08:56:41
Fond memories of a previous holiday on the Cote d'Azur ironing with a view of the Mediterranean.09:15:44
A helicopter taking off from a super yacht in the morning. Presumably popping out for a pint of milk.10:34:29
The view from our balcony, to the hotel's private beach down below.10:34:35
10:55:51
On my little foray up the hill to see the Riviera Palace. I found the windy little streets quite fascinating.11:02:49
11:05:31
Doraemon.11:11:30
I think I might have crossed over the border into Beausoleil (and therefore France) by this point.
11:17:19
Lots of steps!11:20:00
Arrived at the Riviera Palace, which was previously the Orient Express Monte Carlo, despite technically being in France.11:20:11
Alas it's a private road so I didn't really get much closer than this.11:20:28
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Anyway there were tantalising glimpses of the building from below.11:21:57
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A very grand and impressive residence.11:23:06
Would love to own an apartment here!
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Glittering sea down below.11:27:05
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On the way back to the hotel I stopped off at this very handy Nicolas wine shop again (had also been yesterday).12:34:03
Back at the hotel, on the beach now.
12:35:34
Chie took this picture, I'm swimming in the sea at this point! A bit hard to spot me though.12:57:35
Post swim beer on the beach. At 11 Euros for a pint (and it was only Kronenbourg) I just had the one.12:58:22
Although it was a pebble rather than a sandy beach, the pebbles were very small and quite comfortable to walk on bare foot - plus this had the advantage of helping to keep the sea water crystal clear. The one downside though was that they weren't much good for building sandcastles! Erika did make a valiant effort regardless, bless her.13:20:00
Chie and Erika in the sea.
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Lovely clear water - and perhaps hard to see in the photos but there were little fish swimming around our ankles.13:21:40
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14:12:44
Venturing out from our hotel (not too far) for a late lunch.14:27:37
Chose one of the little beach cafe places. Despite being little more than a shack, being Monaco, they still served Champagne of course.14:27:40
14:38:27
My surprisingly nice and better than it looks "salade vegeterienne". After a few days of eating out (lots of pasta and pizza) I felt I rather needed some fresh vegetables.15:34:42
Le Baobab, the cafe where we had lunch.15:57:52
Back at our hotel, more yacht watching - a helicopter landing on this one.18:21:46
The leftovers from yesterday's bottle of Champagne. Surprisingly drinkable after a night in the fridge with no stopper.
18:23:27
Trying to take a picture of Champagne, sun and sea to send to friends back in the UK and make them feel jealous (as it was grey and miserable in London I'd heard), but didn't really come out very well.18:23:30
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18:51:28
Chie and Erika heading out for dinner at Lo Sfizio. Alas my phone's battery ran out shortly after this so I don't have any pictures of our meal, which is a shame as I thought it was rather good!