The Sea, the Sky, the Airport

The impression of isolation here is wildly deceptive. At my back was the busy shopping mall of Cap 3000 and the spit of land in the distance that runs from the left is the runway for the airport. This part of the River Var that marks the western boundary of the city, though, is a mecca for bird watchers, nature lovers, dog walkers and people taking photos.
I stumbled over what looked like a professional photographer with his tripod, huge camera bristling with gear. I would have liked to ask him what he was shooting but he was fiercely concentrated on his task. I came across him later moving down the bank and noticed that he had someone to carry his equipment. Then I really regretted not waiting to speak to him

Leaving..

Son is leaving this afternoon heading back to university and arctic temperatures in the UK. I'd like to be sure he'll wear his coat and wrap up warm and have something hot to eat at the other end but he just laughs at me..

One Sunny Saturday: The Other View

Back to the park: my sister claimed she'd never been up here but the minute she saw this view she remembered. It's hard to forget. Jilly asked if there were a lift. Absolutely yes. Thank goodness. In fact this is one time when you really shouldn't be brave and fit and toil up the stairs because when you walk out of the lift there is a very narrow parapet and this is what you see; the Promenade des Anglais and the Baie des Anges at your feet. The airport is on the tip of land almost immediately opposite and when you come into land there's always that slightly unnerving sensation of touching down on water.

(When flying into Nice always ask for a seat on the left side of the plane when looking up the plane towards the cockpit. You can see the whole coast)

Memorial

This reads: to the memory of the brave parachutists of the 598th Parachute Engineer Company,

517th Parachute Regiment Combat Team of the United States army

who parachuted into the French Midi the 15th august 1944 to take part in the liberation of the city of Nice.

these valiant parachutists sacrificed their lives demining the airport of Nice so that it could be used during the liberation of France and it is to them that this plaque is dedicated

Sergeant Wallace P. Englert

Private First Class William F. Boggan

Private First Class Herbert B. McLamb

Private First Class Alois J. Siewierski

Private Vestal A. Lucas

Private Harold H. Miller

I must have passed this plaque a hundred times but I noticed it for the first time last weekend.

It pleases me to see courage acknowledged.

If anyone sees any mistakes in my translation, please let me know and I'll correct it.

Art at the Airport

We're back at the airport, my second home. I stumbled across this colourful installation and simply couldn't work out what it was except that it provided a perching place for a crowd of Germans to eat their lunch (and they wouldn't move while I took the photo...).

I stopped a passing member of staff to find out. She shrugged her shoulders and said she had no idea; something to do with carnival perhaps.

Then I asked the lady seated at the back who said more or less the same thing. In the end I went to the Information desk and they said: "No idea, something to do with Carnival maybe"

It's certainly colourful like Carnival but other than that....I have no idea.

Fish at the Airport

In the central hall at the airport is a huge aquarium filled with different species of exotic fish. I suppose it's there to have a calming effect on nervous passengers.
I was hoping to capture the fish nibbling at the plants but they darted away and I was left with this which I quite like. The people are actually behind me..

Funny how things turn out..

View From The Airport

This is what you see when you come out of the airport: the palm trees, Phoenix Canariensis which can grow up to 60 foot tall and the business park, Les Arenas, opposite.
The further part of the car park nearest to the airport is often used for exhibitions of new cars; this time Volkswagen, I can see. Good job there's plenty of parking elsewhere.
I don't usually appreciate the style of buildings like those opposite; they could be any building, any city but the 3D piece on the right hand one, the Novotel, saves it from mediocrity.
And the best thing of all is the feeling of coming home when I come through those doors.