The Idiot returned to the Mediterranean Sea for the first time since the pandemic began after France opened its borders to casual American visitors on June 9. The author of The Idiot and the Odyssey trilogy of travel narratives is reassured that, though a number of pandemic-related problems could obviously arise, the Mediterranean Sea will survive.
Here are just a few reflections after day hikes around the Cap d’Antibes in France (13 miles), through the principality of Monaco (1o miles) and following an evening visit to Cannes.
The Idiot enthusiastically embarked on a walk around the Cap d’Antibes. This is where his 20-year circumnavigation of the Mediterranean Sea was launched on January 1, 1998. (Photo: Sonia Stratte-McClure)
The sea, and everything else, is calm as The Idiot looks back at Antibes after kicking off a walk around the Cap d’Antibes. This is where he began his 20-year walk around the Mediterranean Sea on January 1, 1998.
The Idiot chills on a balcony at his daughter’s home in Antibes after a 13-mile walk around the Cap d’Antibes.
Antibes restaurants are crowded with customers for end-of-the-day aperitifs on June 17.
Relaxing for dinner on the ramparts in Antibes after a 13-mile MedTrek around the Cap d’Antibes. (Photo: Sonia Stratte-McClure)
Although the service can be erratic as restaurants get back to business, French food (this is swordfish) is still delectable after a 13-mile hike around the Cap d’Antibes. (Photo: Sonia Stratte-McClure)
The principality of Monaco is alive and well as indicated by this shot taken from the palace courtyard on The Rock.
One of The Idiot’s favorite seaside pools on the Mediterranean Sea is still open for bikinis and business on the port of Monaco.
The flying flag indicates that Prince Albert, whom The Idiot first interviewed in 1988, is in residence.
The Idiot always enjoys a meditative stroll through the tranquil gardens on The Rock in Monaco.
Monaco is open for business and the Monte-Carlo Television Festival gets underway on June 18.
Monte-Carlo strictly enforces masks and won’t let most foreigners into the casino or restaurants without specific documentation indicating that they’re vaxxed and Covid-free. But there are still flowers everywhere.
The Idiot lunches with vaxxed pal Craig Harvey at the posh and private Monaco Yacht Club.(Photo: Valérie Guillermin)
The Idiot attends a gallery opening in Cannes featuring the latest sculptures by his vaxxed friend Elisa Brainos.
The Idiot gets up close to a sculpture by Elisa Brainos, his favorite living French sculptress, at her vernissage in Cannes on June 18.
The Palais des Festivals in Cannes is ready for business.
The beach in Cannes at 8:30 p.m. on June 18.
The Idiot chillin’ with his radiant vaxxed daughter Sonia in Antibes until June 25.
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