Monaco

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Principality of Monaco has a reputation as the playground of the rich and famous. And it doesn't get much glitzier than Monte Carlo. Monaco itself is pretty small - it covers only 1.95 square kilometers, and it has only about 5,000 official citizens (they're called "Monagasques"), which makes it the second smallest country in the world after the Vatican. It is also far and away the most densely populated country in the world.  It's small size makes it a perfect day trip, as you can cover the entire place on foot. If you go, be sure to spend some time in Monte Carlo soaking up all the glitz and glamour. The best place is in front of the Casino, near the Cafe de Paris. If you're into stargazing, stand in front of the Hotel de Paris, and check out the luxury cars pulling in and out. You're bound to see a few celebrities if you stay long enough - I saw Tori Spelling and a few others that I couldn't quite figure out (alot of them wear hats and sunglasses). I'm not much of a stargazer, but I actually got pretty caught up in it all.

The Casino in Monte Carlo is undoubtedly the main attraction of Monaco. It's very impressive from any angle, but make sure you check out the view from all sides. Another highlight is the port. At any given time, you can see the "more privelidged" eating on the back of their yachts as the tourists walk by and check them out like they're at a zoo.

Don't bother trying to find any Monaco Euros while you're there. I got laughed at by every person I asked. If you MUST have them at any cost, you might be able to buy them at a coin or collectable shop, but be prepared to pay alot more than face value.

Click on picture to enlarge...

A good view of Monaco

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Overlooking the port

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MONTE CARLO

The famous Casino, from the back

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The Casino, from the front

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The ritzy Hotel de Paris, adjacent to the Casino

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Outside the Hotel de Paris you'll likely see luxury cars, such as this Rolls Royce...

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...or celebrities, such as Tori Spelling...

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...Beverly Hills 90210 rocks!

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