IT'S SUNDAY, I MUST BE IN (AHEM) MONACO

"Go ahead, ask me. Ask me what I did on Sunday! Ask me, ask me, ask me!"

"(sigh)....Oh-kaay....What did you do on Sunday?"

"Oh, nothing...(giggling)...We had no class, so we decided to go to Monaco. Then we passed by a medieval castle on the way back. Nothing much. Usual weekend stuff."

"God, you're a dork."

"I know this."

Monaco




The road to Monaco from Sanremo was lined with plenty of gorgeous old towns and villages built on steep hill and mountain sides. I begin to appreciate why locals need those carbo-loaded breakfasts.

First glimpse of Monaco from the bus (actually, I think Monaco is just the upper left quadrant of the picture, and the rest is part of France). It's tiny size - and lack of income tax - helps make Monaco the world's per-capita leader in billionaires. So, yes, I felt quite at home.

The Royal Palace, at the top of Monaco-ville a.k.a. "The Rock". As signified by the raised flag, the Prince was in town (pero 'di na namin binisita; baka mag-abala pa s'ya; kakahiya naman; next time na lang, Prince =)

Great views on either side of the Palace, to be sure, but is there anything sadder than someone taking arm's-length pictures of himself because he has no more friends around? I say no.

At least these guys had their own photographer (or brownout, and their escalator got stuck hahahahaha).

St. Nicholas Cathedral, where Princess Grace married Prince Rainier III. Loved her in "Rear Window".

The famous Monte Carlo casino. Cue James Bond theme (teng tereng teng, teng teng teng, teng tereng teng, teng teng teng...TEH-reng! Teng teng teng! ooh, yeah!)

So rich, this is the small yachts parking area!



So rich, nakakalat lang ang ferrrari!

Speaking of fast cars, here's a tip for tourists: if you're pressed for time in Monaco, skip the changing of the guard ceremonies at the Palace and take the 30-minute train tour instead. It will bring you all around Monaco and pass through the F1 race route. You can actually still see skid marks on the famous course streets, turns and tunnels -- which I thought was very cool. (Our kiddie tour train? Not as cool, 'specially when you're right next to a V-8 at a stoplight)

Dolceacqua

Our group had to leave Monaco to have lunch (did you not read what I said about Monaco being the billionaire capital of the world?!; we were afraid to breathe there, much less eat!). We ate at a restaurant back within Italian borders called La Trota, or "The Trout". We thought it was a seafood place, but the name actually referred to the fish-filled pond area at the back (top) used for parties and functions. Very nice view, but could do without that big white plywood-screen used to show wedding videos. Anyway, "The Trout" singlehandedly restored my faith in Italian cooking and - Dave Barry would agree - would make a great name for a rock band.

Before heading back to Sanremo, we pass through the medievel town of Dolceacqua, or "Sweetwater" (I am digging these Italian names, by the way). The castle was built in the 12th century, high atop a hill visible from La Trota, taunting all those who just ate there.

I'm coming castle. Just let me loosen my belt.

The alleys leading all the way up to the castle were La Pigna - esque, except they went fairly straight and did not branch out every which way (thank God). What was fascinating was every doorway along the way revealed a tiny home, restaurant, shop, even art gallery. A medieval mall! (High Street? Hahahahahaha!)

The castle itself was mostly Corregidor-like ruins, but offered spectacular views of the town and countryside.

Maybe we can do lunch with the Prince here sometime =)