MAY 23 - DAY 13
Wednesday
Monaco
I went down to breakfast & said goodbye to most of the buddies who are either heading home or to other destinations. Mary, Barb, Vic & I make our way to Monaco first thing today. It is the day before the Formula 1 Grand Prix so Monaco is buzzing. We start by touring the Old Town & Palace.
We took an audio tour of the Prince's Palace. No pictures inside. It was interesting to wander through & hear some of the history. I kept wondering if the Prince was going to walk around the corner of the courtyard - or drive by - but no cigars. I just happened to get front & center for the changing of the guard which was pretty cool. We also walked thru the Napoleon museum before checking out the cathedral where Princess Grace was laid to rest.
We slowly made our way down toward Monte Carlo, first stopping for a delicious lunch. There is so much activity going on due to the race - my dad would be jealous. It is a little confusing as to which way we should walk to get to the casino (they have all these fences up blocking roads). We find our way & all gamble a little of our money. The Casino is so cool. I feel so underdressed to be in such a place & I don't think I am even in the fancier part!
After catching a bus back, I split off from the others & rode all the way to Nice for a little more site seeing before heading back to Villefrache for the night (I almost missed the last bus & thought I was going to be sleeping on a bus bench for the night). I picked up some goodies & ate on my belcony tonight with my last bottle of wine from Provence. The view as the sun set was phenomenal and I soaked every last second in. It was hard to leave!!
The yachts were even bigger in Monaco!
When the sun was completely set and lights around Villefranche & Cap Farat began to shine - I was in awe!
I will keep this image with me forever!!
Everytime I travel, I love the country I visit, but I truly fell in love with France. The wine, the colors of Provence, the fresh salads, the open markets, the laid back way of life, the siestas, and the rich history around every corner - I am hooked!
(Above) The casino
(Right) Look at those cars!
(Right) Princess Grace's final resting place is in this cathedral next to her husband
