That being said, I'm happy to be able to share my joy with you. I love to travel and this is seriously one hell of a trip.
I'm one who appreciates culture and sceneries. I felt quite enriched during this trip.
Of course, every great thing comes with great consequences. We're quite poor after the trip and I got bad tan lines all over my body.
And I gained 2 kgs!
Fuck.
The trip was so rush that we only booked the plane tickets 4 hours before we board the plane. And that left us with only 45 mins to pack 8 days worth of personal belongings and clothes.
Vanity beats comfort for me anytime but I wasn't so stupid to such extend that I bring heels for the trip. But with limited time, I only managed to grab a pair of gladiators (to go with every single outfit) and my fave clogs (which I didn't use much, cos it's so high!).
So, brace yourselves! You'll see me in the same pair of shoes in every picture.
It's a pure horror story cos I brought loads of clothes and I CAN'T FIT MORE SHOES even if I wanted to.
You'll never know what type of clothes is needed for different events. I only know I have 45 mins to pack and shower and hop in the car for the 2 1/2 hours drive to the airport. So I stuffed everything I can find. Probably made some bad choices, but oh well. Deal with it. Cos I did.
Back to the topic of my day in Monaco and Monte Carlo, it's a walking tour and it's kinda like the shape of a lagoon. So it's like a shape of a U. The ship docked in one side of the U and we walked all the way to the other side of the U. You'll think it being so close, we'll probably be seeing the same sort of culture from on end to the other.
No, it's totally different.
Monaco is laid back, beautiful and scenic. Monte Carlo is designers, F1 and casino but still very pretty of course. The prices of the coffee will differentiate the different societies in both places.
So here goes. From one end to the other. Let's start with some mild introduction to the place.
Monte Carlo as a name of Italian origin meaning "Mount Charles". Named in compliment to the prince hen reigning, Charles III of Monaco.
Where he ship docked. Puffy eye after a long day the day before driving to the airport, hop on the plane to Spain and board the ship.
You must be thinking what's that dodgy blue thing hanging around my neck.
I'd say it's the best thing invented for tour guides and tourists. It's like a speaker that the tour guide speak into so everyone could hear clearly what he/she was saying. I like it cos I'd never want to miss an important information about the places I visit.
Norwegian Jade.
Looking into the U from one end.
It's so beautiful. Living there would probably be like living in a paradise everyday.
Camwhoring is a must!
Picture taken in a higher view.
Walking away from the ship to start the tour.
Happy tourist swimming in the clear and really blue water! Envy!
Mediterranean sea.
Monaco Open Air Cinema.
Monk Statue. Check out the stomach. I don't want that!
Crossed the bridge through the train station and we're in front of a museum and an institution.
Prince of Monaco. Still single but not available. According to the tour guide, he's very wanted amongst the ladies there. I guess, who doesn't want to be a princess right?
I asked him to take a picture of me with the statue of a human body, he just took a picture of me with the ding dongs. Huge ones as well.
Tour Train I didn't get to ride. But you get to see more when you walked.
Unicorn. I have the urge to climb on top of it for a picture but there's too many people around trying to take picture with it.
Two houses below belonged to Princess Stephanie and Princess Carolina. But I can't remember now which is which.
The beautiful park that apparently has been walked on by many famous people. It's heaven on earth. Trees, fresh air and flowers, overlooking the sea.
Characteristic buildings.
If I'm not wrong, this should be the court.
Council House.
The palace gate guarded. Just like every other palace.
Every 12pm, there would be the changes of guards and there would be loads of tourist waiting to watch it.
It looked breezy but really hot. With not many clouds in the skies. My ice cream kept melting and my dress keeps puffing up!
Looking from one side to the other!
The tiny Monaco streets. So awesome.
We want Gelatos!
I was jumping for joy with the amount of choices.
I chose coffee. It's so fine and have bits of hazelnuts in it. He had cherries I think.
Cute little restaurant!
There are more boats than cars. lols!
Summer treats!
Shame that it's only for kids. It looked really fun!
Okay here is the interesting bit. This Zebra crossing is where the line of the F1 race starts.
And these flats here made loads of money just by renting it out to spectators during the race.
You can see the boxes painted on the road.
Public swimming pool for everyone in the middle of the lagoon.
The Ship from the other side.
Garce Kelly of Philadelphia is the American connection. She married the Prince of Monaco. It seems that the American got closer to Monaco through Princess Grace. Along this road opposite this poster is where the row of designer shops starts. You name it you've got it. It's more expensive than usual though.
The entire principality is only half the size of New York City's Central Park. Monaco can be divided into six neighbourhoods. And Monte Carlo is one of the most famous in this world.
Here, casinos and top hotels like Hotel de Paris is located. The history of gambling have some of its roots here and the casino required its guests to dress formally.
And it only opens at 2pm, hence why we didn't get to enter and explore.
Hotel De Paris (I forgotten to upload the picture and now can't be arsed to do so) was established in 1864 adjacent to the casino. It is a heart of Monte Carlo and it's part of the elite Palace Grand Hotels in Monaco. And Monte Carlo has been featured in numerous films and television series such as James Bonds films and Alfred Hitchcock movies.
Monte Carlo, made out of the rich and tourists.
Cafe de Paris.
Cutest dog with a proud owner who didn't mind tourists taking photos of her doggie.
Chanel is at the far end behind that building with loads of poster.
It's so hot we needed the break. Auntie Bun. Damn hot. That also explained my tan line behind my back.
Funny how people in the west seem to decorate their interior, poster etc. with ladies from the east for an exotic and classy touch.
Regular Ice Tea and Ice Coffee for 20 over Euro. And we do tip.
Police also need a boat here. In case there's a boat theft right?
I would have thought it's a Police boat as well, but I'm not sure.
Alright, we've reached the end of this tour and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I do. I've tried to cover most of it, but nothing beats visiting the place itself.
It's definitely worth a visit. Till the next post!
xoxo,
M
