The Money in Monte Carlo

Since we were in the south, we decided a day trip to Monaco was imperative to our stay in Nice.

Just a short, pungent train ride costing 7 Euros per person got us to Monaco for the day. Yes, the people on the train were NOT smelling fresh at 11 am in the morning! For a country famous for their perfume and cologne, you would think people would wear them more? No? Too much to ask? Anyway...

Monaco. We arrived to a train station that was marble covered. Walking down a long corridor, you exit, and the city that you see in James Bond and other movies alike stands in front of you, towering over the cliffs and down to the yacht filled harbour.

The famous Monte Carlo Casino sits on top of the hill. Parked outside were cars that I would never in a million years be able to afford. Well, with the exception of a Mazda Miata that was parked. =)

This place smelled as well, but it was the smell of money! Everywhere you go and everywhere you turn, money, money, and money.

The views were also worth a few billion dollars!

Once you hike up the cliff to his Majesty, Prince Andrew's residence, the view was breathtaking. The giant cruise ship docked in the port among with some of the largest yachts I have seen.

The Palais Princier de Monaco was and is the residence of the ruling family. The Grimaldi family has ruled Monaco since 1297.

We visited the palace with an electronic audio tour and the history behind this State is very interesting, especially given how it has kept its independence.

The country today is the most densely populated country and is the world's second smallest country after the Vatican. The country is also without income taxes, which is pretty awesome, but I suppose that makes a bigger difference on people making millions and not so much for us common folks.

What I would have done differently for this trip out to Monaco was bringing along my swim trunk! At the base of the cliff just before you arrive at the dock with the yachts is a nice sized swimming pool! The views are spectacular and seems like it is less exclusive than the Casino up on the hill. =)

We returned back to Nice, and spent the night watching Big Brother 14 as we are definitely missing the couch at home and our TV.

Next stop Cinque Terre, Italy where we are without WiFi for a few days.