wine tasting.....


[This message has been edited by mauld (edited 11-16-2001).]