Monaco

We've just returned from a week in Monaco. This trip was a recognition for about 400 top Barclays employees and guests. Julie was one of the hosts, and I a co-host. Monaco was a great warm sunny place to host about 800 people in 2 separate waves. We flew into Nice France and took a 1 hour bus ride to Monaco. Just a little history---Monaco is the second smallest country in the world. The Vatican in Rome is the smallest. It's located on the Mediterranean coast surrounded by France on 3 sides, and only a 40 minute drive from Italy. American movie star Grace Kelley married the Prince of Monaco 'Rainier III' in the 50's. They had a son Albert II who is now the current Prince of Monaco. We stayed at the Fairmont Monte Carlo hotel next to the famous Monte Carlo casino. The main language is French as well as some French customs which I had to adjust to. As I used the men's restroom for the first time in this grand hotel, I was greeted by a very nice lady who came in to clean and chat with me while I used the toilet. Then we went to the pool to enjoy the warm sunny weather and had to deal with the topless ladies also enjoying the sun. It took about 4 hours for me to decide that I couldn't cope with all of that bare skin. So I had to go back the next day and try all over again. It's rough duty!