Viva la différance

     My experiences in Monte Carlo vary from one end of the spectrum to the other. . Living in arguably the best building in Monaco, right at the beach with our own pool, restaurant and seemingly bus stop.  Other tenants here, past and present include include Ringo Starr, Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg, David Copperfield, Claudia Schifffer, Roger Nadal to name a few.  I think basically IF you can afford to live here, you would.   The sights and sounds are non stop pleasure; exciting, enjoyable, surprising and in "the center" of it all.  Walk out the door and find yourself in the jewel of The Cote d Azure, THE playground of the Very Rich and Famous. What's not so obvious is that Monaco is a wonderful village, a small group of incredible people that live here year round. #Blessed

At the other end of the spectrum, less than 1/2 mile away is the flat I rented in Roquebrune, while I looked for a Monaco apartment.  I was in a bit of a hurry to find "a bed" that matched my arrival date.  Several that I had decided would be fine have quadrupled their prices due to the upcoming Yacht Show. My preference was the building where many of my friends live, The Bahia. Literally right across the street from the beach I use at sunrise every day. My friend Henri, pays 1400 per month. He has been there 20+ years.  I found a sublet in Bahia....   The non negotiable price was 1500, PER WEEK!  

     So I find myself in a building called The Beach (which is  no where near the beach) This is a flat owned by a friend and has not been occupied in, her words, a long time.  It has the necessities and is almost adequate. I say almost because it sits 3 floors above the second busiest route into Monaco.  Sleep is virtually impossible.  Ferraris, Harleys and tens of thousands of noisy scooters pass thru this "tunnel of apartments" providing a noise level that is usually near that of a rock concert, but a times louder, 24 hours a day.  I have been here a week and the only sleep I really get is on the real beach after my swim but before the sun becomes intense.  If it weren't for sleeping pills, any sleep or nap here would last less than about 12 minutes.  I of course will not take them nightly, but when I am truly exhausted, I do and then deal with the "hangover" they give the next day.  

     

    

     For the last six years, I found my perfect apartment!  Five minutes to the beach with an amazing view! 

  I am not in any way "gloating" about Roccabella days with Dad and Ann, nor am I crying about my time here at "The Beach" apartments.  I am merely pointing out (maybe to myself) that it is impossible to broaden your perspective if you remain standing in one place.  If you walk to the ends of what's out there....   well your perspective now has perspective?

No matter the place I lay my head to sleep, Monaco is the best place to be in my opinion!  The people, the restaurants, the entertainment, the ARTS!  No place like it, thank you ....