Tourists visit, but the wealthy stay. The famous port of Monte Carlo was bathed in sunshine when we went ashore, showing the millionaires’ yachts in all their glory. Indeed, many were bigger than houses and had a crew to sail the vessel when it wasn’t moored in the harbour. We’d arrived a few weeks before the grand prix so they were just setting up the seating for those unlucky enough not to have a penthouse (or yacht) view.
We explored on foot, heading first up to the palace and then back down to the harbour. A walk into the famous tunnel, where those formula one engines must be exceedingly loud, was entirely deliberate; and then it was up to square overlooking the casino. Some poor people were only driving posh Mercedes, but there were plenty of top-notch sports cars from Lotus, Ferrari, and Porsche; plus a smattering of that most British of luxury cars, the Rolls Royce.
We didn’t really have casino money, and we weren’t exactly dressed like James Bond, so after taking a load of photos we continued on our way. It was beautiful day, and we soaked up the sun and the view. Eventually we made our way back to the Oceana, but not before dreaming of the millionaire lifestyle. Yes, Monte Carlo, sunshine, money….if only.