I had to visit MONACObeing just 30 miles away, Ill probably never be this close again.
I’ve seen all the expensive boats & cars in St. Tropez, Cannes and even in Antibes. But being the James Bond fan that I am I had to go to Monte Carlo..
SO OF COURSE THE BOAT DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER IS PARKED THERE.
Monaco’s has a OCEANAGRAPHICMUSEUM. I was told it was good. I’m so so about aquariums, but i figured Monaco is only 2km x 2km, how much can there be to see? So I took my bike on the train and promptly headed in the direction of the Oceanographic Museun. I was promptly stopped and told no bikes allowed on the hill top. I wasn’t really told that I was just pointed and blocked me from going up the hill. I was a little confused so I rode around the docks and looked at the boats.
THERE WERE SOME AMAZING SAIL BOATS
So I bike along the shore and the road starts heading up, 3 sets of escalators later, yep Im at the Museum. I quickly lock my bike by a photo/plague with Jaugue Cousteau taken in 1962. The museum was built in 1910. I go in and am looking around thinking,this is pretty awesome. People around me are taking photos, Im thinking pictures of fish? Then I see fish that are well-blowing my mind.
I SPENT 10 MINUTES WAITING FOR THAT FISH TO COME OUT FROM BEHIND THE ROCKS (worth it)
I took a lot of fish pictures. There on my photo site HERE
They had a shark petting station. I left a little space in line and some people (French) cut in front of me, I didn’t say anything. It was our turn to pet the shark, so this little girl cuts in front of me, This time I stop her and tell her to wait her turn. Corey said he cant stand how Americans patiently wait there turn, I like it.
THEY WANT PEOPLE TO CONNECT WITH SHARKS SO HENCE THE PETTY STATION.
There was some interesting shark art too.
MORE PHOTOS OF THE OCEANAGRAPHIC MUSEUM HERE
I bought a combined ticket that included the Princes Palace. NO PHOTOS ALLOWED. No big deal until you see the most amazing sculpture, so I figure there will be a post card of it? They have cameras everywhere I went back 3 times and finally took this lousy photo.
NO POST CARDS, SO ITS AN EAGLE WITH 6-8 INCH CRYSTALS STICKING DOWN FROM UNDER ITS WINGS. WITH A BASKETBALL SIZE AZUITE ALL MOUNTED ON A 4 FOOT CRYSTAL.
I searched the web for a good photo-NONE.
As I was riding from the Palace I was stopped by the police, told to lock my bike down the road, I wasn’t alone 2 other people were on bikes too.
So I head down the hill to where the first cop stopped me, quick right and he doesn’t see me.
I go to the tourist information and learn where the MONTE CARLO GRAN PRIXroute is and bike it, let me just say that was dangerous.
I go by the MONTE CARLO CASINO, Rolls Royce, Maserati,Lambergouni of course I got a photo
I CANT DECIDE WHICH ONE? THE BIKE ALL THE WAY.
CASINO MONTE CARLO
So Im looking for the exotic garden, I think I passed my turn. I stop and am looking at my Google map. Within 20 seconds someone came out and said I was on camera and the police would come. WTF? I told him I was just checking my map, he said I could do it on the side of the building.
Time to find the train station, well I get on the wrong train and within 30 minutes Im in Italy. But the same train went back to France and back to Antibes.
All in all Monaco was all I had heard about, money (Tax Heaven) for the rich. But there was a little Portland Oregon Influence
NEXT I TAKE AN AMAZING TRAIN RIDE TO AN AMAZING FRENCH VILLAGE FILLED WITH HISTORY AND SCARY HIKES.
Thank you again Jeff for sharing your trip with us!!!
That makes us to go to the places you liked.
Althought I would not dare biking on those dangerous roads you have to ride on. In the south of France…
All the best
Jo from port Vendres
I’ve been wondering how to post to this page/blog. Sounds like you are are really getting around on your bicycle fairly well and seeing places many don’t get to any other way. I have been enjoying your posts Jeff and thanks for making the effort to get pictures and thoughts up. Enjoy the ride! Love You………..Mark
Sounds like bikers aren’t so welcome in Monaco. Too bad. Enjoying your posts. Eating blueberries from the yard.