Monte Carlo / Sat Apr 6

This afternoon we docked in Monte Carlo. We'll be here this evening and all day tomorrow. 

As we left Barcelona yesterday the wind picked up and it started to pour. The weather was foul all night and even this morning but as we got closer to Monaco the rain stopped. It's cloudy and chilly (high in the 50's) but it was worth going out on our balcony to watch our arrival. Here are some photos as we pulled in.

The Oceanographic Museum

The casino

Sunday we were in Monte Carlo all day so we spent several hours walking around this amazing city. We saw all the highlights including the Oceanographic Museum, the Cathedral where Princess Grace was married and is buried, the Casino, the Palace and the changing of the guard at noon, some of the gardens and statues and the Market. We had a small bite at the Cafe de Paris and saw where the Grand Prix will be held next month.

The Oceanographic Museum

Jacques Cousteau was Director of the Oceanographic Museum from 1957 - 1988.

 

The Cathedral

 

Changing of the Guard

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statue of Francois Grimaldi - he disguised himself as a Franciscan Monk and seized the fortress in Monaco establishing the Grimaldi dynasty which has reigned here for over 8 centuries

Gourmet Market near the Casino

The Casino - established 1863. People who are citizens of Monaco are not allowed to enter the game rooms - only foreign visitors with passports can go in.

Lunch at Cafe de Paris - a Monaco hot spot (and tourist trap) next to the Casino

 

We've got our seats for the Grand Prix!

"Sky Mirror" -by Anish Kapoor located in the in the Place du Casino roundabout. It consists of a concave mirror in polished stainless steel. Its mirror-like surface ‘makes the world turn upside down, giving the illusion of bringing the sky down to street level’. 

Beautiful spring display in Louis Vitton window