12th & 13th August 2016, Monaco
On Friday we left Beaulieu Sur Mer, with less than an hour’s sail to Monaco. We had said we would go on anchor for lunch and a swim but as is the norm the wind was stronger than forecast and from the wrong direction, meaning none of the anchorages would give us protection. So by 11:00 we had arrived in Monaco to be told the berth reserved for us was not yet vacant and we would have to wait on the accuelli (reception berth). The staff were really apologetic but given our arrival was so early it couldn’t be helped. After ¾ hour we were asked if we could just leave the berth whilst a passenger ferry dropped off its passengers, at least there was no wind and bobbing about in the marina wasn’t to problematic. No sooner had we got tied up back on the reception pontoon we were told our berth was now available, something which bemused us as nobody had gone out and the said berth was empty when we arrived!
We now have a finely tuned routine when we arrive on a new berth which very quickly includes the putting up of the Bimini to get some shade from the sun. Mike went to plug the electric cable in but even our large adapter was too small. The Capitinaire said “oh I have one but will need a deposit”. This is quite normal and Mike went to the office expecting to be given a 63 amp adapter for his €100 deposit and was astounded when he was given a basic plug which needed wiring onto our cable. There is a part of you that thinks when you come somewhere like Monaco with the fees they charge that you will get a slightly better service, class of shower and toilet facilities. This marina doesn’t have its own toilet and shower facilities; there are public facilities at the end of a row of restaurants which would benefit from demolition. Late that night the gents was locked up leaving everybody using the ladies, 2 toilets and 2 showers, The following morning the showers smelt like a urinal and the toilets were cluttered with left over drinks and pizza.
Having said all that Monaco itself is lovely, very clean, lots of beautiful buildings, but hell, loads of wealth. On our first day we walked to a rose garden near the marina which had been created as a memorial to Princess Grace. The roses were past their best but still it was very nice. We then made our way to the Palace and the Cathedral, high on the rock and surrounded by the old town. From here you can look out over towards the newer, glitzy side of Monaco, the super yachts in the marina and the very expensive yacht club.
Our second day we decided to visit the Japanese garden and casino. We had considered dressing to visit the casino but when I read that cameras were banned I lost interest. I had hoped you would be able to take pictures within the communal part of the building. The area was very beautiful with all the expensive shops in the old buildings or in the much newer pods. It amused me that right next to the casino was a very expensive jewellery shop. Parked outside were several Rolls Royce’s, Bentleys, Ferraris etc
This will be our last stop in France, an experience of two halves, the beauty but also the feeling of being ripped off. Lets hope Italy lifts our spirits.