Monaco is a principality bordered by France on three sides and by the Mediterranean Sea.
This was my first trip to Europe, so I was excited to see all that Monaco had to offer. Monaco definitely lived up to the glitz and glam people associate with it.
The Mediterranean Sea
The city of Monaco
Some of Monaco's legendary yachts that dock here.
A street in Old Town Monaco
I stayed at the Hotel Metropole. The place was amazing. The staff was friendly and catered to your every need.
The front of Hotel Metropole.
The Grand Casino. I was there during Christmas so decorations were on display.
The Changing of the Guard occurs at 11:55 am every day rain or shine.
Created by Prince Albert 1, the Oceanography Museum combines science with art.
The Bushnell Tortoise (1776). Created by David Busnell, it was the first submarine.
Ceiling of the conference room
One of the chandeliers in the conference room.
A seahorse swimming around.
Still love taking pictures of jellyfish. They're just so pretty.
Prince Rainier III had a huge car, race car, and motorcycle collection that was turned into a museum. I loved seeing the different cars. Here a a couple of pictures of the collection.
A 1940 Indian
A 1986 Lamborghini
A BMW Williams FW 22
A 1954 Sunbeam Alpine. This was the car in To Catch a Thief that Grace Kelly rode in.
I even had the chance to explore a European Christmas Market.
The Christmas Market
Another view with the Christmas Tree
One of the vendors.
Since Monaco borders Southern France, I took a day trip to see some of the medieval towns in France. On my day adventure, I was able to see St. Paul de Vence and Eze.
One of the main streets in St. Paul de Vence
One of the alleys in St. Paul de Vence
St. Paul de Vence
One of the streets in Eze.
Another View of Eze.
Looking up on Eze.
On the way to Eze, I drove through Nice, France.
Promenade des Anglais in Nice, France.
A View of the French Riveria.
I loved seeing these old villages. I felt as if I had stepped back in time to the medieval ages.
As for the festival itself, it was a fun and fascinating experience. Movies premiered from all over the world, including a Chinese Opera. Each night ended with champagne and hors d'oeuvres. One after party was located on the French Riviera.
The Costumes from the Chinese Opera were beautiful.
And of course, the best part of this amazing trip was when my screenplay received two awards at the film festival.
Monaco was an amazing experience.
Great Food I ate during my trip:
Interested in my adventures? Follow the links below to learn more:
Hotel Metropole: http://www.metropole.com/en/home
The Grand Casino: http://www.casinomontecarlo.com/
The Oceanography Museum: http://www.oceano.mc/en
The Prince of Monaco's Vintage Car Collection: http://www.visitmonaco.com/en/Places-to-visit/Museums/Exhibition-of-HSH-The-Prince-of-Monaco’s-Vintage-Car-Collection
Angel Film Awards- Monaco International Film Festival: http://www.monacofilmfest.com/
Great Food I ate during my trip:
Champagne Tea at the Hotel Metropole
And chocolate.
Desserts from a Local Patisserie.
Cheese Pizza from the Tip Top (Monaco is near Italy so they have great pizza)
Warm Foi Gras at the Hotel Metropole in their restaurant Joël Robuchon Monte- Carlo.
Sole
The Dessert Tray at the end of the meal.
Chestnut and Chantilly Cream
Floating Island
Crepes with Chantilly Cream at the Christmas Market
And of course, more chocolates.
Interested in my adventures? Follow the links below to learn more:
Hotel Metropole: http://www.metropole.com/en/home
The Grand Casino: http://www.casinomontecarlo.com/
The Oceanography Museum: http://www.oceano.mc/en
The Prince of Monaco's Vintage Car Collection: http://www.visitmonaco.com/en/Places-to-visit/Museums/Exhibition-of-HSH-The-Prince-of-Monaco’s-Vintage-Car-Collection
Angel Film Awards- Monaco International Film Festival: http://www.monacofilmfest.com/
