Monte Carlo Beach Monte-Carlo

We continued along the coast road looking for a spot for the night. Traffic was horresdous and very slow going. I wanted to turn around and head back into France. Kim on the other hand was all smiles as she loves Italy. Finally found one in the cute little fishing village of Riva Ligure ...

After brekkie it was onto Menton which is a lovely little town just before the Italian border. Menton is a much more down to earth place than its neighbours and more our scene. We found a park right on the beach and went for a wander and took in sum much needed sun. Next stop Italia!!<br>

Up early as it was a spectacular sunrise - full of pinks and organges. We wanted to hit McWifi before we entered Italy but we did not find one until later in the day in Menton. Before that we drove the coast road through Nice and Monte Carlo, both concrete ...

... seen and spoken to, to date. <br> Set off mid morning to drive through Gorges du Verdon, again another stunning drive. This time though the weather was kind to us and we were able to get out for a hike after lunch. It seemed like a popular drive as we encountered several other tourists, one couple were eating lunch at the same spot we were. They packed up their picnic, took a swig out of ...

... splendid. The Mediterranean Sea is spectacular shades of blue that go as far as the eye can see. Large villas overlook the harbors where cruise craft, fishing boats and cruise ships all anchor. The old buildings and palaces above tell stories of the Grimaldi regime and the fragrant ornamental gardens are fit for kings.<br><br>The Casino de Monte Carlo was built in 1863, an impressive and commanding building from the ...

WOW....we arrived in Monaco around 11 am. Finally got ashore after lunch and walked up a winding stairway to the top of a fort that protected the principality in the olden days. It was absolutely beautiful. The flowers and gardens of Princess Grace were a treat for me...just loved the lavender and roses. Fountains everywhere...Brooke would love all the expensive cars racing around the tiny streets..Lamborghini's, Ferrari's, Maserati's..you name ...

... Canadian Prairies to immigrant Ukrainian parents, who's now raised a family of her own, continues to value and be proud of her Ukrainian heritage! So, today, Elsie becomes Lesia, that beautiful Ukrainian Princess! And could there be a more appropriate location than Monaco! For those who may not be aware, the name Elsie translates to Lesia in Ukrainian.<br><br>So, the Ruby Princess takes Princess Lesia to ...

... no edge on this bet. For this reason and this reason alone is why ***** is a favorite game among experienced gamblers. (See the pic in this entry.)<br><br>The second lesson for teaching me ***** is probably the most important. I was taught and shown very clearly in *****, and all other gambling games to, that the only thing that controls the game play is probability, chance and cold hard facts. There is absolutely no mystical force called luck, karma ...

... entire day, I expected to either see someone very rich and famous or a character out of a James Bond movie, the place is so lush and incredible. The lifestyle here leads me to wonder, where do you vacation when you live in a place like Monte-Carlo? Do you really need to vacation at all? I can't imagine ever waking up and being completely used to surroundings like that.<br><br>We made our way back to the train station ...

... away from me, the sunlight reflecting of its luxuriously polished metallic body stinging my eyes. So much for all those riches!<br><br><br><br>The Casino was superb though, opulent yet understated, and the buzz of being in a room where money is used merely as a toy by those who can, was great.<br><br>Jen and I then jumped on the bus, not because we did ...