Monaco

 Monaco, the second smallest independent state in the world is pristine and immaculate.

Cathedral where Princess Grace was married and is now buried.

 Every building is beautifully designed and well cared for, even the souvenir shops.

View from the top of Monaco looking out at the country's newest development.

 Because Monaco is up on "the rock" as they call it, there are amazing views of the Mediterranean

in every direction.

View of Monte Carlo

Palace Gardens

 Dan and I bought a salad to eat in the garden area of the palace. Our tour guide had suggested this and so Dan headed onto the grass to find a perfect spot to picnic. As I asked Dan if that was allowed, the "garden patrol officer," who appeared out of nowhere hollered at him to get off the grass. We settled for a park bench instead and proceeded to listen to the unfriendly garden patrol yell at another half dozen or so visitors who dared step on the grass. Kind of funny...

Palace in Monaco is under extensive renovation. We wondered if it was in preparation for the upcoming royal marriage of Prince Albert in July

Monte Carlo Casino

We didn't take the time to pay to go inside and see the casino and we ran short on time anyway, but it had droves of people going in and out of it while we were there. Preparations were also underway for the upcoming Monte Carlo Grand Prix that will be held at the end of this month. It was interesting to see all this in progress.

Our next stop...Rome!