Monaco

Now for the mind blowing part of the tour. Next stop Monaco. The history of the town is fascinating. It would be a lovely place to live as the residents don't pay tax, which is why so many rich and famous people live here. There is one police officer for every 68 citizens, the highest per capita in the world. The very small jail is on the edge of a cliff, overlooking the ocean. There is a photo of some barred windows - that is the jail.
We walked to the palace just in time for the changing of the guards, and saw Prince Albert and his entourage leave. Later we saw his security and car parked outside a restaurant. Apparently he is very friendly and if you can get near him you can have a chat.
We stopped at the cathedral to see Princess Grace's last resting place. Our guide was saying how unusual it was that she and her daughter were alone in a car the night of the accident as they are always driven everywhere. Lots of rumours of this strange event.
I wish we had time to visit the Oceanarium there. It is an impressive building and Jacques Cousteau was director for 31 years. The yellow submarine out the front was Jacques, was built in 1966 and could hold two people. There is not enough money in the world that could get me in that thing.
I nearly forgot the best thing - we drove the whole circuit from the Monaco GP! It was so much fun and you don't realise how many twists and turns there are. Our driver got us to the start line (in our minivan) and took off just as an old man started to cross the road, but you'll be pleased to know he's still alive. How they get those cars around the hairpin turn at speed I'll never know. All the superyachts are lining the side of the road for the event. The penthouse of the hotel overlooking the circuit costs $1m for four days. Insane.Leggi altro