DATE with French Riviera (Part-II: Momentous Monte Carlo)

While French Riviera is a heaven on the earth, Monaco - Monte Carlo is heaven of the heavens. I had exciting plans for the last day, the day when I was traveling alone as Arindam and Narasinga were back to the pavilion, Leuven. I had planned to bike the whole trip from Nice to Monaco (20kms along the French coast line) with a halt at Eze, a town that offers panoramic view of the Mediterranean. There is something good about biking as one need not fight for the window seat...haha. As I went to hire a bike, it started pouring in heavily and I decided to catch a bus to Monte Carlo. This time again I did not miss the window seat. In fact, I saw to it that I grab the right side window so that I can enjoy sea view to the maximum and as always it proved to be an excellent decision. The entire highway is on the coast line and it's a very fantastic journey, one you don't want to miss at any cost. The serpentine roads provide such as incredible view of the peaks, the valleys and the sea that I was feeling like getting down and spend the day near every bus stop and trust me it would have been worth it. Thanks to the pouring rain, I decided to continue till Monte Carlo and got down near the Monte Carlo Casino.

Swanky Car in front of Casino. You can also identify the mirror image on the road :)

Honestly, I had not seen anything more or even as ostentatious as this before and once here you could almost smell the richness - filthy richness. The cleanness of the roads, lavish cars, the yachts, luxurious brand shops in addition to the natural splendor decorate the town, you do not want to give a miss. Moreover, there seems to be no sign of economic slowdown here. I must have reached Casino at 11am in the morning (I guess it should not be a usual time to gamble) and there were many tables already occupied...in fact a few were empty. Gambling certainly looks a better business to be in at this time or rather any time. From experience, it must be better than semiconductors and may score over banking/auto or many others. Neither you have to worry about job cuts nor you'll have to depend on government to bail you out in the event of crisis. You always rock on as Junta's morbid habits seldom go off easily.

Need For Speed Tunnel & Formula 1 GP
After Casino, I started a walk in the direction of a funny looking the tourist train. I wanted to catch the train but it was too fast for one and I could not cross the road quickly. It was impossible. Monte Carlo is not Belgium where every pedestrian is the King and everybody will stop for you whenever and almost wherever you cross. Remember, this is a F1 town with 7 out 10 cars are Ferraris or Masaratis or other lavish brands and more importantly 10 out of 10 drivers consider themselves as Schumacher but no less. With a small walk down the hill I could recognize the much familiar Need for speed tunnel.

The Need for speed tunnel.

Monaco is my favorite route in Need For Speed and this very tunnel was my favorite path. Looks so similar. I could not imagine that I was here on a F1 racing path. OMG!!! I have driven a ton times here...Although the roads are small I have attained unimaginable speeds right here...crashed on fellow cars right at this venue...raced a lot...have lost plenty and have won many. Yeah!!! The route I was walking on was the F1 racing route and I confirmed it the with the lady in the souvenir shop at the end of the tunnel. As I walked along the route upwards the castle on the next hill, I could see the Monaco gearing up for the F1 GP scheduled during the next month. The stands were being erected and the seating arrangements were being prepared. It was fun to watch all this preparation. What was astonishing though was very few roads were closed for traffic and it was business as usual.

Form the castle top the panorama of Monte Carlo was looking pretty attractive and I was itching to take as many photos as possible. But, the rain was playing a spoilsport but still I could not resist myself clicking a few.

Monte Carlo town

Monte Carlo gearing up for Formula-1 GP

One of the stunning spots in Monte Carlo has to be the Monte Carlo train station. I have not seen a better looking train station so far. It's underground, swanky and to me looked an engineering marvel. No wonder, engineers can build anything and everything. Have not seen on National Geographic Mega structures though....should search for it.

Monte Carlo Train Station

After visit station, I was a bit tired and walking in the rain was getting painful as well so I decided to see all corners of the city traveling through city buses and took an arbit bus to a location. The location was Jardin Exotique and the same road the same road leads to Nice. I was energetic again as I could pace myself decently I should be able to walk at least most of the beautiful highway through which I came in the morning. Also, if I get tired in between or fall short of time, I can catch the bus to Nice on the way. The walk would also make up a bit for the NBH Hike 4 that I had missed because of the conference and I started walking on the beautiful High way. I proved to be an excellent decision as weather also improved a bit later on and I could witness some breathtaking views, cited unimaginable luxury, natural beauty. would love to go here again and again and again. Sharing a few pictures with you...

View of the Monte Carlo town soon after I started my walk...

The terrace of the building/Villa whatever had a swimming pool with breathtaking view of the Mediterranean. I wanted to take the clothes off and dive...But, it was a bit distant and i gave up the idea.

Picture speaks a thousand words and I have no more words...

Don't miss the swimming pools at the edge of the peak. The owner can as well jump into the sea. But you obviously know why swimming pool in a house is a necessity. Bad weather, thermal control must be a few reasons...

Let's get it straight. Every villa has to have a swimming pool. Do remember, when you make one!!!

After about 10kms of beautiful walk, I reached Eze, the town that is again not to be missed at any cost. Here is the Eze castle view.

Eze Castle: was lucky to get on top

I had only half an hour to catch the bus while the castle tour takes about an hour. I sprinted on the hill to grab as much as possible and I was awarded with the rare rainbow captured in the picture below.

Rare Rainbow from the Eze Castle

Last picture of the day!!!

Again, not to mention that I could catch the last bus from Eze to Nice to reach airport on time.