European Extravaganza - Part IV d - Monaco

Our time in Eze was so short - I wish I could've stayed a couple days, but it was getting late in the day and we had casinos and rich people to see!  We caught the bus to Monaco and planned to stay through the evening, so we could see it during the day and at night.

We hopped at the bus in some random part of time and caught a local bus towards the palace.  It happened to be free local bus day in Monaco, courtesy of Prince Albert or something.  

We got to the palace, but not in time for the last tour of the day.  We had to settle for walking around the grounds and taking in the views from the hillside.

Monaco is the second smallest and most densely populated country in the world - did you know?

Defense!

The Grimaldis have run this place since 1297.

Kinda awesome!

Don't mind our reflections.  These Princess Grace photos were all over the city.

Mmmmm, Magnum bars!

The Grand Prix had just happened and most of the stands and tracks were still set up.  Would've been cool to attend!  Put that on our list of cool things we missed and should've planned better.

I imagine a lot of money has gone into this building.

We had to get over to the harbor side of the street using an underpass.  Aren't most of these types of pedestrian walkways usually full of trash and smelly?  Not the ones in Monaco.

Meandering along the water.

One of those famous turns from the Grand Prix.  I can only imagine how much those hotel rooms with a view cost during the event.

Towards the casino we go!

There it is, the Casino of Monte Carlo.  Monaco is divided into ten administrative wards, Monte Carlo is one of those.  I was kinda confused since I've heard some people use Monte Carlo and Monaco interchangeably.

There's the fancy Hotel de Paris.

Looking out from the casino entrance.  

We decided to go in, despite our lack of evening gowns.  I knew I forgot to pack something.

I wasn't supposed to take pictures inside, but I snuck in a couple while on my way to the bathroom.

There are a few rooms open to the public in the casino, but to see the rest of it, bring your black tie duds and  your offshore bank account.

Dream car, parked out front.

Time to find some dinner.  TripAdvisor pointed us towards an Indian restaurant.  We walked to France to find it.

Such pretty buildings.

After a delicious dinner at that small Indian place, we headed back to the train station.

This place is rad.  Can't you just see those Formula 1 cars blazing through here?  It's like a video game scene.

At the train station, the nicest train station I have ever seen!

It was gleaming.

Nice Nice is next!