Taashi turns 12 in Monte Carlo . . .

Taashi wanted to have her birthday in France, somewhere.  We weren't too sure where we would be but when we realized that Monte Carlo was a possibility the decision was made.  Taashi was going to turn 12 in the land of the Rich and Famous.  What girl wouldn't want that!
We found a fabulous campground just a trains ride from Monarco and pitched up.  Still milking our gas bottle for every last drop we managed to make a scrummy vanilla cake decorated with maltesers, stars and gold sprinkles on top of rich fluffy chocolate icing - YUMMY.
The next day we caught the train into Monte Carlo and explored the city for the rich and famous on foot, with a picnic in our back pack and our eyes wide open.  It was amazing - I'll let the photos speak for us - suffice to say we had a fabulous day and found Monte Carlo surprisingly very unpretentious. 

Halfway through this tunnel is the Italian French Border.

Taashi tries out her new Kiwido's.

Happy 12th Birthday.

Make a wish . . .

Looking down the tracks towards Monarco and the snow capped mountains.

Reflections in a Monte Carlo Christmas Tree decoration,

Crossing over to the harbour side.

Esculators take you up and down to the different street levels - it's a steep town.

Tourists are not allowed to walk the streets without shirts on.
There was no mention of whether the locals had to abide by this law or not.

The car park outside Hotel de Paris and the Casino - the middle one is an Aston Martin!

All the girls wanted to see was the Hotel de Paris - tick!

The Monte Carlo Casino as seen reflected in a big disc.

What else would be parked outside the Monte Carlo Casino but a cherry red Ferrari.

Glenn beside his dream car - a Porsche 911.

We knew Taashi was getting taller but his is just ridiculous.

Sitting at the red traffic light in downtown Monte Carlo was a new BMW and a cherry red Ferrari!
Only in Monarco!

Looking across an amazing tiled artwork on Monte Carlo's waterfront.

The harbour with it's obscene launches.

Outside the Casino Fountain.

Looking back through the cherry blossoms - the first flowers we've seen in a while.

Little Optimists sail past a couple of the local maxi yachts, dwarfed by thier size. 

Typical lifestyles of the rich and famous launch, resplendant with silver champagne ice bucket on deck.

The Monte Carlo Christmas Fun Fair was still going whilst we were there.

Marshmallows Monte Carlo style.

Ice skating beside the harbour.

Taashi takes a stationary spin on Monte Carlo's famous Grand Prix track.

Gorgeous old carousel.

Monte Carlo's Grand Prix practice track.

Typical street scape.

Looking down on the harbour from up near the Palace.

One of the many little streets winding around the Palace.

Me and my dream car - aaahhh!

Tilly soaks up the city skyline just before dusk.

European men are really short - as attested by the size of thier doors.

The main road up near the Palace.

The view from the top.

The fun fair on the waterfront as dusk set in.

Of course the streets were specatcularily (?) decorated.

Sunset in Monte Carlo - a beautiful thing.

A Silver Shadow - and not just for show - it was someone's car!

The casino lit up at night.