It was sunny and warm and beautiful as we slowly cruised at 7pm into the most beautiful Port of Monaco, framed with mountains and cliffs, the Grimaldi Palace and beautiful architecture graced the mountainside. Stately yachts were everywhere this Saturday nite on the glass topped sea. We were on the high deck portside watching the events of bringing in this huge boat. It would be the second time in history a cruise ship of this size docked. The residents joked that if the captain missed his target he might knock out all of tiny Monaco. They claim it takes two of this tiny country to fill Central Park in New York.
We were dressed our best and dashed out of the boat for a free nite of fun on the town. We found our way to the Casino palaces and gained entrance to the slot machine room. No cameras or coats allowed. Entrance fee of 10 Euros to get to the tables in the next rooms. People were everywhere. A huge white tent was set up outdoors and German Octoberfest music could be heard from it. I slipped into the arena to have a look and smelled the familiar sauerkraut. Accordian music was playing. I left quickly as too late for the festivities. The four of us bought souvenirs and walked the streets, gazing into the windows of expensive stores. A carnival was happening at the port entrance. I asked a couple that seemed kindly what the celebration was about. They said it was Prince Albert's 50th birthday. Celebrations for 3 weeks. The next morning we were up early to take a tour bus through Monaco to Nice, France and Ese Village. It was breathtaking, but terribly crowded in Nice, part of the French Riviera. Goodness, Ouch, they sunbath on rocky beach terrain. Yuk! We saw the incredibly expensive and 5 domed Russian orthodox church built by Emperor Nicholas. He and his family spent many vacation holidays in Nice. We were not allowed to enter as it was Sunday Mass time. We were taken to the markets and were amazed by the open air market products and cafes, many filled with smoking patrons reading the newspaper and having family visits.
Soon we were off to the Village of Ese. I loved this quiet place high atop the mountain safe from pirates in ancient times. The tour guide pointed out the homes of Elton John, Tina Turner, Bill Gates, famous artists and novelists among others. Also the area Princess Grace drove her car off the cliff. We shopped and walked the cobblestone hillside village. We soon were whisked back to the cruise ship. We grabbed a bite to eat and back out to the Principality Castle of Grimaldi and Cathedral which Princess Grace was married. We toured the ancient 20 rooms of the palace, learning much of the history of the Grimaldi Family. We were back to the ship by 8pm as it would be leaving port for Livorno, Italy.
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