Jackie Steves Blogs Europe - Whoops! We Overslept and Missed Our Train to Nice

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Whoops! We Overslept and Missed Our Train to Nice

Yesterday morning we visited the Pompidou Center. Most of the modern art I saw just went over my head. Either my taste is not sophisticated enough — or just not weird enough — to appreciate some of the bizarre “art.” I like modern art like Picasso, Matisse and Chagall better than contemporary art. I saw a few completely white canvases in a row claiming to be art — I don't get it.

We visited the Picasso Museum too. I read about him — what misogynist! He used women for inspiration and sex. Many of his girlfriends were way younger than he was too, like the 27-year-old he married when he was 91! I still like his art. It's not my favorite, but I admire his unique style and skill in many different media.

We picked up a Nutella-and-banana crêpe—amazing!—on Rue Cler from the Ulysée crêperie .

We went out last night to a couple bars and I had an amazing time meeting a few cute/fun French guys. The downside, however, was missing our 8:45 train this morning because our alarm didn't go off for some reason. We didn't wake up until 9 a.m. We threw everything into our bags and rushed to the train station.

I was so worried we would never be able to make it to Nice today, or tomorrow, or even all weekend because I had tried to change the reservations a while ago and had been told there were absolutely no other availabilities this weekend. We miraculously got tickets on a train that left at 11:46 a.m. Better yet, the ticket woman actually gave us some money because the tickets were cheaper than our original ones (even though it was totally our fault we missed the earlier train). Also, this train was direct to Nice, unlike the other one where we would have had to transfer. We couldn't believe our luck!

We got into Nice at about 5 p.m. and walked to our hostel. Jules was limping along the way because she fell and hurt her foot really badly last night.

I wasn't sure what to expect because I've never stayed at a hostel before, but it's a brilliant system: the sheets, storage spaces, lockers, shared facilities including laundry, Internet and a kitchen. I thought it would be weird sharing our room with two strangers, but it actually doesn't feel too weird because they are just young female travelers like us.

We walked to the beach — very rocky and uncomfortable to sit or lie on.

We have arrived in the land of gelato! Many gelaterias here have tons of flavors — like 30 plus. I got Nutella and pistachio.

Nice to France seems like Florida to the United States — the kind of place where you would like to retire. It's not a bad place for young people, either.

About This Entry

You are reading "Whoops! We Overslept and Missed Our Train to Nice", an entry posted on 10 July 2008 by Jackie Steves.

32 replies to this entry. Add your comment below.

Previous Entry, Dreaming About Being a Nanny Here Because I Could Really Get Used to Life in Paris, posted Jul 08 2008

Next Entry, Making Friends: Not as Easy as I Expected It Would Be, posted Jul 14 2008

Comments [ top ]

Thanks for the interesting blog! I really enjoy seeing Europe thru your eyes, and hearing about the museums and the hostel experience. I am glad the train worked out. The travel gods are with you! Hope Jules' foot is feeling better. Remember: RICE. Rest, ice, compression (ACE bandgage) and elevation (foot above the heart). Just some motherly (probably unneeded) advise!

Posted by: Marlee - Jul 10, 2008 4:18 PM

Delightful to read Jackie's perspective on traveling in Europe after watching her as a youngster with her parents. She's brave to travel with a friend..sans parents. It is great to see young people enjoying Europe.

Posted by: Mary-Gene Rubin - Jul 10, 2008 6:10 PM

Love reading your blogs! You have some sort of future in writing--maybe your Dad's travel books? Keep writing--love it!

Posted by: Karol - Jul 10, 2008 6:29 PM

What's with all the Nutella?? (What is Nutella? ;) Just discovered this blog. Loving it so far. And living vicariously. I'll be in France again later this year. Always cool to get new ideas of things to see and do.

Posted by: charlotte - Jul 10, 2008 7:30 PM

Hi Jackie! Your mom just told me about your blog. While you are having fun in Europe I am slaving away shopping for you. Love your blog and can't wait to hear more. See you in August.

Posted by: Susie - Jul 10, 2008 8:29 PM

I'm compelled to correct one word for a young writer: one does not LAY on a beach; one LIES on a beach. Or, one could lay SOMETHING (like a towel) on a beach. These are two different verbs--one transitive and one intransitive-- which many people confuse. Have a great time without us cranky old people!

Posted by: Gayle - Jul 10, 2008 9:12 PM

I wish I were there! Chocolate/Banana crepes are the BEST! Beaches in Nice aren't, head to Antibes, much nicer and sandy. Hope Jules' foot recovers quickly, it can be tough traveling on a bum foot (as I'm doing right now), you get sympathy, but also get worn out.

Posted by: A - Jul 10, 2008 9:20 PM

I am jealous. My daughter and I were in Paris in April for 10 days and ate several meals on Rue Cler, but somehow missed the Ulysée crêperie. We had instead, great ones in the Latin Quarter.Now I have another excuse to return to Paris - not that I need one.

Posted by: Charlyle Parrish - Jul 10, 2008 9:45 PM

Sounds like you're having a great time so far, even tho you've had a few glitches. I was so clueless at your age and didn't make my first trip to Europe until I was 33, but since then I haven't stopped! I now live in Italy...home of Nutella! Stay safe and have fun!

Posted by: Barbara - Jul 10, 2008 11:57 PM

Thanks for making the effort to share your travels with everyone. It's very refreshing to see the experience through the bright mind and eyes of young person of your caliber.

Posted by: Peter - Jul 11, 2008 2:32 AM

And for the rest of your life you'll be telling the story of how you overslept, missed your train, ended up getting on a faster train later in the day AND got some money back. Puts a new twist on "the early bird catches the worm".

Posted by: Jarrod - Jul 11, 2008 6:21 AM

Your blog is fun to read! It brings back so many memories of my own European adventures when I was your age, although you seem so much more sure of yourself and adventurous than I was. But (like you, it seems) I do remember taking every opportunity to eat Nutella...especially in those warm chewy crepes! Enjoy this time!

Posted by: Terri - Jul 11, 2008 6:41 AM

Terrific stories, Jackie! Thanks for sharing. As the parents of two teenagers we have taken them to many places around the world including two trips to Italy, Malta/Gozo and Spain. I'd like to see my kids (boy now 17 and girl now 16) take a trip to Europe (or elsewhere- they love Thailand!) on their own shortly after high school. Lately I've been "practicing" with them by having them find our gates at the airport or trains, arranging ground transportation or planning some of our side trips so they can get some experience on how to travel rather than just "tag along." What would be your advice to parents to prepare our kids for traveling on their own?

Posted by: Joe - Jul 11, 2008 7:14 AM

Wonderful stories---this is one of your best blogs. I was surprised to learn this was your first hostel experience. I'm glad it is all working out for you. Your are so open and refreshing. Don't worry about the verb lay (to place an object) and lie (to recline)--- alot of people use it the wrong way and it is confusing. Sometimes you do place your body on the beach! :-) Love the Nutella - banana crepes. For those of you (Charlotte) with no Nutella experience, you are missing one of the best food experiences of the world. Nutella is chocolate hazelnut spread. You find in the grocery stores by the peanut butter. It is wonderful on toast especially apple cinnamon toast.I peel a banana and spread nutella on it.Great picnic food. Happy & safe travels. Rest Jules.

Posted by: Audrey in Keizer, OR - Jul 11, 2008 8:37 AM

Mmm! I stayed on the Rue Cler a few months ago for two nights and went to the Ulysée crêperie twice while I was there. I got a ham, cheese, and egg crêpe, and took it over to the Champs de Mars for a picnic on the lawn. It was without a doubt the best crêpe I've ever had!

Posted by: Kim - Jul 11, 2008 8:53 AM

Hi, Jackie and Juliana, It sounds like you are having a great time. We enjoyed meeting you and spending a few hours with you in Venice on the Bar Tour. Hope your trip continues to be fantastic. Ours was, thanks in great part to your father's books. Ciao, From those two from California that helped you with a picture on the Rialto Bridge in Venice.

Posted by: Susan H. - Jul 11, 2008 10:14 AM

I thought Italy was the "official" land of gelato. Enjoy.

Posted by: Robert C Molleston - Jul 11, 2008 10:22 AM

Love your blog! Wonderful to have Jules with you. You will love Prague. The music is amazing and so is the food. Good traveling. Nancy

Posted by: Nancy McAuley - Jul 11, 2008 10:49 AM

Thank you for your clear,consise and inciteful narratives.:>

Posted by: William Popper - Jul 11, 2008 11:57 AM

What a fabulous adventure you are having!!! Enjoy every minute.....you will just love Washington, DC....and the museums are FREE here. Hope you are keeping a journal...they are great to re read after you come home.

Posted by: Florence - Jul 11, 2008 12:51 PM

This spring I travelled to Europe with my son on a school trip to the Canadian Battlefields. Youth provides energy, enthusiasm and entertainment. Good on you for embarking on this journey with a friend.

Posted by: Sandy - Jul 11, 2008 1:00 PM

I was just wondering what bars you went to, and how you found out about them, or did you just randomly go in? I've been to Paris many times but never once a bar in Paris so I'm curious! Thanks!

Posted by: Ellen - Jul 11, 2008 2:19 PM

Jackie, it's been very interesting reading your travel Blog. The ability to share travel experiences, almost in "real time", never fails to amaze me! I can't understand how we got by in "the old days" (ie: pre-Internet). Regarding your Hostel experience, it sounds like you found a really nice Hostel for your first stay. Some that I've stayed in have been "co-ed" so don't be too shocked if you find one like that. I look forward to further episodes as your trip progresses.

Posted by: Ken - Jul 11, 2008 3:35 PM

Love your new photo! You look very happy!

Posted by: Audrey in Keizer, OR - Jul 11, 2008 7:05 PM

Jackie, your comment on Pompidou is not unique. Two different years we visited inside Pompidou. Makes less sense inside than out. It had been reported to be one of the most popular tourist attraction in the city of Paris. I found that hard to believe, so on three different visits (we’ve visited Paris nine times) I conducted a poll of my own. The people I talked to, members of tour groups from several countries, said they were not here by choice, but since this is where the tour bus dropped them, what option did they have. The tour guides figured that people are reluctant to complain when they have been dropped at an art museum that has been (mis)represented as a top tourist destination. ==== The German language uses “du” (pronounced “do” as in Pompidou) when a friend or a member of the family is addressed, and “Sie” (pronounced “Zee”) when they talk to a stranger. Our German friends say Pompidou is so strange they call it “Pompizee.” Read that again, it really does make sense.

Posted by: Jim Humberd - Jul 12, 2008 9:29 AM

Where has the time gone... I remember your first travels with your Mom and Dad before you could even walk on your Dad's show. Now you are on your own!!! Good Luck

Posted by: Elliott - Jul 12, 2008 9:51 AM

It's funny, when i am in Europe, I eat way more Nutella than I ever would at home as well. On my 2 trips to Paris, i have heeded your dad's advice and stayed on the Rue Cler as well. We hit the Ulysses Creperie as well, as we stayed near it at Grand Hotel Leveque. I love all your blog entries so far and hope you continue to have a great time.

Posted by: Christine - Jul 12, 2008 1:35 PM

Hi Jackie. I just returned from a Rick Steves Family Europe tour and one of the best things I discovered was Nutella! I had never had it here and my kids got concerned because I was always looking for it at each stop. I had a Nutella crepe in the Latin Quarter in Paris right before we came back and it was heavenly. Enjoy your trip and know how blessed you are.

Posted by: Donna - Jul 12, 2008 2:47 PM

Hi Jackie, It was so interesting to read about your trip so far. When we were in Paris, we stayed on Rue Cler, too, and loved it. We found out that when we travel,alot of the errors we made were some of the things we remembered most on our trip... getting on the wrong train, etc. Your dad is probably the best teacher you could have had in learning how to travel safe and still have fun!

Posted by: Jackie - Jul 12, 2008 5:27 PM

We didn't get the Pompidou either: my daughter nicknamed it "The Museum of Disturbing Art."

Posted by: Desiree - Jul 12, 2008 6:56 PM

Regarding the gelato: Try the melone (cantaloupe) - you may never order another flavor again! Seriously, cantaloupe gelato is absolutely amazing!

Posted by: Cindy - Jul 13, 2008 1:35 AM

Hey Jackie! I loved reading about your adventures in Europe! Remember me? Village Italy 2003? Our travelogue/sketchbook is still online at my website: www.pen2paint.com Congrats on getting into Georgetown - you'll love the big city - DC mass transit is GREAT. And the Smithsonian and the Portrait Gallery - wow. I agree on contemporary art and some modern art - I don't get it. I always look at some obscure splat of paint with a $10,000 price tag and think, "Hell, I could do that!" Who buys this crap anyway? Give me a John Singer Sargent watercolor anyday. FYI, I believe that Van Gogh only sold one painting in his life - and I think it was to his uncle or something. Maybe when I'm dead I'll be wealthy post-mortem. And Picasso was a real letch. Ew. Have a great adventure! Where are you guys going, anyway? Your first posting didn't give any itinerary. Meet some gorgeous guys and DANCE - Hugs and thoughts your way! Cheers, Donna

Posted by: Donna Starr - Jul 14, 2008 11:32 AM