Antibes (plus: "Oops, I went to another country!")

The local yacht club, as seen from
the royal palais balcony



Okay, it wasn't an accident that I went to another country--my grandparents in Antibes planned a day trip to Monte Carlo, Monaco. Yes, this is the Monte Carlo of James Bond fame. I did not get involved in an international incident that I know of (though when we went to see the changing of the guard at the palace I had an almost uncontrollable urge to make a scene (formal occasions inspire that in me). I kept imagining what the guards would do if everyone in the crowd very subtly dropped a bouncy ball over the velvet rope and they all started bouncing past them--I blame my roommates for this thought.) Monaco felt a lot like Disney land--it was all so clean and perfect (and clearly cost a fortune to be there). I couldn't imagine any graffiti in that city like what covered Lisbon (especially since the Lisbon graffiti was mostly communist-inspired and Monte Carlo is pretty solidly a capitalist dreamland).

We had lunch at the Café de Paris next to the Monte Carlo Casino (which they do not let the vulgar masses enter, unfortunately). We did sneak our way into the Hotel de Paris (also normally closed off to the public) since there was a public auction to sell off the old furnishings as they were redecorating. However, we quickly left as it was clear that we could afford nothing there. (If it were me, I probably would have tried to get further into the hotel, but Daddy Jones and Juliana are much too polite.)

I kid you not, this is a coffee store

The next day we stayed in France but went to Cannes (of the film festival fame--less international politics, more international drama) and strolled past the terribly expensive stores that cater to the rich and famous during their film festival. We did stop by Fragonard (a perfumery where I could happily just sit and smell heaven for hours) and the "George Clooney store." Apparently George Clooney has been doing a series of commercials for Nespresso (the Kureg equivalent in Europe) that are wildly popular and so at least among the American expats they refer to it as the George Clooney store (and indeed, his photo is featured heavily inside). This was the strangest/fanciest coffee store I had ever been inside. It is set up like a really expensive makeup store almost--you have to go up to the counter and tell them which kind of refills you would like and they will bring out a very elegant black box for you. Then you go downstairs to their coffee bar and get a free espresso served in real china cups. "Fancy Shmancy" is their unofficial slogan I believe. I will say tho that the coffee is really good.

In addition to good coffee I have been treated to all sorts of great food by my grandparents (and copious amounts of good wine). The first night I was served Shrimp Pastis (tomato, basil, lemon, butter and a French liquor lit of fire and served over wild rice) and every evening we finish our dinner with fromage (delicious French cheeses). Just as well I am leaving tomorrow or I might be charged extra for a plane seat due to weight limitations.

Finally, here are a few more pics from my time with my grandparents. Just walking along the beaches here feels like I am living in a painting (and indeed, tons of artists have lived and painted here over the last centuries--the sidewalks are decorated with signs that show paintings of whatever view you can see from that point).  

Proof that I am alive and in another country--
on the seaside in Monaco

A view of the fort from Cap d'Antibes (where I am standing is
apparently near the site of Putin's villa and the summer homes
of a few other Russian billionaires)