After ten minutes or so we reached Monaco-Monte Carlo. Once we arrived it took a few false starts before we were able to exit the train station because it's several stories with exits onto the street at more than one level. Eventually we made it out, got our bearings and set our course for the palace to watch the changing of the guards at 11:55. We could spot the palace on the hilltop across the town. It was actually a pretty good walk with lots of stairs so both Todd and I were grateful for the sprinkling rain.
We stopped at a little playground and farmers market along the way, then climbed the stairs to the palace and the old town, Monaco Ville or Le Rocher (the rock). It was very charming and the views of Monaco were unbelievable. You could see everything!
It was fun to watch the changing of the guards and we arrived early enough to get a good viewing spot. I think the kids enjoyed the fanfare even though they did ask how long it would last.
We then strolled through the old town and made our way toward the harbor and lunch at a little cafe on rue de la Princesse Caroline. We had sandwiches and crepes. Davis was excitedly talking about his birthday party and knocked over his soda, and he was feeling upset about the whole thing. The seemingly gruff, non-English speaking proprietor came over to help clean up and looked at Davis and asked him what he spilled, then said, "Good choice." Then he patted him on the head and said, "I was much worse than you, don't worry." It was very sweet and put us all at ease.
The weather changed for the better while we were eating, and was quickly becoming hot. We marveled at all the yachts as we made our way from the rue de la Princesse Caroline past the habor and toward the casino. While the yachts looked less grand from the palace vistas, they were huge up close. We could see the personnel cleaning and preparing. One or two hulls were also open to view speed boats below the main decks and jet skis up top (along with the occasional hot tub and helicopter. It was lots of fun gawk at all the splendor.
We walked up the hill to the casino. The square was very crowded, filled with all kinds of tourists and all kinds of cars. There was a certain energy in the air and it all seemed very busy and lively.
The weather had now become quite hot so our energy was spent and we were all ready to find our way back to the train station.
By the time we got back to Menton we were in serious need of ice cream and water and a swim. The first two we covered no problem but it was harder to motivate to the beach once we got to our apartment. By the time we got down there the rain had come back, bringing with it thunder and I did see at least one crack of lighting. So a quick dunk, then a race back to the apartment where we looked out the window and spotted a rainbow across the water. It was beautiful.
Next up, lunch at Mirazur!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:Monaco
Love seeing you on those playground bouncers/seesaws....enjoyed those same ones in Paris over the years! What will Menton do for Quatorze Juillet, I wonder? Hope it is a fun celebration!
ReplyDeletexo,
Angie