To envision Monaco, consider Toronto's Yorkville...with a harbour filled with huge yachts and exotic cars that seemingly outnumber everyday transportation. It's like Vegas for the truly, exceedingly rich, an exclusive enclave set within the overtaxed French populace where the "nobility" continues to party like its 1789. And no Elvis.
Monaco is a principality (it's not technically a country) and although Prince Albert II is in charge of things (since the death of Prince Rainer in 2005), the administration and general running of the place is handled by the French government, which takes care of most services and infrastructure. Monaco is free of income tax for its residents, which number about 30,000 (with only 10,000 true Monaques).
We took the stunningly beautiful "middle" Corniche into Monaco, a winding and twisting road that hugs the cliffs from Nice and then drops down in a series of tight switchbacks into the city, like an airliner swooping in for a landing.
We then made our way through the labyrinthine roads and tunnels that weave through the city towards our hotel (the Marriott...on points, score!).
We then spent the afternoon walking about the principality, essentially covering everything in about four hours. 
We saw the famous Monte Carlo casino (you are charged 10 euros to actually enter the gaming room - pass on that), gardens, the palace, Monaco Ville,the cathedral (with the tombs of Princess Grace and Prince Rainer), the harbour, and got a generally good feel of the place.
We returned to our hotel for a rest and then sought out a nice little restaurant in the downtown, where we were treated to a nice beef carpaccio and pasta dishes. And wine. You can't forget about the wine.
And that's all for Monaco. You really only need a day...unless you are entertaining friends on your yacht.
4 comments:
That is beautiful! I am so enjoying taking this trip with you and Marcus. Be safe! Peggy
So pleased to see an update of your travels, K & M! Was worried you had accidentally dropped your laptop into the ocean or a vat of wine. Or flown away on a magic carpet never to be heard from again... Or climbed a great mountain, discovered a secluded Ben & Jerry's at the top that accepts marbles as payment, and decided to stay forever... Phew. You just decided not to write and keep all of your blog-addicted friends and family waiting for a kmroadtrek fix. Hehehe. Lots of love, miss you both! Anne :)
I actually spent the ten euros to go into the casino gaming room. As I recall, it wasn't worth it. Check out Luxembourg or Lichtenstein if you have the chance.
The Casino in Luxemburg is in
Mondorf,no comparison to Niagara
Chiau Mrs.B.
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