Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Monaco!

On the last day of our trip we went to Monaco.  We took a scenic route from Nice to Monaco and I snapped some pictures from the bus.

075079084085

I would love to live here!

086

First stop was in Monaco City, Monaco. We made our way to the beautiful square with the palace, where the current King of Monaco lives.  Our guide gave us a little history stating that in January 1297 François Grimaldi, disguised as a monk, sought shelter at the castle. On obtaining entry he murdered the guard, whereupon his men appeared and captured the castle. 

The Church in the City where all ceremonies take place.  Apparently, all weddings were held here up until a few years ago when Prince Albert II got married. There were too many people invited to the wedding, so they held it in their palace.

088

Looking through the trees to the water

089

Grimaldi family crest

091

City hall

092

The Palace

093095

Palace Square

096

Beautiful views from the square

097098

The guard at the palace. There is a change of guards that took place at noon, pictures below.

100102103104105106107

Change of Guards

108110113114116

Inside the Church. It was pretty modern, only being built just over 100 years ago.

117

The organ changed colors

124125126127

After Laura and I watched the changing of the guards, we headed to the Aquarium.

087128134142145150159164166174176188189

Last stop was Monte Carlo, Monaco. We got to see where the Formula One Grand Prix takes place and also the famous Monte Carlo Casino.

194

The main square in Monte Carlo

197

Nice Cars

200198

The Monte Carlo Casino

201202203204205

Main Hotel in Monte Carlo..I hear it’s a tad pricey…

206

These 2 pictures show 3 countries…Monaco, France across the water and Italy in the very back of the pictures (mountains).

208209

Part of the road used in the Grand Prix

212

The French Riviera didn’t disappoint, will have to try and get back there with Dan once he gets home from his deployment.