Day 4: Monaco-Avignon

The next morning, we headed to the lavish Monaco, home of the Monte Carlo casino, huge yachts, and expensive cars galore. Monaco is a “principality,” so not actually part of France, and apparently the second smallest country in the world, after the Vatican. I can now say I have been to the two smallest countries in the world! In front of the casino were parked some pretty fancy wheels, Bentley, Rolls Royces, Ferrari, Porches, Lamborghini, you name it. I believe they were strategically placed there to add to the allure of the casino. Moving past the glam of the casino and the many designer boutiques next to it, we had a view of the port full of yachts. We found out it only costs 800 euros a night to park your yacht there, just pocket change. The biggest yacht present was that of the son of the Sheik of Saudi Arabia. I guess he was having a little vacay at the same time we were. We climbed up to the royal palace where the monarchs of Monaco live, currently Prince Albert II. This was next to the old city area with the famous cathedral, where the wedding of Prince Rainer and Princess Grace (Kelly) occurred. I was unsuccessful in finding a prince of my own this trip, but I’ll keep working on it. (Princess Michelle of Monaco?).

Our last stop, and last night was spent in Avignon, which is slightly north, (but still part of the Provence, region). It is not on the sea, but along the River Rhône. The old centre-ville is actually walled, medieval style, and in the center is the Palais des Papes, the Pope’s Palace. Sometime in the 1300’s, Pope Clement V moved the Pope’s residence to Avignon, where the next 7 popes resided. Surrounding the palace is a maze of small streets, with very few cars able to drive through. We arrived in the city in the evening, so wandered a bit before finding an outdoor spot to have dinner. We went to a particular restaurant because their Plat du Jour was a filet mignon, and I have not had a nice steak in a while, so I was excited for this meal. Four of us ordered the dish, and when the plates arrived, I was a bit confused and disappointed to see a flat piece of white meat, not exactly what I would consider a “filet mignon.” I suppose in France, this name may just be for the cut of the meat, because what I ate that night was definitely pork, and no special pork either. Oh well, now I know!

Overall, it was a nice trip, lots of driving and pretty scenery! No more school now, full focus on finding an internship!