Sunset on the French Riviera

Late yesterday afternoon, Hugh, Rich and I walked the block to the Promenade des Anglais to watch the sunset in the French Riviera over a glass of vin rouge (and lemonade). There are wine bars and restaurants on the stoney beach. We picked the closest, in front of the Hotel Negresco.  

We were among a dozen or so people relaxing in the evening, at tables and on deck chairs. 

Mackerel were hunting baitfish just offshore in the calm water. Terns wheeled and plummeted into the water for their share, while fishermen cast lures hopefully toward the fish. We have seen many fishermen, but no catches. 

Hugh had his tripod and camera and mucked around with it happily, trying to photograph diving terns, the sunset and the rapidly rising moon. His spy camera is a wonder.

Rich and I chatted: about geology - why pebbles, not sand?; to Carmel from London at the next table, just moved to Nice to work at the new Hard Rock Cafe; and watched the sun slip over Cannes to our west. C'est la vie.