Pulling in to Monaco

Arriving at Monaco with our first glimpse of the Casino

First off, I want to say how sorry I am to not be posting lately. I have had some family issues in the states that prevented me from being in the state of mind to work on my blog. As much as I enjoy it, since it is a creative effort, I have to get in the mood. Normally that is no problem, but I have been struggling with a family member's addiction problems. She is now seeking treatment and I am praying a lot for her. So I can go back to doing what I love  ... post about my travels.

So here I am back in Monaco. There is nothing so thrilling as pulling in to such a wonderful locale. I have read about, seen movies and generally pined for my first glimpse of Monaco. Thankfully, it does not disappoint. Many of us were poised holding on to the edge of the balcony as we pulled in on a sunny, spring morning.

The photo above was my first view of the Casino. Wow, and it was even more amazing in person. Unfortunately cameras are not allowed, so I couldn't snap any photos. But Monte Carlo and Monaco are amazing.

No graffiti, by the way. Gargoyles would feel quite welcome though.

Monaco Harbor

Fellow traveler on the Eurodam

On the Holland America Eurodam, we arrived right before the world-famous Gran Prix. I was told it was kind of hard to walk around town due to all the bleachers set up to view the race. I opted for a tour of Eze, Nice and a walking tour of Monaco that stuck close to the Cathedral and the Casino. All it did was make me want to go back. I loved it!

Me at Monaco

I took a photo of me doing my best Grace Kelly. I also got a snapshot of a beautiful woman in a big hat. I love the way she has her bag slung over her shoulder.

Beautiful woman at Monaco

Gargoyles & Graffiti 2015

me in Monte Carlo

So it is now March of 2015. In June, my blog will be four years old. Gargoyles and Graffiti ... wow, it is hard to believe. I am having a severe case of writer's block, but I have a trip coming up in June. So hopefully I will get some inspiration from that. I will be attending the wedding of my beloved niece, Sarah, in Norfolk, England and then on to an Eastern Med cruise.

Terrace house walls at Ephesus

I was able to upgrade my room this week from an inside cabin to an oceanview with windows facing front, a few floors under the bridge. Pysched about that. Not only was it not more money, I saved a whopping $32 dollars. I am going with my all favorite line, Holland America, so I couldn't be happier. It is on the Zuiderdam, which is a Vista class ship just like the Noordam. It will be getting out of dry dock the month before we sail.

my niece Sarah in Santorini

My niece, Sarah, and I did the Roman Empire cruise on the Holland America Noordam in 2008. It included Ephesus, Santorini, Malta, Olympia, Corfu and Dubrovnik, that began and ended in Rome ... well really Civitavecchia. We stayed in Civitavecchia at the beginning and ended with a few days in Rome.

Ephesus

This time I will sail from Venice and visit Olympia, Nafplion, Athens, Ephesus, Mykonos, Rhodes, Santorini and Naples. The cruise ends in Rome. I have never been to Nafplion, Mykonos or Rhodes ... so I can't wait to see some new sites.

Owner and his son on a boat trip from Malta harbor

Most of these great photos my niece took. Thanks, Sarah!

In Heaven at Monaco

Lovely Pascal,our guide, on the left

From the Holland America Eurodam, I did a tour of Monaco, Eze and Nice. We drove along the Corniches and went to three amazing places. I don't know what took me so long to report on Monaco, which I adored. I also loved our guide, Pascal. She is so beautifully French, with swept up hair and a lovely way of flipping her shawl. Her style and grace made our day just magical. She was polite but firm under pressure, and taught us so much about the area.

Monaco

The views from up top by the Cathedral where Grace Kelly is laid to rest are incredible. Monaco, including Monte Carlo, is a fairy tale place. What's not to love? But if I came back, I would have to stay at the Hotel de Paris, which I believe would set me back a pretty penny. Had to laugh when I saw Hugh Hefner's Girls Next Door attending a TV event in Monte Carlo, and they stayed at the Hotel de Paris. More information on this hotel can be found on their website here.

View from the top at Monaco

Archtectural detail at Monaco

When we were there, they were setting up for the Gran Prix, so they had moved the ever present Yellow Submarine from in front of the Aquarium to a back lot. A giant baby had taken its place. Too bad I can't find the photo of the baby. If I do, I will post later!

Found the Yellow Submarine