Monaco

I think the funny little principality of Monaco deserves its own blog post even though it’s only a day trip from Nice. Apparently you need to have $1 million dollars in the bank to even consider moving here. My token effort to blend in with the rich and famous was to swap my thongs for proper shoes for the day – I really felt like I had them fooled.



Monaco has been tax free since the Casino was built in the 19th century and it’s easy to see why. I spent 10 euros just getting into the place and a very sad 5 euros in the slot machines. I’d like to say worth every penny but I’m not so sure.



It was lovely to wander through the Prince’s palace and get a taste of being a Grimaldi. Clearly I wasn’t the only one – here’s the ridiculous crowd trying to get a glimpse of the changing of the guard outside.



No sign of Albert inside but I did see his photo in almost every shop. This particular display appealed to me given his reputation as a playboy. He’s acknowledged fathering two children out of wedlock to different mothers but neither can be heir to the throne. He’s still not married, could be gay and is nearly 50 but I would still be willing to give it a shot!!



And if you didn’t have enough proof that Monaco is the playground of rich old men and their new wives, there’s a defibrillator at most bus stops in case your millionaire starts having heart palpitations!