MONACO

Monaco - here's my notes.  It's approximately 1 mile by 2 miles.  World's smallest country after the Vatican.   There is 1 policeman for every 100 persons.  It is the most expensive city in the world.  They are currently building a complex where the cost will be 91000 euro's per square meter - nice penthouse. It is the most expensive per square meter cost  in the world.  There are only around 34000 Monacans.  Citiznship is extremely difficult to get.  It  you marry a citizen, maybe after 10 years you might recieve citizenship.  Maybe, if you own a home here for at least ten years you can become a citizen.  

So much for facts.  Let's get to the fun stuff.

Caroline dropped us off at the Oceanographic Institute and we were on our own for an hour.  She pointed to the Cathedral and the Palace and a walking street where we could find a place to grab a quick  lunch.  No time for fine dining.  

Beautiful architecture of the museum.  It has a "water " theme :-), if you hadn't  noticed.

                                                     

                                            

 And here is the little yellow submarine Jacque Costeau used to explore the seas.  He was a French explorer, researcher, photographer and documentary host who invented diving and scuba devicrs, including the Aqua-lung.  He produced many films and television series including the Undersea World of Jacque Coustequ which I used to watch regularly.

Here's some lovely views from around the museum.

                                    

                                                    

We decided to go see the Cathedral first.  It is the burial place of Princes Grace and Prince Ranier.

Just a few picturs along the way.

I had to really struggle to find something nice to photograph.

The Cathedral.

All of the churches I've visited in France this time of  year have a creche - all different, all beautiful.  

The grave of Princess Grace (Patricia Kelly)

and Prince Rainier III.

This picture is between the two grave sites.

Our next destination was to see the palace and possibly the changing of the guard.  We found the palace without any problem and noticed the Prince was at home - the flag was flying on the palace.  I waved but I don't know if he saw me.  He was probably too busy taking care of the new babies - twins.  They were born December 10th  Gabriella and Jacques.  A holiday has been declared in their honor.  After you've had a holiday declared just for you what else can one possibly want?  

The palace.

Sharon standing in front of the palace.

We decided a little lunch was in order at this point.  We found a little sandwich stop and enjoyed a vegetarian sandwich  - pretty good.

We still had some time left so we wandered down the street.

Notice the flags - they were flying everywhere in honor of the birth of the tweins.

These were beside most of the doors on the houses that we passed.  It must be a tradition in Monaco.  Very simple but lovely.  

We still had some time we walked over to the park.

 The stone in the back reads:

                             Yew Tree ( Taxus Baccata)

Donated by QVC, The Entertainment Industry Foundation and the Tartikoff Foundation  on May 17th ,2001 to the Principality of Monaco, in the presence of  H.S.H. Crown Prince Albert and in rocognition of QVC's Cure By The Shore charity benefit and the National Women's Cancer Research Alliance.

This tree, whose bark contains taxol,a substance used in many cancer treatments, symbolizes the hope and commitment of the charity and the Principality of Monaco to finding a cure for women's cancer.

We met up with Caroline again and this time headed to Monte Carlo in Monaco.  It's almost breathtaking when you first see it.  Everything is so pristine and I think I'd use the word elegant to describe it.  Of course the Christmas decorations were up which added to its elegance.

The Casino.  

The Hotel De Paris.  Twenty five plus years ago I stayed there and it hadn't changed a bit , externally.  The hotel is now closed as they are renovating it.

I would have loved to have gone inside and reminisce but not to be.  

This is a temporary shopping center.  The building which housed these shops is being renovated and so these structures were put up for temporary shops.  It was very unusual and quite lovely.  

Here's the list of stores:

Just in case you can't read the names . Here's a few : Alexander McQueen, Miu-Miu, Bouucheron, Chopard , etc.  Just wish we would have had more time I saw a few things I liked.

Across from the winter looking scenes was this beautiful tropical park designed by the same individual who designed the Bontanical Gardens in Eze. 

The famous Opera House.  We weren't able to get in but it is supposed to be absolutely beautiful.  The Opera Hall is decorated entirely in red and gold  with bas-reliefs and sculptures.  It also has a series of  "Gaming Rooms" which are decorated with stained glass windows, sculptures, and allegorical paintings.  

Can't  leave Monte Carolo withour saying something about the Monte Carlo Grand Prix.  We did one lap with Caroline.  She refused to go over the speed limit however.  The Monaco Grand Prix is a Formula One motor race held each year on the Circuit de Monaco.  It has been running since 1929 and is widely coonsidered to be one of the most important races in the world.  The circuit has been called "an exceptional location of glamour and prestige".