MONACO

I have been so excited for this part of the journey.  Everything has been amazing so far and I am anxious to see what Monaco, the capital of Monte Carlo, has to offer.  Monte Carlo is the world’s richest country per capita.  I know this isn’t going to be a ‘budget vacation.”

I’m going to start by taking a walk through Monaco-Ville, also known as “le rocher” or “the rock.” Monaco-Ville is still a medieval village at heart and an incredibly picturesque site. It is made up almost entirely of pedestrian streets and passageways and most previous century houses still remain. There are many hotels, restaurant and souvenir shops.

Next, I visited the Palais Princier (Prince's Palace) in old Monaco-Ville. Its panoramic views overlooking the Port and Monte-Carlo were incredible. I made sure I was there to visit at 11:55 a.m. so I could watch in front of the Palace's main entrance the changing of the guard ceremony performed by the "Carabiniers." The changing of the guard ceremony always gives me goose bumps. 

So on my way again and headed to the Monaco Cathedral that was built in 1875 and stands on the site of a 13th century earlier church. It is a Romanesque-Byzantine church dedicated to Saint Nicolas and houses the remains of former Princes of Monaco and Princess Grace. The church square also contains some pretty fantastic restaurants as well.

Now off to La Condamine to stop and marvel at the many luxurious yachts and cruise ships that I’ve been told usually adorn the docks in the marina. That ought to be fun…I’ve never seen so many Lamborghini’s and Rolls Royce’s in my life!

My day has been so full and I’m exhausted! I’ve decided to go all out and stay at one of the world’s most famous hotels… the Hotel de Paris! It is beautiful with all of the marble pillars, crystal chandeliers, Louis XVI chairs, and sumptuous carpets.  It’s a little spendy…but it’s worth it! After I check in and freshen up, I’m going to enjoy a nice dinner at one of the most exclusive and famous restaurants in the city, the Louis XV Restaurant.

Unfortunately, I’m not going to see all the sites I want in one day.  On the agenda for tomorrow is, of course, shopping!  I would like to visit the Condamine Market. The market has been in existence since 1880. I would like to browse around and look for some souvenirs.

 Maybe if I haven’t already spent too much money I will try my luck in the Grand Casino.  I hear it’s pretty pricey…the fees for entry range enormously depending on what room you are going to - often from 30€ right up into the hundreds. You can also visit the casino without gambling, but also for a nominal fee. This isn’t like an American casino. The dress code inside is extremely strict - men are required to wear coats and ties, and casual or 'tennis' shoes are not acceptable.

I can’t believe the Formula 1 Grand Prix is going to be here next month and I’m going to miss it!  The Monaco residents often rent out their terraces for the event for the four days.  It is one of Europe's premier social highlights of the year. The Grand Prix is 78 laps around 3.34 kilometers of Monte Carlo's most narrow and twisted streets. The main attraction of the Monaco Grand Prix is the proximity of the speeding Formula One cars to the race spectators. The thrill of screaming engines, smoking tires and determined drivers also makes the Monaco Grand Prix one of the most exciting races in the world.

So many things to do, so little time to do them in! See you at the next and final stop in this French Adventure!