Cashed up and ready to splurge!

Monaco is the second smallest independent country in the world, and is only around two square kilometres in length. Famous as a tax haven for the super rich, this little jewel on the mediterranean coast is only sixteen kilometres from Nice on the French Riviera, and the trip takes a little over twenty minutes as the train hugs the coast offering spectacular views along the way. It is a great country to explore for a day, and the home of the annual Monaco Grand Prix still feels very much like a part of France.

The last journal left off in Bern, from where I caught the TGV from the Swiss capital north to the capital of France. I can't imagine you, dear reader, would struggle to name this world famous city! Oh Paris, I can confirm that it's still the most beautiful city in the world even though I haven't visited for twenty years. All those years ago I was struggling with a dwindling bank account and pricey language fees to cope with, but I still enjoyed spending six months living in the city of romance. And what a great feeling it is to return to Paris, and to savour a few days revisiting the magnificent tourist attractions of the city. Notre Dame cathedral, the Louvre palace, the Champs D'Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. Wow, time had dimmed my memory of just how impressive the city is, and importantly now I have some money in my pocket to really enjoy what Paris has to offer.

On the second night of my visit I managed to catch up with a Parisian girl from our southern African safari team during my trip to the dark continent in 2005. We went for a coffee and a chat in the heart of Paris and it was great to see her again. It's exciting to catch up with travellers I've met from previous trips and this get together was no exception. Next morning I was up early to catch the TGV to Nice on the French Riviera. The superb French high speed trains run smoother than an airplane and the trip took only four hours, and what a remarkable change in the weather it is coming to the south of France! I'd copped constant rain for the last five days or so in Switzerland and Paris, so it was great to be in a warmer climate by the sea with brilliant sunshine to warm up the bones.

Nice is fabulous and features a gorgeous old town, as well as having the beautiful beach just five minutes walk from the hostel. The pace of life is appreciably slower than in Paris and I'm really enjoying the hospitality of the French, who are friendly and relaxed in spite of the fame their country affords them, and the inevitable hordes of tourists that flock here. So then it was time to get out to Monaco for a day. The first inkling I had that life would be a little different was getting on to the train for the short journey behind a man who had the luxurious fur of a slaughtered animal draped almost full length over his body, and it looked like the furry creature's friend may also have bought it to provide the material for his shoes. But when I arrived in Monaco I realised it's all good as I took stock of my situation, quickly checking my reflection before departing the train. Yes, I'm still handsome and dashing, I'm feeling very confident ... and I have 60 euros in my pocket. I should do really well here!

Seriously though, the superlatives can't come quickly enough when iit comes to Monaco. This is a place of almost unimaginable wealth. I saw my share of Rollers, Ferraris, Bentleys, Lamoborghinis and Mercs, and the local people were extremely well dressed. Early on I wandered out onto the marina to gawk at some of the mega yachts. Some had signs on the gangway *private yacht no entry* but they look more like a floating apartment block than a yacht. The boutiques have all the latest name brands from Paris and Milano, and the overall vibe of Monaco screamed out one simple word *money*. However, I've never seen the attraction of conspicuous displays of wealth. I mean seriously guys, what good is a yacht as big as an apartment if it is just sitting there docked in the marina? How often do you actually take the boat out of the harbour, or is it just to show that your mega yacht is bigger than the mega yacht belonging to the captain of industry berthed next to you? You sure as hell can't take it with you when you depart this world, so what good is it to be so ostentatious! I'm getting a bit worked up here, so promise that's the end of my ranting sermon... So back to my tale then, I didn't find Monaco too expensive, and still had 59 euros plus change for my return to Nice in the afternoon, as I did have to fork out 60 cents at one stage to visit the public toilets!

France is a wonderful country, and I'm enjoying a return visit after so many years away from the hospitable French, with their gorgeous language and culture. What a country,............... basically all of you should be here now!

"All men with honour are Kings, but not all Kings have honour." from Rob Roy, the Movie

Top 3 Hotels/Restaurants
Peace & Love Hostel - Paris, France
Auberge de Jeunesse - Les Camellias - Nice, France
Le Trumilou restaurant - Paris, France

Top 3 Sights/Activities
Exploring tourist attractions - Paris, France
Old Town - Nice, France
Exploring Monte Carlo - Monaco

As I continue my travels, until next time it's signing off for now

Tom

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