It's Carnaval!

As the countdown to Lent begins, many places around the world are celebrating with one last party: Carnaval!  It's no secret that I left part of my heart in Nice, so of course the carnival I want to experience the most is the Carnaval de Nice. Sure, Brazil is the biggest and most talked about celebration, but it's a bit too much T&A for me. Nice is the original, and nothing beats the original.

The Carnaval de Nice is comprised of the carnival parade, the flower parade, a parade of lights, in addition to lots of other entertainment from around the world. In looking at pictures from the past few years, it is amazing to see all the effort and work that goes into all the floats and costumes in conjunction with the overall theme (This years theme is "King of Sports" for this years Olympics.) 

*images of the carnival parade, flower parade and parade of lights via nicevarnaval.com

"For over 15 days, the city hums to the rhythm of this genuine, fairy-tale event … get a passport for the celebration and let the magic do its work … come and forget the dullness of winter and take in the sun on the French Riviera!" 

Oh Nice Carvnaval website, how I wish I could...

Nice is Nice

Two weeks ago I said one of my recent purchases was giving me wanderlust. Did you guess which one it was? In case you didn't, it was the Essie polishes from the French Affair collection, specifically the shade "Nice is nice".  Just this one polish has me longing to return to Nice.


Because Nice truly is nice. 


When I went to France for study abroad, I had no idea what to expect going to Nice. Would I love it? Would I hate it? Would the people be nice? (no pun intended I swear) Up until the trip, I really did not know much about this city, or the French Riviera for that matter. But that is why travel is so amazing. 

As we drove from Milan into the French Riviera, I quickly started to fall in love. Upon our actual arrival to Nice and to our hotel, I knew I was 100% completely in love with this beautiful Mediterranean city. From the ocean, to the people, the culture, the food, the shopping and the overall atmosphere, I couldn't get enough. 

Even though our stay in Nice was short, I enjoyed every single minute of it. Since there was so much I did not get to see, I will surely be visiting Nice la belle again as soon as possible. Here are some pics from my trip:

our hotel in the heart of Nice, Le Meridien.

(HIGHLY recommend this hotel, it is FABULOUS)

I loved all the artistic elements around the city. I am not sure of the name of this one, but it would light up in neon colors at night.

La Tête au Carré de Sosno

brings new meaning to the term blockhead, no?

Acropolis Conference Centre

Monument des Morts (monument for the dead)

beach at sunset

on the beach. I actually took that cream colored rock home :) it now lives on my floor.

one of my favorite shopping streets. Louis Vuitton, Zara, they had it all.

this was taken at 9 O'CLOCK AT NIGHT! How amazing!

While I would love to send you all on a fabulous trip to Nice, my funds just wont allow it right now:) So instead, I will be giving away Essie's Nice is Nice nail polish to one of you!!

To enter you must :

-be a follower of the blog

-leave a comment under this post and tell me where are you wishing to go to?

-Submit all entries by 11:59 EST April 25 

The winner will be picked using random.org and I will announce the winner on the blog on April 26:)

Good luck!