Monte Carlo & Monaco

We passed numerous villas on the way and there were pretty views of the harbour from the mountain road.

Once we landed in Monaco, we had a walk around. The first major sight is the majestic Oceanography Museum.

Down the road is the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace are buried.

We then pass the old town,

and arrived at Palace Square.

Here you can get a good view of the surrounding area and the harbour so this a favourite spot for photos.

The Palace complete with the obligatory guards.

We then made our way back to the old part of the town for our dinner.

From here, we drove down to the town of Monte Carlo, passing through part of the route of the famous Formula 1.

And finally, we arrived at the Casino at Monte Carlo

You can get into the lobby for free but the guard may stop you if you look suspicious so just act natural as if you own the place. There is a popular cafe next to it and a grand hotel by the side.

For those with less euros to lose, there is another casino adjoining the cafe; less grand of course.

After watching all the luxurious cars and luxurious people around the casino, we went back to our hotel.

Ronald Kwok

Cannes & Nice

The tour bus dropped us at the Cannes sea front where we had the first glimpse of Cannes. It was sunshine at last, but note the wet road as it was raining earlier.

We crossed the street to the many restaurants looking for our lunch. As it was lunch time, most of the restaurants were packed and we settled at one a bit away from the centre. We walked around and was wondering what they are admiring.

It was preparation for a giant sea-food platter that you can have for 100 euros or so. No, I did not have this for my lunch but I will surely get one of these if I ever visit Cannes again in the future!

The main attraction is the sea-front where yachts, sailing boats, people and dogs are on parade.

There is also a casino

and the famous Festival Palace where the Cannes Film Festival is held annually. Now anybody can walk the red carpet but during the festival it is only meant for the movie stars to make their grand entrance.

The symbol of the Palme D'Or or Golden Palm, prized prize of the Cannes Film Festival.

You can spend time looking for hand prints of your favourite movie stars in the surrounding pavement.

Some shots across the street from the Palace.

After the visit to Cannes, we took the local bus back to the hotel for a rest before we ventured out again in the evening for the optional trip to Monte Carlo, Monaco. We drove through Nice, passed the seemingly never ending promenade by the coast, the Promenade des Anglais that was financed by the early English tourists.

We passed the Nice harbour with more yachts and sailing boats

before we took the Corniche or hill road towards Monaco.

Ronald Kwok.