When in France, there are many interesting places to visit. This week, let me take you for a short walk in Nice and Monte Carlo.
At the time I’m writing this blog, it’s been more than two weeks since I returned from my summer holiday. But I’m still experiencing post-holiday blues.
I miss them… My travel friends.
The sun, the sea, and the beauty of Nice and Monte Carlo β€οΈπ³οΈπ
Ah, for your information, Nice is in France while Monte Carlo is in Monaco.
Yes, Monaco is another country! And Monte Carlo is the most famous district in Monaco, especially for its casino, private yachts, supercars, and glam life πΆβ¨π²
From Nice, you can go to Monaco by train. It takes around 30 minutes and costs you around β¬3.
What a Nice First Night in Nice, Thanks to Wayne’s Bar
Our train from Avignon to Nice was delayed because there was an error.
So, we and all passengers from the earlier train had to cram with the passengers who booked the ticket for the next train.
It was a really hot day and the AC didn’t work well. Luckily, all of us managed to get a seat!
Apart from that incident, my first day in Nice ended with a bang thanks to my tour leader, Aaron.
He helped me to find the item that I wanted to buy. Then, at night, he took me and Radha, my travel friend, to a nice bar with a cool live band.
“All of us had fun and danced on the table last night,” I told Gareth. He didn’t join us.
“Oh, really? Are you sure it wasn’t just you?”, he asked in suspicion.
“Yes, ask Radha! Boys and girls, we all danced on the table,” I smiled at his disbelief.
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Playing Models in Nice, France
We started our Nice walking tour in the morning. It was another hot, sunny, summer day in France.
I think I no longer cared if my sunblock really worked. I just wanted to enjoy the moment and took advantage of the nice weather for some photo shoots πππΈ
Nice was nice. Lol… really.
The view was beautiful, I couldn’t help to stop to take some photos. So, again, Gareth and I took turns to be the models and photographers.
We had a free time after that before departing to Monte Carlo at 3pm. I blasted the AC of my hotel room and rested for 30 minutes to cool myself down and re-applied my sunblock.
Then, I walked around to find Zara (because it’s the sale season) and grabbed a lunch. It was a looong walk, but I’m grateful that I wanted to find the shop because it led me to some interesting findings.
For example, I didn’t know that a Nice Jazz Festival was being held! Though I didn’t go inside to check it out, I was happy enough with the live entertainment by Aaron Lordson.
God, his. voice. He ROCKED the day!!! For making my day, I won’t hesitate to mention him on my blog.
Take note, guys, in case you need a great singer when in Nice, France. Perhaps for special occassions, like birthdays, weddings, or proposing to your soulmate? π
By the way, I know it’s a long post… If you’re still reading up to this point, thank you!
Here’s one of my favourite songs. Click and enjoy it while continue reading the blog π
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The Mademoiselle of Monte Carlo
Radha, Gareth, and I had a huge expectation about Monaco. But apparently, the glam and bling only existed in Monte Carlo.
From the train station, you could take a bus to Monte Carlo. Prepare β¬2 or a credit card for the bus ride (one person per card)!
Our biggest “whaaat” lied on the huge crack on the casino’s building. Like, it’s one of the main buildings, frequented by tourists.
How come nobody fixed it? It didn’t live up to the glitz, glam, luxurious image of Monte Carlo π
Apart from that, everything was luxurious. You can see many supercars, people dressed in high-end brands, beautiful stores, beautiful sea view, and big yachts…
When I was in Monaco, I just realised that the country’s flag was similar with Indonesian.
Me: “Eh? Why is there an Indonesian flag in Monaco??” πΆ
Gareth: (chuckle) “It’s the same colour as the Indonesian flag!” π
When I googled the facts, actually, there are some differences between both flags.
Indonesia’s flag is longer and has brighter shade of red. However, the Monaco’s flags that I came across were identical to Indonesian!
We also visited Saint Nicholas Cathedral aka Monaco Cathedral, where Princess Grace Kelly was buried. It was beautiful. I lit a candle and prayed… I hope He answers my prayers.
By the way, if you like to collect fridge magnets when travelling like me, DO NOT buy fridge magnets at Monte Carlo. Why?
Because I bought one for β¬7, while I could get the same thing for β¬1-2 at the shops near the church.
For someone who earns in Ringgit, I could feel the pinch! (β¬1 = around RM5)
When travelling, sometimes, I don’t feel hungry much. Maybe because I rushed here and there in Nice, so I had no time to think about having proper, three meals in a day.
Plus, I almost used all of my money and still had two days in Barcelona + needed to book a taxi to the airport. Gosh, I thought I was being lenient enough with my summer 2022 budget, but I was wrong.
Switzerland WAS costly. I was in Switzerland before visitting Avignon, Nice and Monte Carlo. If you’re planning to visit Switzerland AND France, loosen up your budget a bit or you’ll miss the nice things.
Alright, this blog post is the summary of my two days in Nice and Monte Carlo, France. I hope it’s not too long for you. Have a great week ahead! π
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