Monte Carlo, Monaco
   We had a wild notion to take a train ride to Monaco, a Province just across the border into France, better known as, Monte Carlo.  Our five hour train ride, changing trains three times, finally brought us into a beautiful station, totally enclosed, sporting a huge ventilation system, escalators and beautiful architecture.  Monaco is a wealthy Province, worth over €4,100 Billion.  I can't imagine how big a stack that kind of money would make!
   Monaco has about 38,000 citizens.  We saw a lot of policemen posted throughout the city.  It is said  there is one policeman per 68 citizens. 
   We took a taxi to our hotel, later finding out we were only 7 minutes away walking time!  We stayed the night in the Ambassador Hotel, near the Castle. 
   After we checked into our rooms, we walked to the castle and bought a ticket for a self-guided walking tour.  I really liked this one.  Even though it was huge, ornate, and dripping with riches and history, it still seemed to have a charm about it that made it feel like you could live in it.
   The flag was flying atop the castle,  which signaled the Prince was in residence.  I had forgotten to bring along the Prince's private cell number so I couldn't text him to let him know we were in town.   I hope he isn't too disappointed when he reads my blog.
   Evening came and we cleaned up to go out to a nice dinner before visiting the popular hot spot, the Monte Carlo Casino.     The restaurant was nice and seemed to have more waiters than customers.  People in much of this area seem to eat later in the evenings than we are accustomed to doing.  The restaurant was a little busier about the time we finished.  The food was okay....nothing to write home about, except Debby said hers was excellent. The head waiter seemed to be pleased.
   We walked next door to the casino.  A few expensive  automobiles were parked out front.   I suspect these belonged to people with more money than they could count.    The entrance fee, just to walk in and see the pretty lights, was €10 each.  I had brought my low vision walking stick with me because of the uneven, unfamiliar steps and curbs...not to mention it was after dark.  The cashier lady saw me and told Debby I did not have to pay the €10.  That was nice.
   There were not that many people inside...at least I couldn't see them!  Apparently, the high rollers, whose cars were parked out front,  had a private room somewhere because they did not appear to be on our floor.  
   I know you are probably wondering if I played.  I will confess that I allocated €20 for my entertainment in this particular place.  It lasted about 5 minutes in the one-armed bandit.  I then punched the "cash in" button and collected my €20.54 winnings.  I walked out a satisfied man. 
   As we were heading back looking for a taxi, a familiar short man was heading towards the casino.   Debby said he was the  angry Elf in the movie "ELF".  He was Miles, the writer of children's books.  I should have asked for his autograph!
   For our second day we walked to Princess Grace's Rose Garden.  It was gorgeous!  We also loved seeing all the tropical plants and palm trees in this area.  They testify to the warm weather and long growing season.
   We visited the waterfront and saw an abundance of very expensive yachts.  We saw one that had a helicopter parked on top.   I suppose if I had unlimited funds to have a yacht half as big as a small cruise ship, I would need a 'chopper, too!
   No trip to Monte Carlo is complete without a visit to McDonald's.  This one is on two levels in the high rent area next to all those expensive yachts.  It was very crowded at noon.  They must do a whopping business to have this kind of exposure.  Lunch was good too!
   Next, Debby and Nancy went shopping  while Ron and I  visited the Prince's personal museum of his vintage car collection.  We could hardly believe the extent of his collection!  Priceless!!
   We walked the short distance back to the Ambassador Hotel , picked up our luggage and headed home.  It was a fun trip!