Friday, May 17, 2013

Monte Carlo, Monaco

Do you think they have a Walmart here???
Nice, The Blue Coast
St. Paul de Vence...love the antiquity here...
gorgeous buildings at every turn...
Sweet Shoppe...
Wife of Michel Boulet... she was a pleasure to speak with...
Looks like a working boat...
St. Paul de Vence 

We arrived in the Monaco, Friday, May 17, 2013. I took my first morning photo, at 7:05AM. Just me, the seagulls and the smokers, on the aft Lido deck this morning! The sun was shining brightly and the air cool and a bit foggy. Still needing a light jacket!
Holy golden cow and the goose who laid the golden egg, what money in this harbor. But are they really happy??? Definitely yes and skinny too! Let’s put it this way, I would rather be miserable and rich, than miserable and poor! Blah! Blah! Blah!
We booked a tour through Holland America, to St. Paul de Vence & Scenic Drive and scenic it was! We left the dock a few minutes late, as there was a security issue.
Driving through Nice was an amazing journey. Our guide, Cynthia very knowledgeable and understandable.
The beauty of the “Blue Coast” as it is nick-named was truly an awe inspiring experience! The Mediterranean waters have a unique color all unto their own. Somehow different than the Caribbean blue, that I am use to. Deeper and richer in tone, stretching for miles. I know now the true meaning, of the color azure! An artist must digest this! The mountainous landscape, hosting some of the most beautiful real estate, I have ever seen. 
My O my, the wealth here is surreal! People walking and riding their bikes along the promenade overlooking the sea, visual poetry. 
Arriving at St. Paul de Vence, about 11:00AM. This medieval village is now a working artist community. Shops and restaurants as well. 
We met the wife of artist, Michel Boulet. I L.O.V.E. his work. He is definitely worth googling! His plump, whimsical, ladies represent the love we should have for ourselves, no matter our size! Enjoy life! Let’s hear for Michel! The famous painter, Marc Chagall is also buried here.
We took the highway back to the ship, a much quicker ride, although still scenic.
Hubby and I then walked for quite a while in Monaco, before returning to the ship. Walking uphill to the famous casino, I thought I was going to die, but worth the grueling hike. We did not go inside or even peek, however! The entrance way on the other side, and I, out of energy! That’s OK, my formal wear was back at the ship anyway! There is a 10 Euro charge just to enter and no photos allowed, a couple from our ship reported. That pretty much sealed the deal for me. The walk back, downhill! Thank God!
The crew had a French Food, sail away dinner, waiting for everyone, upon our return from various tours!
Tomorrow Italy, and I am bursting at the seams! I almost need a day off! 
Cinderella here, signing off! Sill more kingdoms to discover, photographically capture and enjoy!



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2 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

such a gorgeous place!

Charlotte Wilson said...

What an adventure you are on! I need to look into cruises of this kind.We have only been on one cruise and it was to Alaska with Carnival Cruise Line. The stops were boring...each port was the same with a lot of the same tacky souvenirs. Had we had more money i guess we could have booked some tours but none seemed irresistible as yours.
I am so glad you and hubby are having fun!

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