Blogs from Monte Carlo, Monaco, Europe - page 3

Leaving behind the Mistral winds (those strong, ever-present, cold winds from the north which easily pierce any protective layers of clothing) for the gentle, warm breezes of the Mediterranean coast, we set out for Nice and Monaco. Sylvie (our hostess) thought our plan to be a bit on the “crazy” side, and looking back on the adventure, it was a bit hectic, but all worthwhile for the experience of Monaco and French Riviera. Our journey was made possible by the ever-fuel efficient and ever-compact Peugeot. We set out on the French highways, whose toll system makes the NJ Turnpike seem like a small charitable donation by comparison. However the road was smooth, well-signed (with a few exceptions) and offered a panoramic view of the Provencal countryside. There’s no grander entrance to Nice than seeing it from ... read more

******* FRANCE ********* NICE AND MONACO It was about a 7 hour train trip to get from Florence to Nice (pronounced nees). We could only get a ticket as far as the Italian border as the ticket lady wasn't sure if there were trains running in France due to the ridiculous strike based on the extra 2 years the government wanted to extend the pension age (from 60 to 62). They already have a 34 hour working week! Eventually, we managed to make the two transfers and get to Nice. As we crossed the border, the National French Police came on board and checked everyone's passports. We witnessed one guy get dragged off and the train left without him. Nice was nice (hehe) but not as nice as my niece (hehehe). Homeless people frequented the alleyways ... read more

I awake pretty early, and I make my way to the train station. Today would be my last full day in Europe, and I wanted to make the most of it. I arrived at the train station, and I was going to ask for directions. Unfortunately for me, the station had no attendant this early. I thought to myself, “What do I do now?” Lucky for me, there were two young guys at the station. I was hesitant at first to talk to them for they appeared to be like many young kids these days. Longer hair with baggy clothes, hat turned sideways, etc... One was riding his tripped out stunt looking bike. Anyway, I asked if they spoke English, and they did. I asked them how to get to Monte Carlo. They said they were ... read more

Southern France: It took just four hours to travel from Le Mans to Aix-en-Provence. I was not used to this type of train service. It was a double decker and the seating was comfy the ride gracefully smooth. On arrival the Lady was there to meet me. I had not seen her for a while. We talked for hours. She showed me around Aix. It is a beautiful town. The grandeur of the past is clear in every building. It is a spa town, dating back to the Roman era. Loved throughout the centuries it has withstood time. There are fountains strewn across the town. All unique and intricate. The weather and landscape both notably different to the rest of France. The town is surrounded by jagged rocky hills and mountains. The plan would be to ... read more

Despite Monaco's lingering image as "a sunny place for shady people," in W. Somerset Maugham's famous phrase, present-day Monaco is really more of a conventioneer and package-tour destination. Only 4 percent of its state revenues comes from the storied casino, now mostly patronized by hard-bitten Russians, and just 10 percent comes from banking transactions. The biggest chunk of national revenue, about two-thirds, comes from a value-added tax on goods and services sold in Monaco, which the principality shares with France. I would definitely recommend a trip to Monte Carlo, Monaco taking a chance to stroll the waterfront and get a glimpse of how some of the high society folks live. You will either leave Monte Carlo - just like me - in awe of all the amazing elegance and the high style living wondering where people ... read more