At my insistence to “do more” today, we decided to head off to Monte to visit the “Jardin Exotic,” or exotic garden. It is world renown, with some specimens being over 100 years old. It also encompasses the grotto where man (rather, our precursors) have lived for at least 250,000 years (hmm, even pre-historic men knew a good place and inhabited here first).
Paul was unfortunately not 100% today (it seems whenever there is something out of the ordinary to be done (read FUN) he has a vertigo attack. Coincidence, I think not…)
Nevertheless, we pressed on (despite some ominous clouds) and took the 20 minute train ride into the Principality. We easily followed the signs from the train station to the garden. Once admitted, we found that the garden was all that was promised – and we were sorry that we have not visited it sooner!
The quality and diversity of the plants was only eclipsed slightly by the most amazing views across Fontville (The only “suburb” of Monte Carlo), Monaco and Monte Carlo.
By about 11 O’clock, though, the sun had burned through and was almost blinding, it was so bright!
We spent a long time in the garden and museum of pre-history. At the museum of pre-history, I am glad to say that I (unexpectedly) saw the REAL Venus of Willendorf (all my former art class mates take note!), as well as various fascinating excavations from the area where we are visiting.
Our ticket also gave us entrance to the Villa Paloma, the new city museum of Monaco. It was showcasing the work of “Groupe Signe” (1971-1974). It even afforded us the chance to place “graffiti art” on a billboard in the gallery! The gardens for the Villa Paloma (all in white), were designed in an very inspirational way for us, as we are searching for ways to re-design our former orchard on the south side of the property.
By early afternoon we were tired (the garden clings to the mountainside, so you’re walking uphill a fair bit of the time). We thought we’d go to this little restaurant we know and like in Monaco, but decided that we had to actually pass the train station to get to it, we’d just head back to our apartment for a bite of lunch and an afternoon of sun on our patio.
So that’s exactly what we did!
Today’s weather: Mix of sun and clouds (more sun, though) and a high of 21C.
Today’s photos:
Inside Monaco/Monte Carlo Train Station
The tiny city of Monaco inside Monte Carlo. Yes - that little outcropping is "all there is to it."
Looking down from the Jardin Exotic (Especially for Diane Barber, I know how she loves heights...)
Various Cacti/succulents in the garden
Paul looking out a vista towards Monaco
The Gardens at the Villa Paloma (looking down on Monaco in the background)
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