Monaco
Friday, June 10, 2011 
Above, close-up of the Casino de Monte Carlo
During our Spring vacation we made several trips to Monaco. It’s literally 5 minutes down the road from where we stay, and there’s always something to see (or, should I say, to gawk at).
Casino de Monte Carlo, at night

Monaco is a sort of Disneyland for adults. It’s full of exotic gardens, Michelin-starred restaurants, plenty of games and $20 USD ice cream sundaes.
Gardens near the casino, complete with dragon topiary

In front of the Hôtel de Paris

Regardless of the time of day, there’s always plenty of activity around the Casino de Monte Carlo.
Casino de Monte Carlo, during the day

I love taking pictures of the casino, especially during the transition from day to night, as it starts to “glow”.
Casino de Monte Carlo, at dusk

The Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters tennis tournament was taking place during our visit, which explains why this enormous tennis racquet adorns the landscaping in front of the casino.

Of course, the event that everyone is talking about these days in Monaco are next month’s nuptials between Prince Albert and Charlene Wittstock.
Saint Nicholas Cathedral where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace were married

Though Prince Albert's wedding will take place in the courtyard of the Prince’s Palace, plenty of renovation was underway thoughout the Old Town.
Repaving the area just next to the cathedral

Upgrading the Prince’s Palace’s façade

Fake stone wall (assume it’s covering a soon-to-be gleaming stone wall)

You can’t get away from photos of these two
Official engagement photo

In an antique store’s window display

And while most Monegasques prefer to travel by boat or Bentley…

… we did happen upon this electronically-powered Smart car & charging post just outside the palace.

I’ll close this post with a picture of a $20 USD banana split, just in case you wanted to know what one looks like…




































