Monte Carlo October 20-22, 2010

A business trip to Monte Carlo for Pat turned into a first-time visit for me! We drove (about 6 hours) along the Mediterranean on the autoroutes from our home in Spain to the Marriott Hotel right on the border of France and Monaco, where we spent two nights. Crossing the Pyrenees into France is always my favourite part of this route-the mountains are so austere and rugged. Once through the pass, the land opens up into rolling hills, vineyards and "les etangs" along the sea where mussels, oysters and clams are farmed. New windmills catch the strong winds which blow from the Med (la mistral).
Below is a view of the Marriott Hotel (right side) overlooking one of the many marinas in the Monte Carlo area.














A few minutes walk towards downtown leads you through this lovely rose garden named after the late Princess Grace.




























High on a crag overlooking the sea is the Palais du Prince, the flag signifying that Prince Albert was in residence at the time. I toured the State Apartments (sorry, no photos allowed) then the Musee des Souvenirs Napoleoniens (interesting personal effects of the Emperor himself). Afterwards I caught The Changing of the Guard at precisely 11:55 a.m., a popular event with the many tourists who lined the route.





























































Construction cranes loom everywhere in this affluent city of the rich and famous!














The densely populated areas reminded me of Singapore...without hills and rocks!














In the harbour were two cruise ships for the day: the Cunard's new Queen Victoria and Oceania's Nautica. Some of the passengers joined me on a half-hour trolley ride around the city.




























The 1875 Romanesque-Byzantine Cathedrale de Monaco was oddly locked over the noon hour. It is where the late Prince Rainier and Princess Grace are buried.



















A stately home down the street from the Cathedral.














The famous Casino de Monte Carlo which costs 10 Euros just to go inside to look! (No, I didn't gamble...)














Now, when I grow up, I want to look like one of these: (our 26 ft. Wellcraft on Grand Lake)





































































Wow! Who needs to go on a cruise when you can own your own luxury yacht?!? These boats were registered anywhere from London, England and Douglas on the Isle of Man to Georgetown in the Cayman Islands. Dream on...

Hasta luego!