By Cristina Grau
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| Monaco |
Just one-hour drive away I find myself in one of the most
beautiful and smallest countries in the world.
Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, and the
Principality of Monaco is the second one, and here I am.
Contrary to popular belief, Monaco does not belong to
France. It is enclosed by France and on the south/west borders the
Mediterranean Sea.
Monte Carlo is not the capital, it is one of the districts.
Actually, Monaco doesn’t have a capital.
And what can I say about the playground of the rich and
famous…
Over the years, I have been here many times, and every time
I come, I like the place even more, if that is possible.
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| The Casino |
There are a few must see in Monaco. Starting with the casino
which is gorgeous, however, as a tourist, you are only allowed in one section
of it. The other parts are for the big rollers.
Before you can enter, you need to go through security and
leave your passport. Then you can admire the grandeur of the place. You are not
allowed to take pictures, so I cannot show you its beauty, but trust me it is
gorgeous.
I don’t have money to waste, so I did not gamble. However, a
few years back, when I was here with my daughter, she lost some of her money at
the roulette table.
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| One of the harbor |
Next, you must walk the promenade and look at all the
luxurious yachts at the harbor. And while you’re walking look at all the cars
parked on the streets. I don’t know what they are, but all the men were looking
at them and taking pictures of them.
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| The Royal Palace |
Then a nice stroll to see the Royal Palace. From the outside
it doesn’t look like much, but the inside is grand. And if you manage to be
there at 11:55 AM, you can see the changing of the guards. It is supposed to be
very nice, but as you know, I am not a morning person, so I have not seen it
yet.
There used to be a very nice
Napoleon museum next to the palace, but it has been closed for a few years now. It seems that Prince Albert needed money, so he sold all its contents in 2014
for €1.9 million = U$D 2.3 million.
Monaco is an easy country to walk, and that it’s the best way
to see its beauty. There are many hills, however, there are many elevators and
escalators on the streets that you can take instead of walking up the hills.
Monaco becomes even more famous when American actress Grace
Kelly married Rainier III, Prince of Monaco in 1956. Their wedding was the first televised Royal
wedding. There is a museum and many posters and reminders all over the place
about their beloved Princess Grace.
And of course, the Monaco Grand Prix, which is one of the
most famous races in the world.
FYI
Monaco it’s very expensive. So, I always stay in Nice and
take a 1€ = U$D 1.16 bus to Monaco. It is only an hour ride, and the views
along the coast are gorgeous. But now I don’t have to, as I am staying only one
hour away.
Dress nicely. Here everything is high couture, and as my
daughter says, she can’t even afford to window shop. So, dress the part.
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