Monaco

We are finally docked in Monte Carlo, Monaco. We are 9 miles from Italy and 5 miles from France. Monaco is only .73 square miles with 30,000 permanent residences. There were several things that ran through my mind knowing that this would be our first port of call:

1) the Grand Prix
2) Casino Royal
3) Princess Grace

Most of all Princess Grace. I'm a huge old movie buff and Grace Kelly was one of the most beautiful women I had ever seen. She introduced herself to me in the movie Rear Window by turning on three lamps in succession and announcing her character's first, middle and last name after each click of light. (Click) (light shines with deep shadows) "Lisa", (Click) (the second lamp shades less of her face but still not quite clear) "Marie", (Click) (Hitchcock takes a close-up of Grace Kelly's lovely features) "Lawrence". She's wearing one of the most gorgeous dresses in all of movie history- a black silk bodice with cap sleeves fitted tightly to her waist with a white beaded skirt that stands almost straight out from the miles of petticoat netting. She was a vision with her golden hair pulled back neatly into a French bun. Classic. Vintage Hollywood.

A few more films later and Grace Kelly would be gone. She would leave California, leave America forever; marrying the Prince of Monaco. This is where she lived, died and was buried- her tomb still on display at the palace. I can see the palace from my balcony this morning. I hope we have time to visit it.

I can also see Casino Royal- featured prominently in two James Bond films this is one of the most famous casinos in the world. You still have to "dress" to get in. Jackets are required for men to play. Of course I will be at the roulette table betting "all on black" (say this in your best Sean Connery voice).

An entire charter plane of SF agents was delayed because of a mechanical malfunction on the plane yesterday. 360 folks never made it to the ship. They were going to fly them into Monaco after they missed the boat but the plane had yet another mechanical problem and all of those people are now having to turn around and go back home!! SF always compensates well for malfunctions so I'm sure these people are in good hands! I just feel so sorry for them! ...WE are however getting GREAT service!!! The ship seems at least 1/2 empty- there's no fighting for lounge chairs by the pool or waiting in line to grab a hamburger. We have the ship to ourselves!!
This is a very nice trip so far and I can't wait to disembark and tour Monaco. But because of the empty staterooms from our missing 360 friends Bert and Karen were able to upgrade to a suite like ours! We are waiting for them to move so that we can all go ashore together. I'll send pics later. 
The Hotel de Paris for lunch: