To quote a friend - this is what Patric said about David and myself:
"Thousands of miles from 'home' and realizing just how immense home is ......
You have become, by choice, a citizen of the world"
You have become, by choice, a citizen of the world"
He is right, we have become citizens of the world - and we love it! These are my impressions of Monte Carlo - Monaco.
Huge yachts floating on the water tied to the docks – a show of riches, bigger than some homes with their names so prized on the back for all to see - a floating escape for the very wealthy. Okay, I did take a few photos of these splendorous spectacles. On the hilltop you could see Old Monaco – that is where we headed. Climbing aged weather beaten steps that wind up the hillside to the very top. The walk takes you alongside the Medeterrian Sea – there was a spectacular view of jagged rocks edging the coastline with the sea crashing onto them - you can actually see through the clear ocean water to the underlying bottom.
Once you arrive in Old Monaco you see well manicured gardens, fountains, castles, churches, museums, statues, posters of Princess Grace everywhere and the whole place had a Disneyesque feel to it. The buildings are old and show their wear but they are so clean and well kept – there is no litter anywhere.
The narrow streets are lined with cafes, shops that sell everything from typical French items to the red shirts bearing the name Ferrari. There are lighted arches above the streets, the buildings are painted in soft pastels and the windows are adorned with painted wrought iron and shutters. At the very top of Old Monaco there is a palace and there are guards keeping watch standing perfectly still wearing full formal military uniform. From the hill top views in Old Monaco you can see the rich modern Monaco below – the yachts, the Monte Carlo Casino, hotels, the high rise apartments that set into the hillsides. I persuaded David to take a cheesy choo- choo train that swiftly takes you along Monaco to see all of the highlights. We saw the Casino in Monte Carlo, many high end shops, some gardens – but what was fascinating to me is that the Grand prix will be here in a few weeks and they are preparing for it. There are bleachers set up along the streets barricaded by chain link fences and concrete barriers. I wonder how much these seats cost to sit in and how much will you see?
Oh one more thing – although this is a “beach” city – under no circumstances can you wear beach attire into the city – very proper wouldn’t you say? However, whilst at the beach you do not need any beach attire at all – at least not on the top!
Once you arrive in Old Monaco you see well manicured gardens, fountains, castles, churches, museums, statues, posters of Princess Grace everywhere and the whole place had a Disneyesque feel to it. The buildings are old and show their wear but they are so clean and well kept – there is no litter anywhere.
The narrow streets are lined with cafes, shops that sell everything from typical French items to the red shirts bearing the name Ferrari. There are lighted arches above the streets, the buildings are painted in soft pastels and the windows are adorned with painted wrought iron and shutters. At the very top of Old Monaco there is a palace and there are guards keeping watch standing perfectly still wearing full formal military uniform. From the hill top views in Old Monaco you can see the rich modern Monaco below – the yachts, the Monte Carlo Casino, hotels, the high rise apartments that set into the hillsides. I persuaded David to take a cheesy choo- choo train that swiftly takes you along Monaco to see all of the highlights. We saw the Casino in Monte Carlo, many high end shops, some gardens – but what was fascinating to me is that the Grand prix will be here in a few weeks and they are preparing for it. There are bleachers set up along the streets barricaded by chain link fences and concrete barriers. I wonder how much these seats cost to sit in and how much will you see?
Oh one more thing – although this is a “beach” city – under no circumstances can you wear beach attire into the city – very proper wouldn’t you say? However, whilst at the beach you do not need any beach attire at all – at least not on the top!
I may get a French tan this summer. (wink-wink)
No comments:
Post a Comment