Journal #63 - Monaco

Bon Giurnu from Monaco!

Welcome to this city-state nestled into the French Riviera. Monaco is known for its lavish lifestyle and air of luxury - and it did not disappoint. The city was bustling with expensive cars and elegantly dressed people, and you noticed the difference. The elevated style might have been heightened also because we visited on race day.

Monaco and Formula 1 have a tight-knit relationship, so close that the races are conducted through the city streets, shutting down traffic to make way for the machines of speed. When we visited the roads were home to a Formula E race. Scaffolding had been erected to block bystanders from watching unticketed and bleachers had been assembled around the city for paid onlookers.

These vehicles, being electric, did not have the same growl an ICE would have, but instead eked out a pitchy whine as they whizzed past us. Each time catching our attention and rattling the chainlink barriers.

A fun part about Monaco though is that racing is a part of their daily norm - so everything else in the city, despite the interruption, proceeded as usual. The public gardens were still open and restaurants kept their normal hours. When we went to the palace and overlooked the harbor and city, we saw the race crowds below as the winners took their victory lap.

The city is home to the famous the Monte Carlo Casino. Having served as both inspiration for and a filming location of the James Bond franchise the gambling, opera, and accompanying restaurants are lavish. We enjoyed a meal, picked up some chips and Mr. Wanderer bet it all on black. (I will leave you to guess whether that paid out for him or not.)

The visit here was cinematic, exciting, and one we will not forget soon. Our bags have been packed though and now we are headed to the home of the Red Cross - any guesses where we are off to next?