Well after a 3 hour drive and finally navigating the frustratingly ludicrous one way street maze of Monte Carlo, we arrived at our apartment...perfectly located as it turned out. I really did not think we would find it...we did begin to drive down this very narrow one way street...cos Tom told us to and we always trust Tom (and we were going around in circles) ...when a young French guy ran out to tell us to stop whilst wildly waving his hands. He helped us back up and showed us where to go...(not told us where to go??? ). Still about 3 more loops around and we found it...can’t say Big Rick’s temper handled that too well. But we did get to know the loop brilliantly and the same people kept looking at the same car going passed every few minutes. Anyway...we arrived. A little overcast and light rain, but we still headed off for a walk. Down....down and down we went to the harbour...yes think of the long, steep walk back. On the way we headed towards Monte Carlo beach for a look at the Champions Promenade. Famous soccer players (Maradona, Ronaldo etc) have had the footprints encased in bronze and paved into the footpath. No Beckham and really many current players and NO AUSSIES...go figure! ( Alex van...here’s your opportunity...you should make sure your name gets here...and I don’t mean as graffiti). The wind had picked up so the beautiful Mediterranean Sea was becoming quite nasty as it hit the coastline. Headed under the Fairmont Hotel pathway. (Big Rick very excited to have driven through here...on Grand Turismo. Was excited he could see the corner he always crashed on. Reckons he understands better now what he has to do). Down to the harbour. The yachts...no, no, no, luxury ocean going vessels thank you very much...all lined up. Didn’t see anyone rich and famous. Thought George might have been stalking me from Bellagio...but sadly not. Looking up from the harbour of the rich and famous you can see the Castle of Prince Rainier, perched high on the cliff. Everywhere you look there are reminders (theatres, gardens etc) of Princess Grace...obviously very loved. Along the harbour is a nice carnival, but very upmarket and very Christmassy. Quite lovely really. Was getting late and the evening was coming in...does early in Europe so we began the long hike UP, back to our apartment. Stopped at the supermarket for some fresh salmon and vegetables. Can’t wait for a home cooked meal and vegies...been too long. Walked past the Monte Carlo casino all lit up...nothing like the Langy Pub that’s for sure. Very glamorous. The song Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous... kept popping into my head. Day 2 and we caught the bus up to Prince Rainier’s palace as it was a very steep walk up and the bus was only E1..Not grand from the outside, but nice. The views back over Monte Carlo were fantastic. The walk from the bus stop to the Palace is quaint with tiny shops and tinier streets...barely 2 people can fit...very narrow. Decided we should not be lazy and we walked down the steep path...I know, we are such athletes. I even did it with the yummiest gelato...multi skilled. Headed back to the Monte Carlo Casino to check it out in daylight. To get there walked passed Prada, Valentino, Homme etc etc. Still as grand as ever. Didn’t go in...didn’t want George to see me in the Denims and Kathmandu ensemble (you can always tell a tourist...they are usually wearing hiking gear...sadly we are no exception during the day...though thankfully Big Rick does not have a safari suit). Instead we entered the casino across the street. Unfortunately NO CAMERAS...bummer. But we decided to try and win our fortune. Huh...pokies are pokies. They ate E20 in about 2 minutes. No bells, no whistles, no jackpot...not even a lousy free spin. Left with no fortune, but the everlasting pleasure of gambling in James Bond territory...pretty priceless really. Went to the Metrople shopping centre (a little bit like a Westfield) and had a browse...for about 5 minutes. Too hot in there and all for the rich and famous. Back to the apartment ready for a marathon drive to Spain. Had to cut out most of the South of France because The Incident cost us 8 days. Will drive to Perpignan (France), stop overnight then continue to Zaragoza (Spain) the next day via the Pyrenees Mountain Range.
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