(Monaco Flag)
(Monaco Map)
FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2008:
All of the images below are thumbnails and can be clicked on for a larger image.
We sailed into Monte Carlo's beautiful harbor just after sunrise.
My first stop after tendering to shore was Saint Nicholas Cathedral.
It was a short walk over to the Prince's Palace from the cathedral.
There are outstanding views of the Mediterranean and harbor from the plaza in front of the palace.
Monte-Carlo is known for its casinos, gambling, glamour, and for sightings of famous people.
Monte-Carlo is home to most of the Circuit de Monaco,
on which the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix takes place.
The Le Grand Casino is one of the most famous tourist attractions of Monaco.
After a beutiful sunset,
we watched Denmark's presentation in the Monte Carlo International Fireworks Festival.
30 minute video of my day in Monte Carlo. |
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Hello, Today was a perfect day. We sailed into Monte Carlo at sunrise this morning. We dropped anchor just outside the harbor because the piers in town were closed because of a big fireworks display they were having here later tonight. So we had to tender over to town. Even though I have cruised quite a bit, this is the first port that I have ever had to use the tenders. At 9:00am I went into Monaco. Our tender made its way through all the expensive yachts in the harbor. What a beautiful city this is. The first place I visited was the beautiful Saint Nicholas Cathedral containing the graves of Princess Grace Kelly, Prince Rainier and other Monaco royalty. As we were walking around the views out over the harbor were breathtaking. In the picture below you can see our ship anchored out in the harbor. Next I continued over to the Prince's Palace where I visited the royal apartment. Monte-Carlo is home to most of the Circuit de Monaco, on which the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix takes place. I then walked all along the harbor and up the steep hill to the Grand Casino. I found out later there was an elevator you can use to get up there. Oh well, maybe I worked off some of the food I have been eating. I spent quite a while wandering around the beautiful grounds that surround the casino. I didn't actually go in the casino because it didn't open until 2:00 and I didn't want to wait around for 45 minutes for it to open. I had scheduled a shore excursion to Nice and St. Paul De Vence for today but they canceled it due to lack of interest. I guess I was the only one that wanted to go. I was disappointed at first but the day turned out great. Below is another picture of the Grand Casino behind some beautiful plants. I had taken a tour this morning of the cathedral and palace, but I spent the afternoon just walking around on my own. Below is yet one more picture of the Grand Casino.  It was a beautiful day. Sunny blue skies. It was fun watching all the expensive cars driving about town. Rolls, Jaguars, Bentleys, and lots of Ferraris. The taxi cabs are even Mercedes.  After I finished my walk around the principality is was back to the ship. The Captain made his usual announcement prior to sailing away from port. He tells us our course to the next port and when we will arrive. Today the announcement came at 6:00pm our scheduled departure time. But to our surprise he announced that we were not going to leave. Since it is only 120 miles to our next port, there would be plenty of time to stay here and enjoy the fireworks and still make the next port on time. And so we did. We watched the sun set behind the mountains and the lights come on in the city. I enjoyed the fireworks from my own balcony. After the fireworks ended all the boats and ships in the harbor sounded their horns and whistles and we sailed away. It was a very enjoyable day. More later, Tim |
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