My first full day in Nice was occupied with an orientation day program put together by the university. For those who don’t know, I’m in Nice for three weeks to take some summer French courses and also because I couldn’t think of a better place to spend the rest of my summer than in the South of France where the Alps and the Mediterranean converge to create one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. The first thing on the agenda was an early morning social outside for all the students to get to know each other. There are at least 20 countries represented here among the students, including: Canada, USA, Cuba, Brazil, Germany, Austria, Poland, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Greece, China, Japan, Thailand, Philippines, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Romania, Netherlands, and Belarus. Also outside were two billboards, filled with information. On the one, there were posted the class lists and schedules (three hours of class time in the morning, followed by an hour lunch break, followed by two hours of themed workshops in the early afternoon). And from the other billboard, I learned that they had cultural activities and excursion planned for us in the afternoons (or all-day on Saturdays) on four days of the week. Next up was a small presentation from the director, inside in the amphitheatre, about the program, the university, the city, and generally what to expect over the next three weeks. Afterwards, we received our “student cards,” which were about three times the size of a normal card and wouldn’t fit in any wallet, and then headed back outside for a buffet lunch. The sandwiches provided were very tasty and the live, jazz group accompaniment added a nice touch. After eating, I stood in line at the “InfoBus” to buy a bus pass for the month. Oh how I will enjoy the bus system here after what I had gotten used to in Dakar over the past seven weeks. Having a route map and a schedule will be so nice! At 15h30, everyone would regroup at the university and we would go on our first excursion: a walking tour around Nice. The tour lasted about four hours, during which I saw some of the most amazing views of the city while learning a ton of interesting history about the region. We also stopped for ice cream at the most famous place in town – it only took one taste to realize why!
Our tour ended at the Place Garibaldi, at one of the small cafés, where I had a really nice Rooibos tea blend. After today, I can safely say I’m going to enjoy living here for the next three weeks.
Our tour ended at the Place Garibaldi, at one of the small cafés, where I had a really nice Rooibos tea blend. After today, I can safely say I’m going to enjoy living here for the next three weeks.