Rocco's Riviera Rambling: Going Home

End of year guitar concert

It seems that the last few months have been on fast forward. Since returning home from

Italy

at the end of April the time has evaporated, maybe it was also in part the psychologic preparation, knowing that are departure was quickly approaching.

School award

Everything about this year has run its course. My art and sculpting classes have ended, Simona finished school last week, Sal completed his final bike ride Thursday and Madeleine's last day of school was yesterday. Yes there is a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment as everything has all been wrapped up, but emotions tell the tale.

Maddy's infectious smile
doing Ironkids in Nice

Simona has been teary eyed for weeks, worried that she may never see her friends again. Maddy came home in tears yesterday as she said goodbye to her best copine. Neither of them want to go back home and can't understand why we can't come back again in September and do it all again. It has been amazing to see them embrace everything this year abroad had to offer. We are proud of the way they handled a new language, school and new friends. They have developed an interest in traveling and have a better appreciation for the diversity the world has to offer.

Future Ironwomen

Although, Sal and I both feel like it's time to get back to work and the realities that await us back home, it is difficult to leave. It has been an enriching experience for all of us and we will miss many aspects of living in Nice. We will miss the many stunning sights, the Baie des Anges, the mountains, the beautiful coast line as we drive into Italy and the temperate weather which allows us to enjoy the outdoors. We will miss the freedom we felt by not being tied down to schedules and deadlines and the time we were able to spend with the kids and each other every day.

Simona transitioning from the swim
to the run at Ironkids

The summer in Nice feels different than the other months we have experienced here. The city is sweltering and it feels like the tourists have taken over, as the Nicois leave the city for summer vacation. It feels like it's a good time to escape, but I agree with the kids, it would be great to come back in the fall! Unfortunately this once in a lifetime opportunity is over, but the memories will last a lifetime.

A big thank you to our fearless leader Sal who made it happen and promised that we wouldn't regret it. He couldn't have been more right.

Nancy