The French Fort

© 2017 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

Sometimes I have trouble getting to or from work, so I take Amtrak.  But, as an American, that is about the extent of what we call train travel here in the United States.

Everyone in Europe takes the train…everywhere.  The rail networks reach far and wide and it is extremely easy (and relatively cheap) to visit, shop or go to the beach in other cities.f

Recently, a trip to Nice had me itching to see more of the coastal area.  Having been to Monaco and Juan le Pins, I had only spent a small amount of time in Antibes and decided that I would like to see what else it had to offer.

Shortly after my arrival (and a shower), I made my way to the train station, Gare de Nice-Ville and purchased a ticket for the next departure to Antibes.  Though it was running a few minutes  late, I was soon on my way.

The train was filled with beach goers carrying floats and beach bags, excitedly talking amongst themselves and eager to arrive at their destinations to enjoy the beautiful warm and sunny day.  A short 25 minutes later, the train was pulling into Gare d’Antibes and after pushing past a man carrying two beach chairs and a child already wearing his floaties, I was soon making my way down toward the marina, Port Vauban.

Port Vauban, a natural harbor used since before the Roman Empire, is home to the Yacht Club d’Antibes and is the largest marina in the Mediterranean.  The harbor houses some of the world’s largest and most extravagant yachts.  When visiting Antibes, a great way to spend an afternoon is to walk around the marina, check out some of the amazing vessels and imagine what it would be like to cruise the vibrant waters in absolute luxury!

Though it was nice to spend some time near the harbor, my destination was actually on the far side, Fort Carré.

When making plans to visit Antibes, I had spied Fort Carré on the map.  It appeared to be directly between the train station and the harbor and my original plan to was to walk nearby and see if it was open to the public.  Well, maps aren’t always correct and after my arrival, I discovered it was about a fifteen minute walk away from the center of Antibes.  The route was well marked and I soon arrived at the Antibes Football Club stadium.  A large statue that appeared to be some sort of memorial and the fort was visible on the other side, however, it was quite confusing as to how to make my way there.

Spying an open gate near the Football Club, I made my way to the far side of the stadium.  Climbing the stone stairways, I made my way to the statue, Le Poilu.

One of the tallest, yet, little known War Memorials in France, the statue stands guard over the Stade de Fort Carré.  Walking around the base of the statue, you are reminded of the terrible losses that the town of Antibes suffered during World War One.  Two hundred and fifty-four names are engraved on all four side of the monument’s base…a number larger than any other town in France.

The statue stands 22 meters in height and was sculpted by Henri Bouchard and inaugurated in 1927.  Legend has it that upon completion and installation of the statue, the sculptor committed suicide when he realized that he had placed the soldier’s rifle on the wrong side.

Walking past the statue, I began earnestly searching for the Fort’s entrance.  Though a fence separated me from a road bordering the stadium and the fort, I noticed people walking in the area.  Certain that I needed to be on the opposite side, I slipped through a hole in the fence (yes…I did) and finally found the unassuming entrance to the fort’s grounds.

Quite overgrown and appearing to be more of a natural path, I followed others up the rocky and dusty trail, stopping occasionally to admire the wildflowers growing in the area.

Finally, the entryway to the castle stood before me.  Paying the admission fee of 3€, I was instructed to remain on the lower level until greeted by a guide.  Walking around the circular interior courtyard, I was mesmerized by the contrast between the dark red doorways and the aged tan stone walls.  An exhibit detailing the construction of the castle was contained in one of the rooms off of the courtyard and an old well occupied the ground space.

A young, female guide soon joined us and we were escorted up the rounded stairway to the level above.  Making our way through the structure, she informed us on the history of Fort Carre.

The star shaped fort was built in the 16th century by Henri de Mandon and redeveloped in the 17th century by the Marquis de Vauban.  Housing barrack buildings for officers and men and an ancient chapel, the fort is devoid of cannons or other military accoutrements.

Set on the headland that divides the Antibes harbor from the Baie des Anges, the most impressive part of traversing the walkways at the top of the structure is the panoramic views of the Mediterranean and its nearby beaches, Port Vauban, the southern Alps and on clear days views down both ways to Monaco and Cannes.

 

As we dodged an aggressive seagull, guarding its nest, we were informed that one of the most famous inhabitants of the fort was Napoleon Bonaparte during the French Revolution.  After the overthrow of Robespierre in 1794, he was detained in Fort Carré for ten days.  The fort resumed its penitentiary role during the occupation in World War II when it acted as holding place for foreigners.  Before opening to the public as an historic monument in 1998, the fort was used as a sports college where soldiers learned to climb its precipitous walls and as one of the locations for the Bond film, Never Say Never with the return of Sean Connery as 007.

Enjoying the warmth of the sunny day, I could have stayed on the top of the fort for much longer, however, being required to stay in the company of our guide, we were escorted to the lower level for the completion of our tour.

After my departure, I made my way around the entire base of the fort, stopping to pay my respects at a nearby soldier’s grave.  Finally, following a drive down the backside of the fort, I found the green entrance gates.  Not anxious to slip through the hole in the fence once again, I walked toward the stadium’s left side and sure enough found the path which I should have taken when I arrived.

Much easier than the latter method of entry!

Excited that I was able to experience a part of French history, I made my way back past the harbor and to the center of Antibes.  If you enjoy history and photography, I strongly recommend a visit to Fort Carré…and the view’s not so bad either!

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Fort Carré

  • http://www.antibes-juanlespins.com/culture/fort-carre
  • Address:  Avenue du 11 Novembre, 06600 Antibes, France
  • Hours:  February to May, 1000-1230 and 1330-1700, June to October,  1000-1300 and 1400-1800, November to January, 1000-1230 and 1330-1630.  Closed Mondays and January 1, May 1, November 1 and December 25.
  • Admission:  3€

Port Vauban

Le Poilu

  • Address:  60 Avenue du 11 Novembre, 06600 Antibes Juan les Pins, France.  Behind the Antibes Football Stadium

 

 

 

The Merchants of Venice

© 2017 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

The best thing about Venice is getting lost!

Try reading a map of Venice…there are so many little alleyways and narrow streets, it is almost impossible to make heads or tails of it.  Carry a map with you, but use it in a general manner.

I love to enter the city and take any path, alley or bridge that comes my way.  You never know what you’ll stumble across…piazzas, churches, museums, restaurants, hotels, gelaterias…they are everywhere!

One of the greatest things you will find in Venice is the shopping.  Boutiques and markets offers a vast selection of items.

If you need a mask…certainly they have what you are looking for.  Going to a masquerade ball, you will be the hit of the party!

Glassware…with Murano and its glass-blowing artisans nearby, many beautiful pieces are available for purchase if you don’t make your way to the island.

Pasta!  You can get it at any restaurant and you can take it home to impress your friends at your own Venetian-inspired dinner party!

Artwork…many artists display their works throughout the city on the streets and within legions of galleries located throughout the city.

As a lover of jewelry, this is one of my favorite things to buy and bring home for friends and family as souvenirs.  Again, Murano glass is a big inspiration in many pieces.

Hungry?  Many markets pop up throughout the city for the residents to purchase fruits and vegetables.  If you are out for a stroll, however, and looking for a healthier option as an afternoon snack, there are many choices.

Some gelato to cool you off on a hot day?  There seems to be a gelateria on every corner!

Sun too bright?  You can find something along the way to help.

Looking for something special for mom, dad, grandma and your girlfriend?  Many stands, throughout the city, offer unique gifts and souvenirs.

Whatever it is that you are looking for, Venice is sure to have it.  So go ahead, throw out that map and take that bridge…take that right turn…go against what your internal compass is telling you…you never know what you might find!

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Pretty and Pleasing Punta Cana

© 2016  Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

For a few years, my children have expressed an interest in visiting one of the Dominican Republic’s all-inclusive resorts.  The few times we have thought that the flights would remain open; they always seemed to fill up at the last minute.  Hating to book a resort that we would be unable to get to and losing a deposit or more, we always decided against it.

This year, my son learned that instead of playing baseball during spring break, his coach was going to give them the week off.  Being that it was his birthday the day before Easter, I decided to surprise him with plane tickets to Punta Cana for himself, his brother and my husband.  Having the tickets enabled us to be able to book a resort ahead of time and actually plan our vacation a few weeks out instead of a couple of days, like we normally do.

imageOur flight departed New York and arrived in Punta Cana early in the afternoon.  After what seemed like a very lengthy taxi, we finally made our way through the immigration and customs area and out to the front of the airport where we were greeted by our transportation company.

About thirty minutes later, we were driving up to the front of our resort, Barcelo Punta Cana.

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When booking our resort, it was a bit of a task trying to decipher which resort was in the best location and which would offer my family the type of experience that we were hoping for.  Zeroing in on the Barcelo Punta Cana, in which the price was what I was willing to pay, I discovered that it was near the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino on Bavaro Beach, which has been heralded as one of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic.  What disturbed me, however, was that the reviews of this resort were a bit mixed.  Some people absolutely raved about the resort, but some people discussed problems that they had mainly with the rooms.  Although my husband loves luxury, I hate paying the premium price, instead preferring a more simple, yet nice room.  Paying for a luxurious room that we hardly spend any time in is a waste of money, in my opinion.  My biggest stipulation, however, is that, although I will accept simplicity, the room must be extremely clean and everything in working order.  After booking our vacation, it seemed that some of the reviews I uncovered were about problems that people experienced dealing with cleanliness and the general working order of items in the rooms.  We decided to stick with our reservation, however, and hope for the best.

My first impression of the lobby area was a favorable one.  It was an open-air space and reminded me of some of the hotels in Thailand I have stayed in.  Upon our arrival, we were given our room after a short wait. Although a fairly simple room with tile floors and simple wood furniture, it was extremely clean and looked out over one of the pools and the beach.

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Since dinner reservations could only be made between 7:00 and 15:00 and we had arrived just after the close of the reservation office, we decided to dine at the buffet that evening.  After unpacking and heading downstairs to check out the pool and beach, we then headed to dinner.

The buffet was extensive and carried many different types of food, including local fare.  Although we tried a variety of items, we soon found that the best option was the made-to-order pasta bar.  After our dining experience that night, however, we decided that we would be up early the next morning to book our reservations for one of the other restaurants.

The next morning, we found that because we had just arrived, we were able to make reservations for that night and also the following.  Our Easter meal was going to be at the seafood restaurant, Marenostrum, and the next night, the French restaurant,  La Comedie.  For the remaining two nights, we booked reservations at the El Conuco, the Dominican restaurant and La Dolce Vita, a restaurant offering Italian fare.  Because certain restaurants are only open on certain nights, a bit of planning may take place to be able to dine at all of the restaurants during one’s stay.

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If asked to rank the four restaurants that we dined in, my entire family would agree that El Conuco was definitely the best!  The food, especially the sococho, a Dominican stew, was outstanding, much to our surprise.  The Italian and Seafood restaurants were good as well, but, the biggest disappointment was the French option.  The food was not very tasty and did not quite agree with any of us.  My husband was certain that he was ill the entire next day due to the food consumed in this particular outlet.  After hearing another customer’s complaints about the Japanese restaurant, Kyoto, we had decided to skip this dining experience, however, I think that it may have been a better option than La Comedie.

imageOur breakfast was taken that first morning in El Alcazar, the main dining room which offered buffet-style dining.  Each day after, our breakfasts were taken here and at the buffet in the open-air dining room at the main pool.  The best omelets, we learned, however, were made in the main dining room and wonderful pastries were offered every day, including my favorite, churros!  Delicious!

 

imageLunch buffets were served in the main dining room as well as the open-air dining room at the main pool.  Hot dogs, hamburgers and fries were served at a grill near the pool every afternoon.  A pizzeria, Don Simon, was open in the upstairs area near the main pool from 12:00-17:00 each day.  Our biggest regret was only having the opportunity to dine at Mexico Lindo for lunch on one day.  Delicious sandwiches were offered here, near the quiet pool, and were served inside and outside on the deck, overlooking the ocean.  Mexico Lindo was also open at night, available without a reservation, serving Tex-Mex.

The next three days were spent lounging at the beach and the pool.  The beach was extremely long and wide with some of the softest sand I have ever dug my toes into.  The water was a clear blue with some great body surfing waves.  There were always many beach chairs available although it seemed that most pool chairs were reserved by early risers who claimed their spots at the pool’s opening by leaving their towels.

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Two large pools were available on each side of the resort…the main pool or “party pool” and the “quiet pool”.  The party pool and the beach area near it always had music playing and some sort of scheduled activity going on…beach volleyball, dance parties, step aerobics, contests…it was oftentimes quite entertaining. The quiet pool was located on the left side of the resort and seemed more suited for parents with younger children as there was a small water park available.  The beach area alongside this pool area was also deemed the “quiet beach”.  It was a short walk from the rooms to the pool as well as the beach area…no shuttle required as with some of the larger resorts.

A pool bar was in operation each day from 10:00 as well as a beach side bar and the other bars located within the main building.  The staff was usually friendly, the drinks were good and the Presidente beer, cold.  My only regret was not bringing a large, insulated cup to the resort as many did.  The staff will fill your cup, saving you from having to get two drinks at a time or going to the bar multiple times.  Cups are sold on the premises, however, you will be paying about five times what you would have paid at Wal-Mart!

My sons enjoyed partaking in the various activities and water sports offered.  Boogie boards were available for use by guests of the resort as well as kayaks and sailboats.  There was a trampoline, a trapeze and a rock climbing wall, each with its own operating hours.  There was a large chess board near the pool as well as tennis and basketball courts near the front of the resort.

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Packing my workout clothes, I had planned to use the gym and participate in some of the classes offered.  The website indicated that zumba, step aerobics and water aerobics were offered, however, zumba was never on the schedule.  On the first day, I did witness water aerobics and on that afternoon, a step class was offered.  It was performed on the very small stage with the entire pool area watching, lasted only 30 minutes and many of the people were barefoot and appeared to be drunk.  Not my idea of a good workout!  My husband did use the gym and although the member of the staff present was very helpful, he said it was a small space with not many machines.

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Each evening, spent from the sun, swimming and alcohol, my husband and I usually retired early, after dinner.  One night, however, we decided to head over to the theater and see the nightly show.  This particular evening, it was a program entitled, “Circus”.  Nothing to write home about but it was entertaining for an hour’s time.  There was a casino on the premises as well as a disco that opened at 22:00 and stayed open until the early morning hours.  I guess I am getting older…I never seemed to be able to stay awake that late!  It seemed that a lot of other guests seemed to provide their own entertainment by congregating in the porticoes on each side of the lobby area, drinking and playing cards and other games.

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For those who are looking to purchase forgotten items or souvenirs, there were three or four shops located near the main pool as well as a jewelry store.  T-shirts, carvings, clothing, shoes, and other items were sold here albeit for a premium price.  The Barcelo Punta Cana did have local vendors come to the resort on one of the nights.  Thankfully, through one of these vendors, I did find a locally made mask to add to my collection.  Leaving the property to do some shopping would have required a taxi as there was no town area directly near the resort. Upon our departure, I did notice that the Royalton and Majestic resorts next door had an area near the road that was advertised as a shopping center.

Being a collector of Pandora charms from places that I travel, I  always check for local Pandora stores on my vacations.  Luckily, I found that the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino had a Pandora store on their premises.  One morning, I walked along the beach toward this hotel.  Not knowing whether I would be allowed on the property, I hoped that if I would have been denied entry on my own, I could maybe secure an escort toward the lobby where the store was located.  Not one person stopped me from walking on to the property and I made my way toward the lobby area, twice asking for directions from staff.  There were many stores in addition to the one I was seeking, so, if retail therapy is needed, wandering over to the Hard Rock is suggested.

Before our arrival in Punta Cana, we had not made plans for any excursions.  When we arrived at the resort, I realized that there was no concierge desk to offer assistance.  After inquiring with the dinner reservation desk, I was directed to a travel agency located near the El Alcazar restaurant and an office with travel companies within.  Trying the latter, we were able to book a zip lining tour with one of the companies within.  Although there was a mix up with our pickup (which was the fault of the zip lining company)  I found the booking company to be extremely helpful and efficient.

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For those wishing to stay connected, the hotel offered Wi-Fi for $12 per day.  Thinking that quite expensive, I did a bit of research before our trip, looking for alternatives such as buying a local sim card and renting Mi-Fi devices.  I finally located a transportation company which offered transportation to the various hotels as well as Mi-Fi devices.  The company, Gobecon, extended a Mi-Fi rental rate of $20/week if transportation was booked through them.  The transportation rate was the same as what the hotel was offering, so we decided that we would make a reservation.  When we arrived at the airport, a representative was waiting for us with a marked sign.  He escorted us to a waiting van and we were pleasantly surprised to learn that only my family was being driven to our resort, not a van full of other travelers.  The representative had a zippered pouch ready for us containing the Mi-Fi device, instructions and a charger.  He helped me to connect and collected a $50 deposit which would be returned to me upon our departure when the equipment was returned.  All four of us were able to connect to the Mi-Fi and it was a blessing to be able to communicate with our families on Easter Sunday.  The signal was very good and we took it with us to the beach and pool.  After speaking with another guest of the hotel, we realized just what a great deal we had made as he told us how slow the Wi-Fi in the hotel was and that only one person at a time was able to connect.  Our driver arrived promptly for our departure from the hotel and upon our return to the airport, our representative was waiting for us, collected the equipment and returned our deposit.

Overall, my only real complaint about the resort was that the phone in our room never worked.  Not really needing to use it, it was not much of an inconvenience, however, I worried that we would have not method of communication if we had an emergency.  Despite visiting the front desk and complaining twice a day, the phone was still inoperable upon our departure.  Other minor inconveniences involved the maid forgetting to leave hand towels and forgetting to restock our refrigerator.

In the end, we truly enjoyed our visit to Punta Cana and the Barcelo Punta Cana resort.  I am sure that there were guests who experienced other issues and I am sure that there have been guests who have left the resort, not happy with their stay.  Only able to speak for our experience, I would recommend staying here.  One should remember, this is not the Ritz Carlton, therefore you are not paying for the Ritz Carlton…accept it for what it is…and we were happy with what it was!

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Barcelo Punta Cana

Gobecon

  • http://www.gobecon.com/