Early morning in Monte-Carlo, Monaco, looked like this, as we pulled into the port. We were getting up earlier and earlier because we were so excited to see what each day would bring in a new place and sometimes even a new country!  Monaco consists of less than a square mile and has a population of about 38,400; most of them the rich and famous.

Now, that is a yacht with a pad for a helicopter, only to be out-done by his neighbor! My, how the other half lives!

And you can just open a door and pull out your speed boat to boot…..

See that little tunnel? For the most part that is how one gets around Monaco. The main roads and parking garages are underground. Who knew?  Monaco is so small. How could they deal with traffic and where would they park the cars and buses up top?

After the bus parked in the underground parking lot and we went up four escalators, we made it to the road above and could now walk up to the famous casino, palace and historic section of Monte-Carlo. That main road is the one used for the Monaco Grand Prix Road Race made of hairpin turns through the city. You can see by the time we got up to the top, it was turning into a beautiful day. So, let’s go, we’re going to see lots here!

We went from the underground tunnels up to the sky!

First stop, the famous casino. Do you know there is a charge of forty euros to walk into the Casino and look around? And you better be dressed to the nines too!

For the folks that don’t want to pay to go into the casino there is always the outdoor café across from the casino!

Or you can look at some very impressive shops! Notice, I didn’t say shop at…………………

It was early morning and to be fair the shops weren’t open yet, so we strolled around looking at the fantastic architecture! Construction is going on everywhere here! Monaco is booming!

I need a break before walking on to the Palace for the changing of the guard. This looks like a good spot to take a break. Maybe I need a slice of pizza too………I’ll just take a minute and get back to you……..

Next we’ll see whats happening at the palace………we have so many stops today…………..