At dinner last night some of the spouses arranged to meet at breakfast to make a plan for the day. So up and at ‘em I was at 8:00. Good news: I learned which button opens the electric blackout shades! Met the ladies for breakfast at 9:00 where we lingered for an hour and a half. Can you say Best Croissants Ever?!?! I’m skipping the eggs tomorrow and going straight to the croissants.

After picking the concierge’s brain Ann (in from the UK), Robin (Virginia), and I decided to start the day with the hour-long Big Tour on Le Petite Train, a cute motorized engine pulling multiple open-sided cars. We rode along Boulevard de la Croisette which is The Address in town. It runs right along the sea. We enjoyed water views, parks, and yacht-packed marinas on one side and top flight shops and old hotels on the other. Umbrella trees (which I love) and palms line the road and flowers and flowering plants are everywhere. The audio guide explained the history of the area and told about some of the obvious stand-out properties like the Carlton InterContinental which boasts hosting movie stars from around the world during the annual film festival. Not only has it been featured in films (think Alfred Hitchcock’s To Catch a Thief) and music videos (think Elton John for starters), it made the news thanks to a couple of multi-million dollar jewelry heists and was where American Grace Kelly met her future husband, Prince Rainier, of Monaco in 1955. No doubt other hotels have histories just as interesting. We drove past the Palais des Festivals where the film festival is held every year, the medieval old section of town called Le Sequet, public space set aside for the game of boules, and the beautiful city hall. Just off shore we could see Ile Sainte-Marguerite, famous for Fort Royal, home to a number of famous prisoners including the inventor of the steamboat and the mysterious Man in the Iron Mask made famous by the book and film of the same name.

We went in search of lunch once the tour was over and found a perfect spot in the sun at Le 33. My French onion soup was delicious and our waiter delightful. After a slow stroll back to the hotel we ladies went our separate ways for a little downtime.

A group dinner was prearranged at Le Cosi in the old section of town. We were spoiled with an amuse bouche, ricotta and vegetable ravioli with truffle sauce, and our choice of entree. I chose the turbot and Dan went with veal rump steak. Warm chocolate fondant with vanilla custard ended the meal. Dan and I sat across from an Australian couple and a man from New Zealand who were loads of fun.

Lights out at 11:00.