Monaco

Sunday 14th July 2019 We arrived at the Gare de Monaco in Monte Carlo which, given that space it as a premium in the small principality, is underground. Monte Carlo has built itself a reputation as being a playground for the conspicuously rich, and wealth is flaunted everywhere from the world-renowned casino to the luxury high-performance cars roaring round the narrow streets as if they are taking part in the annual grand prix. The Casino in Monte Carlo is perhaps the most famous gambling establishment in the world, an Art Nouveau palace dedicated to gaming and chance. The city also has the ubiquitous tourist train to take foot-sore visitors to the various sights including . . . . . . the casino and the neighbouring Cafe de Paris which are both beautiful soaring monuments to indulgence. Inside the casino, in the grand atrium alongside shops selling exclusive Graf jewellery and Ferrari merchandise, with somewhat less class, you can pose with outsize betting chips and a roulette wheel. And around the streets you can see much evidence of the annual grand prix, which first took place 90 years ago in 1929, from the frequent statues to past champions and the exceptionally […]