Bienvenue à Cannes!

Fifteen years ago I boarded a plane and traveled to the South of France to work at the Cannes Film Festival.

I found some journal notes I wrote while I was there:

May 8, 2009

Northwest flight from Detroit to JFK at 10-11:50AM. JFK to Nice 5:40PM-8:20AM.

At the gate. Hard to say to goodbye to G.

I was super nice to the check-in lady and voila! No extra charge for the fifty-three pound suitcase.

Easy flight to JFK and I got to see Manhattan from my window. A young priest sat next to me on the flight. He sneezed and I blessed him. He thanked me and said, “I’m the one who usually has to say that.”

On my way to Nice! No one’s sitting beside me. Score! Introduced myself to two girls behind me. They’re on their way to the festival too.

May 9, 2009

Beautiful morning as we arrive in Nice. Bus ride to our accommodations. I can’t believe I’m here!

My room faces the Mediterranean. We’re staying about a ten-fifteen minute walk from the festival grounds. There’s a path right near the water.

Culinary orientation with our fearless leaders, Michael and Stephanie.

Breakfast is 6:30-10AM everyday.

Safety talk:

• Keep your passport with you at all times.

• Travel by two at night.

• Always lock your door.

May 10, 2009

We arrived a few days before the festival begins. Besides orientation and getting settled, we have field trips planned!

First, a bus ride to the outdoor market in Old Town in Nice. Most beautiful market I’ve ever seen. The first thing you notice is the smell of lavender. So many stalls sold fresh lavender, dried lavender. Then you notice the colors. Shades of every color of the rainbow, of produce, of flowers, of confections.

Next, we visited Èze, a tiny town perched on a cliff. The bus wound all the way up on a mountain. The view was spectacular.

Final stop was a winery tour. Great tour guide and a walk through the wine cave. Afterwards, we tasted wine and cheese with olive crackers. Sleepy trip back to the apartment.

May 11, 2009

Last free day before work begins. We took a walking tour of Cannes. We found pâtisseries, charcuteries galore. We picked up some lunch and headed to the beach for a picnic. I had a delicious tomato tart.

Once work shifts started at the festival, I didn’t write much more. Too busy, too tired! I spent my time either making breakfast and/or lunch and combing through the film schedule for the movies I wanted to see.

The biggest perk we had as festival employees? A walk on the red carpet! When it was my turn, you can guess I savored every step. I walked so slowly so I could spend as much time as possible on that carpet. When I was halfway up the steps, I stopped and turned to take in my view, lollygagging. The security man behind me started to speak to me in French to keep moving. I totally pretended I didn’t understand what he was saying.

Thanks for walking down memory lane with me. Next week’s final Cannes post includes a special guest star. My G!