NICE & EZE, FRANCE, 2001

Nice and Eze are located in the south of France on the Mediterranean Sea in the Alpes-Cote d’Azur Region of Provence. Enroute from Cannes, our church group's motor coach came through both cities of the French Rivera. For this leg of the two week trip, our ultimate destination was Monte-Carlo, Monaco. Breaking up the long ride, we spent a half day at two tourist attractions in Nice and Eze.

At the Confiserie Florian Old Nice of les Gorges du Loup, we took a morning confectionery tour. The Confiserie is located in the quaint, pastel harbor area. On display in the showroom were chocolates, candied clementines and delicate, crystallized flowers: violets, rose petals, and verbena. In the kitchen tour, vats of clementines were being bathed in pure sugar. The sight of the oranges in the blue kitchen was poetic French provincial. I bought a bag and somehow did not open it until I got back to the states. I have to tell you, candied clementines are one of the most amazing confections. Crisp and sweet citrus peel on the outside and a jelly, nectar-sweet center.

In Eze, we stopped at the Parfumerie Fragonard, a laboratory factory, on the Moyenne Corniche, overlooking the sparkling sea. Eze is situated between Nice and Monaco. In the factory (which is too harsh a word to describe this pastel, low-profile building - tucked away in grounds beautifully landscaped – but that is what it is called), we took a tour of the soap, eaux de toilette and perfume making process. At the end of the tour, we had the opportunity to purchase Fragonard products from the gift shop. I bought two perfumes. My daughter chose the oriental 'Murmure' – a fragrance of rose, cinnamon, jasmine, iris, vanilla, patchouli and pepper. I chose the 'Eau Fantasque' – a light scent of grapefruit, black current buds, hyacinth, freesia and amber.

It is so true. The French have mastered many things. Two of those things are confection and perfume. Both can be found in the lovely French Rivera.

WHEN IN ROME, ITALY 2001

A little over a week and a half after we had arrived in Paris, traveled by train to Lourdes and motor coached through Nice, Monaco, Florence, Pisa and Siena, our church group tour ended mid summer in beautiful Rome.

We had hoped to have an audience with Pope John Paul II, but two days before our arrival, the Pope left for a visit to Eastern Europe. I felt a little nonplus. So, I lifted my spirits by buying three pendant crosses. These I left to be blessed by Cardinal Ratzinger. Years later, Cardinal Ratzinger was elected Pope Benedict XVI. Amazing how God works; I feel very blessed!

Rome is a convergence of two cultures: Ancient Rome and the Roman Catholic Church. The city holds on to its ancient history. There’s the Roman Ruins – the Roman Forum - the central area of ancient Rome. Although many of the oldest structures of ancient Rome have been lost, much is being preserved. The Colosseum (70-80 AD) is the largest amphitheater built by the Roman Empire. It is a massive structure and most of it is accessible to the public.

Sistine Chapel – (The Papal Conclave) has the incredible frescoes by Michelangelo (the ones he painted while on his back). Now restored to their original brightness, the well known frescoes depict the faith through creation of Adam to the final judgment.

St. Peter’s Basilica – Michelangelo’s inspiring, finely polished sculpture of “The Pieta” (The Virgin Mary mourning Christ) is near the entrance. The tombs of the Popes are in the lower level of the church below the altar.

Catacombs - The Catacombs were underground burial sites and early Christians also lived in them. There are many in the region. We visited the catacombs by the Appian Way. We quietly made our way through the soft, cool volcanic tunnels. In one cell, is the stirring replica of The Martyrdom of St. Celia by Maderno.

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As a Christian, my visit to Rome brought me to the roots of my faith. For that, I am grateful. But, from the Trevi Fountain, to the Italian ice, the scenery, to the markets, pizza made with the most amazing homemade sauce, to the history of mankind B.C. and A.D, Rome should be a destination for everyone.