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. The trip takes a little over twenty minutes as the train hugs the coast, offering spectacular views along the way. Monaco is a great country to explore, and the home of the annual Monaco Grand Prix still feels like it's a part of France.

The last journal left off in Bern, dear reader, from where I caught the TGV out of the Swiss capital heading north to the capital of France. I can't imagine that you would struggle to name this world famous city! Oh Paris, I can confirm it is still the most beautiful city in the world, even though I haven't visited for twenty years. Many years ago I was struggling with a dwindling bank account and expensive language fees while living in Paris, but I still enjoyed six unforgettable months in the city of romance. It's a great feeling to return to Paris, and 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 somewhat regarding how impressive the city is, but now I have some money in my pocket to enjoy all that Paris has to offer.

During my second night in town I caught up with a Parisian girl from our southern African safari team, when we visited 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 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 during the four commute, and the change in the weather is remarkable after arriving in the south of France. I'd copped with constant rain for the last five days or so in Switzerland and Paris, and it was great to be in a warmer climate by the sea basking in the brilliant sunshine.

Nice is fabulous and features a gorgeous old town, as well as having the beautiful beach just five minutes walk from the Auberge de Jeunesse where I was staying. The pace of life is appreciably slower than in Paris, and I'm enjoying the hospitality of the French. They are friendly and relaxed in spite of the fame their country affords them, and despite having to deal with the hordes of tourists who flock to the country every year. 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 after getting on the train for the short journey. I was behind a man who had the luxurious fur of a slaughtered animal draped full length over his body, and it looked like the furry creature's friend may 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. Oh yeah, I'm ready to spank some serious euro here in Monaco!

Seriously though, the superlatives can't come quickly enough when it 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 are spectacularly 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, and promise that's the end of my 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! In summary 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 place to come and visit, 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

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

Tom

Note: Feel free to post comments on this site, or click on the subscribe button for notification of upcoming travel journals

---

Photos

Mega yachts, Monaco
Home to some serious looking craft.

Coffee with a friend in Paris
Meeting up again to reminisce about our wonderful southern African safari experiences in 2005.

Old Town, Nice
The Old Town is gorgeous and full of little cafes and restaurants along narrow cobbled streets.

Monte Carlo casino
Gambling is not my caper so this is as close as I got to the casino!