This past Tuesday, the group returned to Nice to learn more about local life. Instead of a more formal class in the morning, the group was given the chance to explore the nearby market, complete with fruit, soap, honey, pastry, flower, and cheese vendors. Each person was put into a group of three and given a list of things to find out about the market; for instance, the hours of the market, or the ingredients in Herbes de Provence. The exercise allowed each student to engage with the locals while also learning a bit about culture on the Côte D’Azur. In the afternoon, the group went parasailing on the beach. The view from the air was absolutely stunning, and while flying we could see the entire city. After parasailing, the group was given free time to explore the city, enjoy the beach, or browse the stores. We met back in the evening to have dinner on the beach, with the other AbbeyRoad kids studying in Nice. While hanging out with them, dinner was served. Each course was a traditional niçois dish, for instance, Ratatouille and rice as well as tapenade. After dinner, the group was given more free time before returning home to the family.
The next day, we had class in the morning. One group studied the subjunctive, while others went out and talked to locals on the street. Like every day, we picnicked outside the mayor’s office. In the afternoon, the Creative Conversation elective group attended a pottery class in Nice, and the Cultural Conversation elective group attended a cheese tasting at the local fromagerie. After returning home for dinner, the group met up again to see pre-Bastille day fireworks in Cagnes-sur-la-Mer. It was a late evening, but well worth it!
-Natalie B.