November 8, 1918
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Up feeling fresh and after breakfast, the typical French one, a roll and coffee, went out to explore the town. Bought a guide book and strolled round viewing the shops, very fine, and called at the Y.M. where I had a cup of tea and cakes, buying some views for home. Returned to hotel for lunch. After lunch walked to the top of a high hill called the Chateau, which divides the port from the remainder of the town. About 92 metres high a wonderful view could be obtained. The coast here runs due E to W.
Facing the sea on my right lay the greater part of Nice with its red roofs and white walls, and on my left was the port of Nice surrounded by its warehouses and villas interspersed amongst the trees of the surrounding slopes. Entirely shut in by hills, the climate is wonderful and even, being renowned the world over, the Cote d’Azure being a byword. ‘Tis a lovely view, the beautiful blue of the sea contrasting with the town, the pebbly beach and broad promenade lined with innumerable splendid hotels dividing the two.
On the beach fishermen were mending their nets and washermen were drying clothes which they had spread on the pebbles. On the summit is a large tablet with arrows pointing to all the capitals of Europe and most prominent of the mountain peaks. Returned to Y.M. for refreshment and booked a motor trip to Monte Carlo for next day. Dinner at hotel at 7 and then did the town, quaffing drinks at the Cafes on the Boulevard and watching the gay scenes before me.
All races seem to be represented, Italians being in force from the old part of the town. American soldiers, mostly officers predominate, 3,000 being on leave there usually, whilst occasionally Australians and New Zealanders can be seen rubbing shoulders with the French in their reds, blacks and greys, African Chasseure in their yellow khaki and red Fez, and Italians in their green grey. The Yanks flash their medals like the French. Several Polish soldiers also present mostly from America, being now a special regiment with the French.