Monaco

We started the day with a drive for about 2 hours along the motorway to a place called Grasse, where we were booked to visit a perfume factory - Fragonard. The tour was interesting enough. I found out a few important details.... the mostly highly sort-after member of staff in a prefume factory is called "The Nose". This person needs to study for many years to become qualified and once you join a company you are not allowed to leave and join another company... This person only works a maximum of 4 hours a day, because as their job suggests, they use their nose to discern and evaluate perfumes. What a life!
This factory sold perfumes and eau-de-tiolettes and soaps and creams, and as always, the way out was through the shop! I must admit I weakened a bought a small sample....!



After that we drove for about another 45 mins to a place called St Paul de Vence. Apparently this St Paul was a follower of St Francis of Assisi. He gives his name to yet another mediaeval fortress town which stands on the top of the hill. The high wall that surrounds the town, together with the mountain it was situated on, guaranteed safety and immunity from attack.

This town was a lovely mixture of cobblestone alleyways and little shops that held some interesting wares. The view from the top was amazing - you could see right down to the Mediterranean Sea. We had a lunch here, and the "sandwich" I had for lunch was lovely. It was like a really fresh ham roll (or baguette). For once it was just plain, and I really enjoyed it.



One thing I did notice was the sound of children in a playground and sure enough we were looking down on a school.

Looking down on school playground

I said a quiet prayer of thanks that I wasn't on playground duty! There was also a beautiful Church, and again I lit a candle and said a prayer for you all, especially those who are sick. I'm not normally a candle-lighter, but it be the distance factor, and for me it's a tangible sign that I'm thinking of you all.

We had about 2 hours to walk around this little town. It is so European, and different to our towns. that is why travel is so good... it really broadens the horizons and you can see a way of life that has existed for many centuries.

After lunch we moved on to Monaco. Casino, pokies, bling, bling.... Now I was in my element. I even found one of those gold miner machines, that when you hit the feature, I always choose Winnie - for my Mum! It was hard to believe I was actually in Monaco... it reminded me of James Bond movies. Here was I gazing out over the Mediterranean, past the yachts of the rich and famous and being seen with the beautiful people! I had a little flutter at the Slot machine Casino (as opposed to the big, serious Casino where you have to wear a jacket to get in..)



Of course, I lost all my money, but one of the couples on the tour had a modest win, so they bought me a beer. The two girls I've chummed up with went over to the Posh hotel and bought a cocktail, and it cost 25 Euros - approx $40!! I stayed in the cheaper area and had my free beer!

Monaco - Adam and Eve statue and Moira

Casino in background

Then we got back on the bus and headed for Nice for our two night stay... Jonathan warned us that the hotel was not the best quality, but its position is fantastic! We're within walking distance of everything.... Went out for dinner tonight, and we had vegetables!!!! yee haa....!!! Had Beef Bourginon, which to me tasted a bit like a lump of Oyster Blade steak, but hey there were peas and carrots and my heart was happy.

Have to pay for the Internet again tonight.... could go to Maccas on the next corner, but I'm too tired to move out again, so I'm just going to cough up and pay! Watching CNN on Tv and they're celebrating the breaking down of the Berlin Wall. I'm all ears of course, because I've just been there and seen it all....