Day Trip to Monaco

Not being ones to let wonderful weather pass us by, we headed out this morning for a day trip to Monaco.

Not our first trip there for sure, but it is such a one-of-a-kind place that repeat visits are always a good past time.

One of the things that you notice as soon as you depart the train is the complete lack of graffiti. The French youth are obsessed with spraying every reachable surface with their eye-sore art.

The Prince doesn’t think so.

Did you know that there is not a square inch of public space in Monaco/Monte Carlo that is NOT under police surveillance? This sort of security is for the comfort and enjoyment of his guests. For example, do you see that 5 carat diamond ring on the woman at the next table? That’s not the repro (with the original sitting in a bank vault somewhere). Around here, it’s the real thing.

Despite the overwhelming build up of the Principality (the roads are a NIGHTMARE, I know, I’ve driven them many times – some of them even go through buildings!), it sheds all the problems of over-population by insisting on order and, well, respect. The Monegasque, and their daily plethora of visitors, harmoniously blend in a way that is sadly missing in say, Nice (just too big and boorish) and even our little village of Menton, where people do not appreciate the beauty that they live in and destroy it with graffiti and random acts of harmful mischief (such as smashing the monitor on the train platform – today’s noticed act of damage).

Anyway, the discovery of Monaco is a terrific way to spend the day. The architecture is interesting; there are all kinds of boutiques to pop into and the streets are crooked and narrow and just a delight to stroll. Everyone mingles in the square in front of the Palais Du Princier, hoping to catch a glimpse of him (he was home today, as his flag was flying from the palace), and it is an easy stroll over to the cathedral to pay respect to his late Parents, Prince Ranier and Grace Kelly. Just a few steps through a stunning park, and you’re at the Oceanographic Museum, where internationally known Jacques Cousteau worked from and changed the way we understand the sub marine world.

For sure it is crammed with the tacky and cheesy – but look beyond to the wonderful world that the Monegasque live in. It’s something to aspire to.

Today’s weather: Mostly sunny with overcast periods. High of 22C

Today’s photos:

The Prince's Standard flying high over "The Rock"

Beautiful window at the chapel of the Black Penitents

Palais du Princier

Me in a mirror just beside the Palace

Paul overlooking the harbour, with the set up for the Grand Prix below and Monte Carlo above

The narrow street of Monaco

Neon shoes in a store window (note: everyone here is wearing neon!)