Nightfall. Hidden alleyways, doors that don't seem to have any connection to a restaurant across the way, the kitchen worker lugs boxes from one side of Place du Cap to another.
Camaraderie, conversation and a shared bottle of water. (see smaller photo)
The last time I was here, this bridge was in pretty good condition. Now, when the creek is up, you cross by the plank although it's not necessary at the moment - there's no water as we've had so little rain.
Bleached by the sun, worn away by wind, rain and time, the remains of these Tibetan Prayer Flags cling to chain link fencing at Gorbiologique.
We pass the entrance to Gorbiologique. It's here that Philippe Guiglionda started growing organic vegetables for his family - now he sells in Menton's market and supplies some of the top restaurants in Monaco.
Don't you love these tiny blue flowers that pop up all over the Gorbio walk. I have no idea what they are called but certainly they are a bulb. Anyone know?
Watch out for the wild orchids. They seem particularly plentiful this spring. I think this one is called Orchis Purpurea.
An old iron bedhead serves as a gate - or perhaps it's simply a barrier. Rather nice, don't you think?
We're actually back-tracking a bit today as this photo takes us back to the beginning of the walk. The reason for showing you the photo though is the sign on the left. It says 'Stones and Property, Private.' Understandable as people have a habit of picking up these stones to re-build their walls. Not good.
One of the very best things about living here is that not only do we have the Mediterranean, the beaches, proximity to Monte Carlo, great food and of course the weather but that you only have to go a few kilometres inland and you are in deep and wondrous countryside filled with olive trees, wild herbs and all the good things of the garigue, including the odd wild boar if you don't look out!
Just an everyday scene in Menton. An old man on a bicycle rides past the patisserie, the waitress picks up a newspaper and chats to a customer, a child is on a scooter waits for her mother to come out of the pharmacy ... and the sun shines. That's Menton!
Each year during the Fête du Citron there is an orchid exhibition in the Palais de l'Europe. Every size and sort of orchid you can imagine is on display and for sale. These Nepenthes always fascinate me. The ones in the last photo are beginning to dry out - no surprise after three weeks and also perhaps someone forget to spray them ...
All that remains of the Fête du Citron is the sale of the lemons and oranges. Any damaged fruit was thrown away but there remained 6 tons of lemons and oranges to be sold. Hundreds of people queued to buy the fruit (3 kilos for 1 euro). You'll see in the smaller photo the fruit is marked by the rubber bands that held it in place. It's used to make lemoncello, preserves, wine and probably a lot more besides.
A last look at the dancers...
Just two children loving the parade...
These girls not only have to put up with kids bombarding them with Silly String and confetti, a hundred cameras stuck in their faces but injury from the displays they carry on their shoulders. Look at the bandages and padding on the shoulders of these two!
As the parade passes, the massive floats made of lemons and oranges are interspersed with all sorts of acts to make us laugh or fill us with wonder. This man is part of a flying machine act - here fooling around and giving me his 'look.'
