Expo Ecofuturiste: Palm Trees - Paul Stapleton

Paul Stapleton was born in the UK and lived in Nigeria, Denmark and London before he joined the Leeds College of Art. He now lives in France and participates with his prints and sculptures in numerous exhibtion in the UK and in France.

'Biodiversity: posidonia is a grass just like palm except it decided to return to the sea. Will man force it to come back to land again?' - Paul Stapleton

Click on the link to read about 'posidonia,' which is what the artist has used to clad his sculpture.

Expo Ecofuturiste: Arbres Brûlés - Philippe Pastor

Philippe Pastor's 'Burnt Trees,' were created using charred tree trunks from the beautiful Garde Freinet (near St. Tropez) forest which burned in the summer of 2003 - burned by arsonists. Thanks to the artist's involvement with UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) they will be on display throughout the world.

These sculptures give a certain form of life to the dead trees. (Small photo shows them taken from the other side) Please click on the link to read more about the artist and his paintings and sculptures - a fascinating website.

'I saw the fires ravaging the mountains. I will not resign myself to their destruction and refuse to forget. I am appalled by such disfigured nature, revolted by the perpetrators of this destruction...this bleak spectacle is a mirror of society...' - Philippe Pastor.

Expo Ecofuturiste: Native Spirit - Elena Lindjo

In the beautifully produced catalogue that goes with this exhibition of 35 artists, this work is called 'Symphony of the Universe' but the sign in front of it says 'Native Spirit.' I didn't trim this photograph at all as the work seems to hang so beautifully amongst the lovely trees of the Casino Gardens.

Elena Lindjo is a Swedish-born artist who first came into contact with art and fashion at the age of 14, when she started modelling for Emilo Pucci in Italy during her vacation. She started acting in the theatre and was a finalist for the Miss Sweden contest. Combining modelling, acting, interior decoration and charity work for UNESCO, her life was between Paris, London, New York and Monte Carlo. Click on the link to see more of her work and read how she developed as an artist.

"Forever in motion, my paintings are expressions of energies existing in the Universe: a combination of rhythm and colour, emotion and shape, like music on canvas.'

'All things are connected in the endless symphony of the universe. Our beautiful planet is part of that harmony, so let's respect and preserve the essence of life that has created us.' - Elena Lindjo

Expo Ecofuturiste: 1er Secours - Alain Pérez

Alain Pérez is a "photographic artist who works on themes connected with museums, collections and objects relating to memory. 'First Aid' presented here is an installation for an event, a dreamlike space. The place of the human being as far as nature, time and the cultural reference brought into play are concerned.

Questioning the reality and the patrimonial representation raised by preserved animals, removed from their museum environment, regarding reality and the representation of heritage, in this case, is completed by contemporary creation. Thus this staging places the public at the heart of an approach focused on heritage, art and science."

'What if our presence on this planet depended only on our ability to dream' - Alain Pérez.

Expo Ecofuturiste: Le Collier - Franz Stähler

German artist, Franz Stähler, started creating sculptures in ceramic. In 1987 he won the 'Premio Faenza' for ceramic sculpture. Since then he's worked in other materials and his work has become more focused on the environment. Here you see 'The Necklace.'

'I want to draw attention to the issues of nature and to create new avenues for exchange' - Franz Stähler.

Expo Ecofuturiste - Time to sit and stare...

Lunchtime in the Casino Gardens. You can see one of the exhibits, Les Pirogues, in the background. For a better view please click on the link.

Meanwhile, when did you last take time to sit and ponder?

'A poor life this if, full of care
We have no time to stand and stare.' - William Henry Davies

Expo Ecofuturiste: Pédociraptor Rex - Franck Tassi

You can read much more of the sculptor, Franck Tassi, by clicking on the link - a fascinating website. Here tho is a small amount of his bio:

'His style of expression shows man as both a creator as well as a victim, and often a prisoner of his technology and even a slave of his own inventions. In this - sometimes unbearable situation - there still remains an omnipresent sense of humour, which he considers the supreme form of criticism.'

'Nothing is thrown away nothing goes to waste, everything can be recreated' - Franck Tassi.

H.S.H. Albert II, Prince of Monaco, is 50 years old today: Happy Birthday, Prince Albert!

Expo Ecofuturiste - Visitors or Locals?

There are more exhibits to show you but today I fancied seeing people for a change. Here's a group crossing the gardens. I love the swish of the lady's skirt.

I wonder if they are local people taking a lunch break or visitors. Certainly the two on the left are in business clothes, aren't they? My bet is they work in Monaco - probably live here too or just outside. People watching is such fun, isn't it?

Expo Ecofuturiste: L'oiseau branche - Folon

The artist Folon, was born in Belgium. His sculptures, paintings, engravings and posters have been exhibited in many prestigious museums. His website has a particularly beautiful introduction - do click on the above link to see and hear it.

'He is the inventor of a language that enables him, like Chaplin, to be understood by the eyes of all.' Ray Bradbury.

A UNICEF Ambassador, awarded the Legion of Honour, he has often worked for humanitarian causes such as Ecology, Human rights, Sister Emmanuelle, the Rights of the Child, etc. He passed away on the 20th October 2005 and rests in Monaco cemetery.

'It is never too late to save the future of our planet.' - Folon

Folon created one of my favourite Monaco sculptures - La Fontaine aux Oiseaux - you can see this by clicking on the link. In fact it's since been moved from the Place des Casino, where I photographed it, and is now installed in one of the gardens of Fontvieille. I'm looking forward to visiting it again soon.

Reading of Folon's humanitarian interests I think he'd be interested to know that today is the first International Online Free Expression Day. Nathalie at the beautiful Avignon in Photos has written in detail on this. Please click on the Avignon to read her post and how to Take Action.

Expo Ecofuturiste: Structure 1 & Structure 2 - Luz

Luz is a photographer who "uses photography as a means to retranscribe stories emanating from her imagination, presented through a parallel world, which each spectator, using his own sensibility, can uncover."

She has two works installed in the Casino Gardens - they stand opposite each other. The small one on the left features a standing nude - the one above - well, you can see she is sitting. To see more of her photographs, please click on the link.

'Because time is precious, we need to act now' - Luz

Expo Ecofuturiste: L'Atlas - Jean Paul Bongibault

The way in which steel is worked fascinated the artist, Jean Paul Bongibault, who is a protegé of Pierre Cardin. You can see more of this artist's work and read about him by clicking on the link.

'The earth respects us! So show respect! Thank you for your understanding' - Jean Paul Bongibault.

Expo Ecofuturiste: My Engine - Jean-Noël Fessy

Alongside this sculpture, by the French artist, Jean-Noël Fessy, is a sign that says: 'Apricot branches and vines, bound and oiled. An engine, that could have been mine, on a wooden base.'

'The tool, the fire, the engine. Main steps in man's story of power taking over his Mother Earth. A might that is today overflowing her limits. It can leave you thoughtful - pensive' - Jean-Noël Fessy.

You can see more of this artist's work by clicking on the link above.

Expo Ecofuturiste: Roundown - Denis Gibelin

The artist, Denis Gibelin, writes: 'Photo shots enable the beholder, through the lens, to see and place the spotlight on "subject matter."

Hope you can see it - in the centre of the construction, is a dead tree.

'Ecologists should take inspiration from the creative world of myth construction [...] in order to understand what we are and what we need to be.' - Denis Gibelin.

I hadn't decided which installation to feature today until I saw Nathalie's post at Avignon in Photos. Do click on the link to see my inspiration.

Expo Ecofuturiste: The Freezer - Renaud Vassas

Artist Renaud Vassas works in wood, bronze, stainless steel, glass or just items of minor importance. Humour and mockery are present in each and evrey object. You can read more about the artist by clicking on the link.

"Contemporary art transpires the biodiversity of the moment, in line with the naturalists of the 21st century, Grimaldi, Mariotti, Bouzou, Powers. - The 'Freezer' sculpture suspends the stata of my world for a brief instant: memories, meetings...a true ecosystem of friendship" - Renaud Vassas.

Expo Ecofuturiste: le Scalaire - Patrick Gibelli

There were better photographs of this sculpture but I couldn't resist the little boy. He didn't feature in the others. Le Scalaire is a work by the sculptor, Patrick Gibelli. Born in Monaco, Patrick used to be a car body repairer and changed direction to become an innovate artist who regularly features in European galleries. Read more about the artist by clicking on the link.

Note: you'll see a couple of ducks seeking shade under the sculpture.

'Je suis évolution et là ou tout devient possible c'est dans mon univers...' Patrick Gibelli.

Expo Ecofuturiste: Les Pirogues - Gérard Roveri

This sculpture is made from the black pines of Austria collected after the storms of 1999. The artist, Gérard Roveri, has worked in advertising, fashion and decoration, particularly in Japan. He has created frescoes in Mexico and in Gérard Depardieu's home.

His pirogues (canoes) are the symbol of a voyage from one world to the next.

"The world is like a pirogue, which, as it turns around and around, no longer knows whether the wind intends to laugh or to cry' - Saint-John Perse.

Expo Ecofuturiste: Impulz-tree - Saskia Koning

Saskia Koning is a Dutch sculptor who works with different materials and techniques. You can read more about her by clicking on the link.

"One of her leading themes is trees. These living creatures have a long history which shows in their shape and the way they have grown. They also hold memories of events they exerienced, children playing underneath, someone taking a nap against the tree, a horse passing by. These memories are represented in the bronze trees that are part of the Ecofuturist Exhibition. This is just one of them. The statues are based on actual casts from the bark of the living tree."

A sculpture by Saskia Koning was chosen for the 'Tsunami momument' in remembrance of the victims of the 2004 tragedy.

'I hope that people will look at trees differently, with wonder and respect' - Saskia Koning.

Expo Ecofuturiste: No Comment - Gilbert Casula

No, that's not my title - it's the name of the installation by an artist called Gilbert Casula who lives and works in Cannes.

"A writer and a poet, he was influenced at a very early age by the concept of geopoetics and Kenneth White's work. An inventor of poetic objects and designer of audio systems in which the word always maintains its rights." You can read more by clicking on the link.

Looking at this installation I have to say, I feel like this at times Do you?!

Expo Ecofuturiste: Pas d'Art sans vie, pas de vie sans Terre - Ben

'This bench doesn't have a problem'

You saw Ben's art yesterday - one of 35 artists exhibiting in the Casino Gardens. Here's another of his benches. I love it when art and life meet like this - life with the ubiquitous portable telephone.

Ben Vautier was born in Naples and lives and works in Nice. His work has been bought by the National Museum of Modern Art. Click on the link to read more about this fascinating artist who believes that Tout est Art (All is Art).

Theme Day: Street Mural or Graffiti

"Bench for philosphers seeking the truth" - Ben

Fortuitously there is an exhibition on at the moment in the Casino Gardens. It's called Expo Ecofuturist and features installations by 35 artists. Some we've seen over the past days. This artist has installed 7 benches throughout the gardens. Here is one and I'll show you others over the coming days. Ben Vautier, known as Ben, has a fascinating website - do click on the link above.

'If art is everywhere it is also on this bench' - Ben

There are 144 City Daily Photo bloggers participating in today's Theme who would love you to visit them:

Adelaide, Australia by Gordon, Albuquerque (NM), USA by Helen, Aliso Viejo (CA), USA by Rodney, American Fork (UT), USA by Annie, Anderson (SC), USA by Lessie, Arradon, France by Alice, Ashton under Lyne, UK by Pennine, Athens, Greece by Debbie, Auckland, New Zealand by Lachezar, Austin (TX), USA by LB, Bandung, Indonesia by Guntur Purwanto, Baziège, France by PaB, Belgrade, Serbia by BgdPic, Bellefonte (PA), USA by Barb-n-PA, Bicheno, Australia by Greg, Boston (MA), USA by Fenix, Boston (MA), USA by Sarah, Whit, & Leyre, Boston (MA), USA by Cluelessinboston, Brighton, UK by Harvey, Bucaramanga, Colombia by Fernando, Budapest, Hungary by Zannnie and Zsolt, Budapest, Hungary by Isadora, Buenos Aires, Argentina by Karine, Canterbury, UK by Rose, Cape Town, South Africa by Kerry-Anne, Chandler (AZ), USA by Melindaduff, Chateaubriant, France by Bergson, Cheltenham, UK by Marley, Chicago (IL), USA by U R us, Chicago (IL), USA by b.c., Christchurch, New Zealand by Michelle, Clearwater (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Clearwater Beach (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Cleveland (OH), USA by iBlowfish, Cologne, Germany by April11, Coral Gables (FL), USA by Jnstropic, Detroit (MI), USA by Taittems, Dunedin (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Durban, South Africa by CrazyCow, Evry, France by Olivier, Forks (WA), USA by Corinne, Glasgow, Scotland by Jackie, Greenville (SC), USA by Denton, Grenoble, France by Bleeding Orange, Guelph, Canada by Pat, Helsinki, Finland by Kaa, Hobart, Australia by Greg, Hyde, UK by Gerald, Inverness (IL), USA by Neva, Jackson (MS), USA by Halcyon, Jefferson City (MO), USA by Chinamom2005, Joplin (MO), USA by Victoria, Juneau (AK), USA by Gwyn, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Edwin, Kyoto, Japan by Tadamine, Larchmont (NY), USA by Marie-Noyale, Le Guilvinec, France by ds2944, Lisbon, Portugal by Sailor Girl, Lisbon, Portugal by Jsaltao, Lodz, Poland by ritalounge, London, UK by Ham, London, UK by Mo, Mainz, Germany by JB, Maple Ridge, Canada by Susan, Mazatlan, Mexico by Kate, Melbourne, Australia by Mblamo, Melbourne, Australia by John, Memphis (TN), USA by SouthernHeart, Menton, France by Jilly, Mexico, Mexico by Poly, Mexico City, Mexico by Carraol, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Greg, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Mitch, Monte Carlo, Monaco by Jilly, Montréal, Canada by Douber, Moscow, Russia by Irina, Mumbai, India by Kunalbhatia, Mumbai, India by MumbaiIteanu, Naples (FL), USA by Isabella, Nashville (TN), USA by Chris, Nelson, New Zealand by Meg and Ben, New Orleans (LA), USA by steve buser, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK by Cassie & Chris, Niamey, Niger by Dinabee, Norwich, UK by Goddess888, Nottingham, UK by Gail's Man, Ocean Township (NJ), USA by Josy, Paris, France by Eric, Pasadena (CA), USA by Petrea, Pasadena (CA), USA by Can8ianben, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia by Murphy_jay, Pilisvörösvár, Hungary by Elise, Port Angeles (WA), USA by Jelvistar, Port Elizabeth, South Africa by Sam, Port Vila, Vanuatu by Mblamo, Prague, Czech Republic by Honza03, Quincy (MA), USA by Cluelessinboston, Radonvilliers, France by Deslilas, Riga, Latvia by Prokur, Rome, Italy by Giovanni, Rotterdam, Netherlands by Ineke, Saarbrücken, Germany by LadyDemeter, Saint Louis (MO), USA by Strangetastes, Saint Paul (MN), USA by Kate, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation by Lark, San Antonio (TX), USA by Kramer, San Diego (CA), USA by Felicia, San Diego (CA), USA by Zentmrs, Santa Fe (NM), USA by Randem, Seattle (WA), USA by Kim, Seattle (WA), USA by Chuck, Seguin (TX), USA by Thien, Selma (AL), USA by RamblingRound, Sesimbra, Portugal by Aldeia, Setúbal, Portugal by Maria Elisa, Sharon (CT), USA by Jenny, Silver Spring (MD), USA by John, Singapore, Singapore by Keropok, Sofia, Bulgaria by Antonia, St Francis, South Africa by Sam, Stavanger, Norway by Tanty, Stayton (OR), USA by Celine, Stockholm, Sweden by Stromsjo, Subang Jaya, Malaysia by JC, Sydney, Australia by Sally, Székesfehérvár, Hungary by Teomo, Terre Haute (IN), USA by Zann, Terrell (TX), USA by Bstexas, Terrell (TX), USA by Jim K, The Hague, Netherlands by Lezard, Tokyo, Japan by Tadamine, Torun, Poland by Torun Observer, Toulouse, France by Julia, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina by Jazzy, Twin Cities (MN), USA by Slinger, Vienna, Austria by G_mirage2, Wailea (HI), USA by Kuanyin, Wassenaar, Netherlands by Rich, Wellington, New Zealand by Jeremyb, West Paris (ME), USA by crittoria, West Sacramento (CA), USA by Barbara, Weston (FL), USA by WestonDailyPhoto, Wrocław, Poland by Loompi, Yardley (PA), USA by Mrlynn,

Expo Ecofuturiste: Poseidon - Sosno

Artist, Sacha Sosno, was born in Marseille but his roots are in Riga, Latvia. He lives in Nice and New York. Click on the link to read more about this artist. (Note the pigeon - or dove - who has found a convenient perch)

'The sculpture must participate in the great salvation battle of quality of the environment. The monumental creation should be visible for young and old, for the rich and the poor, for those who have culture and to novices. Let's leave to "Poseidon" the care to preserve our Mediterrranean sea. ' - Sosno.

Expo Ecofuturiste: Violata Pax Dove - Nall

This sculpture of a dove by the American artist, Nall, weighs 800 kilos. You can probably see the great size of this sculpture in relation to the beautiful old tree in the Casino Gardens.

Nall is a prolific and incredibly talented artist from Alabama, who lives in Vence. Do click on the link above to take a look at some of his work. Nall was one of Salvador Dali's disciples and the Violata Pax Dove is a motive he often uses in his work.

Expo Ecofuturiste: O ! Shilling (2) - David Shilling

Here's a closer view of David Shilling's installation. If you missed yesterday's post please click on THIS LINK to read about his work. This installation - one of 35 taking part in the exhibition - made me laugh. Somehow there's such a dichotomy between the luxury of Monaco and all these plastic items hanging in one of the beautiful fountains of the Casino Gardens.

'David Shilling's work is always innovative and he addresses light, space, joy and eternal optimism.'

The lady on the left has just the right colour umbrella, doesn't she?

Expo Ecofuturiste: O ! Shilling - David Shilling

This fun installation uses one of the main fountains in the Casino Gardens. The artist, David Shilling, is an Englishman, living on le rocher of Monaco. He's worked in many mediums, in particular I remember him as a famous milliner in London. His mother, Gertrude Shilling, was a much-loved British institution, with the press naming her 'The Ascot Mascot' as she always appeared at the Ascot races wearing extraordinary hats designed by her son. One year David's design outgrew his father's long wheel base Rolls Royce, and so the hat had to follow in a van. If you follow the link above, you can see some of the creations David made for his mother.

There is a sign near the fountain, written by the artist: 'Celebrating what we take for granted everyday...like love, colours and particularly water.'

'Either we leave the world a little richer than when we arrive, or poorer. Understand that if we don't leave it richer, one day there will be no world left.' - David Shilling.

Tomorrow - a closer look at this installation.

Expo Ecofuturiste: La Menace - Helena Drazewicz

Helena Drazewicz, lives in Monaco and works with Rob Rowlands on their installations.

'More than ever, art is a commitment, the urgency of the global situation that we express as strongly as we can with our materials and our style, an echo of all the other ways of fighting and will continue as long as it is still possible. The act of artistic creation is an act of hope.' - Helena Krazewicz.

Expo Ecofuturiste: La Pieuvre - Luc Boniface

There is a fascinating exhibition on at the moment in the Casino Gardens. Organised by the Monegasque association, Arty-Ecology, which is presenting works by 35 artists in this beautiful setting. Some are clever, some funny, some serious - all thought provoking. Do come back over the following days to see more and eventually, my own particular favourite - one that stopped me in my tracks.

This work, La Pieuvre (octopus) is by the French artist, Luc Boniface, and is made, as you see of strips of grass and pink rubber gloves.

'Live intensely without leaving any material trace' - Luc Boniface.

Monte Carlo Gentlemen - 2

There's a fascinating exhibition of art on at the moment in the Casino Gardens and I was photographing many of the exhibits for a series that starts tomorrow - do come back, it's on Art and the Environment.

Anyway, I was photographing near to these two gentleman when the one on the right called out to me, 'Copyright for me if you take our photo,' and laughed. 'Right then, I'll take your photo,' I said. 'Smile!' And they did. I then asked if they lived in Monaco and the same guy told me, 'Yes, we live in these gardens.' I don't think so! Later I saw them walking around the Metropole Shopping Centre.

Tunnel under the Rock

This tunnel cuts right under le rocher - you can see the palace on top. To the right is the edge of Fontvieille harbour. You can see a car driving down to an underground carpark - this is the parking area for Carrefour, the big shopping centre in Monaco. My car is in there. I arrived through the left hand tunnel - when I leave I'll take the right-hand tunnel which divides in the middle: straight ahead for the main port of Monaco and onwards to Menton. Or you could take another route that brings you up to the Jardin Exotique and the direction of Nice. The are several tunnels in Monaco - one for instance, will take you to the autoroute.

Monte Carlo Gentlemen - 1

Here we are - as per the request for 'Monte Carlo Gentlemen' - I think you'll agree this first one properly fits the bill: tall, slim, good-looking (trust me) well-dressed, designer stubble, sunglasses - bien sûr - and car keys, presumably for something smart parked in the car park nearby.

Will this do, girls?

Monte Carlo Ladies - 11

Three ladies walking along the port - the yachts are to the right of the photograph.

I've had a suggestion, by the way, for 'Monte Carlo Men.' Good idea! Watch this space.

Colours

Colours - in the pedestrian street just up from Port Hercule. Looks like everyone has gone away for the winter?

Monaco from the Moyenne Corniche

I was driving along the Moyenne Corniche the other day on the way from Menton to Cap d'Ail and stopped the car to snap this photo. The building in the foreground is the relatively new Monte Carlo Bay Resort. In the distance you see part of Port Hercule and behnd it, le Rocher, where you'll find the Palace. There are three 'corniches' - the Basse Corniche that runs along the sea, the Moyenne Corniche than runs along half way up the hills towards Nice. And then the Grande Corniche that is way up top and goes through La Turbie. And then, even further up, is the autoroute. So when you give someone directions, much depends on where they are coming from...

When I see a photo like this I realise I need a bigger camera with a better zoom - but anyway, it gives you an idea.

Scruples

We saw an orange tree in the pedestrian street two days ago. Here's another. This time in front of Scruples, the English book shop in Monte Carlo. Other towns along the French Riviera have English bookshops - Antibes, Cannes, Nice, Valbonne. Yet others have an English library, often part of the Anglican church. Indeed there is one of these in Monaco, attached to St. Paul's Anglican church and another in Menton, attached to St. John's English church.

Bleu sur bleu

Not all the boats in Port Hercule are luxury yachts.

Many thanks to Chuckeroon from Richmond Upon Thames Daily Photo who suggested more and better trimming of this photograph. I've now done this and reposted. Thanks Chuckeroon!

On a level

The majority of streets in Monaco slope - hardly surprising when the Principality is built on hills. This restaurant is the pedestrian street (rue Princesse Caroline) that runs from Port Hercule to rue Grimaldi. As you can see it appears to be having a deck built, presumably so it can accommodate tables and chairs.

Note the orange tree. You'd not lack for fresh orange juice at the moment.

Veuve Cliquot

Valentine's Day in Monte Carlo? We'll have champagne - perhaps Veuve Cliquot? This little shop is in one of the tiny streets that runs from the Port to rue Grimaldi.

Veuve Cliquot is a champagne house in Rheims - veuve means widow. It was founded in 1772 by Philippe Cliquot-Muiron who played an important role in establishing champagne as the beverage of choice of European nobility and the bourgeoisie. A generation later, the son of the founder died, leaving his widow in control of the company. It is she, Madame Cliquot, who is credited with the industrialisation of champagne production. You see her portrait to the left. Happy Valentine's Day!

Monte Carlo Ladies - 10

Here's yesterday's lady. All alone now. Still with her cell phone and this time stuck to her ear. She's facing the yachts but not seeing them.

I prefer this to yesterday's photograph although yesterday's, with woman and man both texting, told a strange story.

Text message

Conversation? What's that?

11th Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique - 4

Which one do you prefer?

11th Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique - 3

This is the area - port and yachts to our right - that was filled with cars until the day before I took these photographs. Now it's emptying fast. This lady walked around every car, examining each one very closely. The Start/Finish line of the Monaco Grand Prix is on the road you see on the left.

11th Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique - 2

Another dirty car for the petrol heads. This one is from the UK, isn't it, Gail's Man?

11th Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique - 1

Following the Monte Carlo Rally, we had the Monte Carlo Rally Historique which took place from the 1 - 6 February, and so yesterday cars were leaving, goodbyes being said. So - if you like looking at dirty old cars, I'll post a few over the next days. Even I know this is a Mercedes.

Take a look at the Automobile Club of Monaco's website for more information.

Stand up for your rights!

This is a section of the beautiful Jardin St. Martin on Le Rocher displays cactus. Another of the many gardens of Monaco, Le Jardin Exotique, has nothing but cactus and succulents and we'll visit that soon.

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Menton Daily Photo and Monte Carlo Daily Photo - FIRST BIRTHDAY!

Thank you to the City Daily Photo family for your encouragement, generous comments, fantastic help from talented photographers and most of all, friendship. Working on Menton Daily Photo and Monte Carlo Daily Photo has changed my life. I now see - really see - my beautiful part of the world. I only looked before...

And of course, a massive thankyou to Eric of Paris Daily Photo, whose brilliant vision this was and to Demosthenes and Igor, who put in endless time working on the technical issues in keeping us all up and running.

Trunk decoration

Such a beautiful trunk on this tree in Casino gardens. I think it's a magnolia. A young climber, perhaps a bougainvillea, grows against it. Note the smart rubbish bins in Monte Carlo.

Sainte Devote and the burning of the boat

This bronze of St. Devote stands in front of the church which you can see if you click on the link.

According to legend, on the 27th January 312, a ship bound from Corsica, bearing the lifeless body of a young Christian martyr, ran aground here. It was discovered by some fishermen and the young martyr delcared the patron saint of Monaco.

Every year, with the Royal Family in attendance, a fishing vessel is burnt, from which rises a white dove symbolising the spirit of the Saint. One year my best buddy, Candy, was over from America and we went along to watch the burning of the boat. I'd forgotten the dramas that night and asked Candy to remind me:

"So...you've forgot what happened on the night of St. Devote, eh? I can't see HOW. It wasn't just the royal family-- Prince Rainier and Prince Albert and Stephanie and Caroline and all their chirren--we almost went up in flames too! If you remember, there was an enormous bonfire pile of palm fronds--with a wooden dory on top of them. There were about a half dozen Pompiers--every single one of them smoking--nonchalantly standing around with huge jerrycans of gasoline. The combination of Gitanes and gasoline alone gave me some pause...but nevermind...it looked very French. You and I were waiting next to the bonfire area--we'd decided to stand on the quai and see the fireworks. It turned out to be a perfect spot, because we were right next to the damn thing--which is where the Royal lighting-of-the-beacon was about to occur. As the Rainier entourage approached--the pompiers began sloshing away, emptying an alarming amount of gasoline on the pile. But I figured, hey-- there were a lot of fronds, and they'd probably need a good boost to get going. I also assumed that some designated fireman-flunky would do the actual lighting. I was so wrong. As I recall, almost all the adult members of the Royal family were handed some sort of burning torch (the pompiers were apparently lighting anything they could get their hands on). Now, remember, the Royals hadn't seen the gallons of gasoline that had just been glugged all over the fronds. They innocently stepped forward and put their torches on the pile and FWOOOOMPH!! There was a fireball that could be seen from outer space. I thought my face had melted. Whichever Princesse it was who was wearing the full length mink--jumped back and started patting her coat frantically, so as to put out any stray embers. I have this vision (seared, as it were, into my brain) of Prince Rainier and Prince Albert completely outlined in a corona of flame. Everybody was sort of stunned for a moment--the flash had been like one of those cartoon explosions--there was total silence (except for the crackling fire). Then bits of ash began to float gaily around us like black snowflakes, and everybody started to laugh. The fireworks went off with a bang, too, but they weren't near as dramatic as the lighting of the dory! Now do you remember?"

Now, of course I do. After, we sat on the port, feet dangling over the edge and watched the fireworks and listened to the accompanying music.