30.12.10

Monaco, Day 2

Today was our first normal touristy day in Monaco (and, sadly, our last day altogether). After getting up and having lunch at what has become our "place" here in Monte Carlo, Bar Monaco,



We went to the Palais Princier and looked around in that part of the city. To get to the Palais, you have to walk up this winding hill that is part of the fortress of the castle. This is so great because it provides such wonderful views of the bay...






Up at the top of the hill, you can see the Palais, and you can go into a petit museum that has lots of treasures depicting Monaco's history as well as the Napoleonic era. Unfortunately they do not allow pictures in the museum; they had some very interesting things. I think my favorite display was a huge glass case shaped like a diamond that had all of the beautiful medals of honor bestowed on the princes. They were so beautiful--lots of jewels in exquisite designs. They also had some of the jeweled shoulder drapes that were beautiful as well.

After that, we walked around the older part of the city--lots of tiny, winding streets with cafés and souvenir shops. One of the most interesting things was the way the streets were connected to always come back to the palace. Of course, my favorite part was the "Parcours Princesse Grace"



We were able to find the cathedral where she got married, but couldn't find her grave. There was a part of the cathedral that was closed for renovation, and given the signs directing visitors in the museum, I assume that it was back there.





Needless to say, everything was so beautiful--there are so many amazing apartment buildings with rooftop gardens and yachts everywhere! It's definitely a place that pictures could never do justice, and when you describe it you run out of words for "beautiful", "amazing", "awesome".

We are back in the hotel now, getting ready to go to the Grand Casino after some dinner. I found a chic dress for 21e in the Centre Commercial--hopefully the dress and my accessories will override the boots that I have to wear. I'm sure that Jerry will look very handsome in his tux, so maybe they won't even see me! Don't worry, pictures to come of our James Bond experience!



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