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  Day 3172 (Friday) 13 th February 2026 This is Antibes and this is the waterfall in Nice.   It was a bit overcast today so we stayed at home and I have another Zoom lesson this afternoon with Bertran. Vendredi 13 is French for Friday the 13 th There are between one and three Friday the 13 th each year. Balder’s death In 2025, there was only be one in June, while in 2026, there will be three – in February, March, and November. The superstitions and legends surrounding Friday the 13 th have deep historical roots, influenced by religious beliefs, cultural traditions, and historical events. A significant number of French people consider it a fortunate day, while others view it as ominous, preferring to remain in bed until it passes. But what are the origins of these superstitions and legends? Friday the 13 th – Pagan origins? In Norse mythology, the number 13 gained its ominous reputation due to Odin. Legend has it that the God of War once hosted a dinner in his kingdom of...
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  Day 3171 (Thursday) 12 th February 2026 This is Menton and this is Nice.   It was a lot warmer today and the sun tried hard to shine and succeeded some of the time. I had a French lesson in Nice today so we went in early to see the carnival king and queen. We parked in our usual spot and walked down to Place Massena and found lots of evidence of the carnival. We got to the statue of Apollo and the king and queen aren’t there yet. Place Massena is looking good though. I feel very sorry for the people living in these flats with the speakers just outside. We had a kebab in the park and it was even better than usual. Huw walked me to school and then went home. I was useless today, I try but after an hour and a quarter I just block her out so I left a bit early again. I feel really guilty but it’s just words after a while.  I’ve written about the great Catherine Ségurane before but I can’t remember some of the details so here it is again… Catherine Ségurane: Niçoise Laundres...
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  Day 3170 (Wednesday) 11 th February 2026 This is Cannes and this is Agay near Saint-Raphaël I had to get up at 7am this morning to teach Bertran on Zoom at 8. I haven’t got up that early in ages and it was still dark but it soon turned into a lovely warm sunny day. I did a lesson with Bertran until 9.30 and I have another one later this afternoon. At lunchtime we went down to the square and had lunch in Bobby’s. The sky was a wonderful colour but there was a chilly wind. The carnival in Nice starts today, we are really looking forward to seeing it all.     Nice carnival 11 th February to 1 st March 2026 . The origin of the word Carnival goes back to the Middle Ages and undoubtedly comes from the terms “carne levare” meaning “to remove meat”. Key Dates 1294 When the Count of Provence, Charles of Anjou, announced that he had spent “the joyful days of Carnival” there. 1539 The organisation and regulation of festivities were entrusted to the “abbés of ...
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