Kermesse - the Book Stall

One of the most popular stands amongst the Brits is the bookstall.  There are always thousands of books for sale at reasonable prices and all going to charity.  There's a French bookstall too, of course.

And if you have volunteered your time to work at the stall, why not wear a pair of heart-shaped British flags on your head!   Isn't she wonderful! 

Kermesse - the Soft Toys

This is the 43rd year of the Kermesse (which translates as church or charity bazaar).

From small beginnings by the British community at Saint Paul's, Monaco's Anglican Church, it is now a massive event raising an enormous amount of money for charity. It involves many churches and charities, hundreds of volunteers, thousands of visitors and takes place in the circus tent in Fontvieille.

This young girl is working at the stall that sells nothing but soft toys.

National Day in Monaco

Casino Square decorated with the Monaco colours in celebration of the 'Fête Nationale' which took place about 10 days ago. 

In the background, the terrace of the Café de Paris. Good place to people watch ...

Flying Saucers in Monte Carlo ...

Looks like flying saucers are about to land in time for Christmas at the Metropole Shopping Centre.

Fallng Water

A  detail from the fountain that stands at the end of the Promenade de Larvotto, above the beach. It was created by Guy Lartigue in 1970 in homage to Princess Grace.

Silhouette

These guys were filming a helicopter at the heliport.

Le Vistamar

Minimalistic table decor at Le Vistamar in the Hôtel Hermitage.

Undercover at the Café de Paris

This is the new protective roof over the terrace of the Café de Paris.

No Finish Line - Santa Claus

Santa Claus is running at the No Finish Line charity.  Doubtless getting fit for Christmas ...

The sign says 'See you soon.' 

Today is the last day of this 8-day run for charity around the port of Monaco.

No Finish Line - Running in High Heels

At 18h each evening and as part of the 8-day No Finish Line run for charity, you can run in high heels on a pink carpet. Perfect for Monte Carlo Ladies! This is sponsored by a company promoting shoes that offer comfort and glamour. 

No Finish Line - Ouch!

No pain, no gain ... ouch!

No Finish Line - the Premise

One of Monaco's favourite events for locals is currently taking place on Port Hercule.  No Finish Line is a charity event organised over 8 days (and nights) by Children and the Future and is in aid of deprived and sick children.


The premise is simple: you run, jog or walk on a marked course around the port - it measures 1350 metres. For a few euros you register and buy an electronic tag for your shoe.  Then, for every circuit you run the charity is paid by one of the sponsors.  You can do this anytime of the day or night (24 hours a day) over an eight day period so people run before work, during their lunch-breaks, late at night and you can see how many kilometres you have run on the computer when you've finished. I'm told Prince Albert II likes to take run at night.  

More tomorrow ...

The Grimaldi Rose

Grimaldi is the name of the Princely family and this beautiful rose, named for the family, is currently in flower in the Princess Grace Rose Garden.

Beautiful, don't you think?

Booted

Just the thing for these chilly mornings - a nice pair of comfy boots ...

Spotted outside the supermarket in Fontvieille. Well, what else would you wear to do the weekly shop?

Pool Envy

The pristine pool of the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort.  In the distance, the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel.

Note the row of seagulls lined up on the fence?

In Step

Walking the dog on Avenue Princesse Grace.

A Garden at Night

You always feel safe in Monaco, so it's a pleasure to walk at night in the gardens, pass over this small bridge and see the ducks and geese asleep on rocks below.

A Glimmer of Gold

Another sunset photo taken in Fontvieille - those final rays of sun hitting the lower rails.

Goosey, Goosey, Gander - Part 2

Here's yesterday's fine gander with his two females and a lady who feeds them every day.  Presumbaly none of them has read the sign (see smaller photo) that says no feeding of animals or birds!

Seems to me both the birds and the lady get a lot of pleasure out of this daily ritual.

Goosey, Goosey, Gander

This rather fine gander lives with his two females in the Parc Paysager de Fontvieille.

I thought he might be a Canada Goose but think they have black necks and brown colouring.  I did ask him and he said he is a Monte Carlo Goose but I think he's lying ...

Anyone know?

Opulence

The opulent foyer of the Hôtel de Paris. 

Oceanographic Museum at Sunset

The Oceanographic Museum at sunset.

There's a dawn photo today on Menton Daily Photo.

Damaged

There's a flag that needs replacing in Fontvieille ...

November on Larvotto Beach

'Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.' 

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Sunset from Fontvieille

Sunset from Fontvieille. We are standing on the jetty or sea wall - the lighthouse is at the end,  The port of Fontvieille is behind the greenery you see on the left.  This walkway is currently laid out for motorbike practice but it's also good place to fish and a great place to walk, with or without a dog.  The heliport is behind me.

In the distance you see Cap Martin and beyond that Italy.

Stars 'N' Bars - the Presidential 'Lookalikes'

Meet the 'lookalike' (well, sort of ...) presidenttal candidates who were at Stars 'N' Bars for their great election night party. There was a stroll poll with prizes every hour and the Stars 'N' Bars clientele gave Obama 88% of the vote.  Stars 'N' Bars have organised an election party every four years for the past twenty and every time their clients name the president several hours before it actually happens!  

Election Night in Monte Carlo - Stars 'N' Bars

There was only one place to be in Monaco last night - Stars 'N' Bars on the port.  I called in to take a few photos - there were Obama and Romney lookalikes!  There was a bear who gave free hugs and an enormous television screen showing CNN all night long. And loads and loads of enthusiasm.  A great atmosphere ...

And isn't this the biggest American flag you've ever seen?

And Obama won!  Thank you, America!

More tomorrow ...

Chanel

Chanel - perhaps she's checking if she can afford it ...

Monte Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort

We're looking at a couple of cabanons and a smsll part of the beautiful pool at the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort. Note the high seas smashing against the shore in the background - and top right part of the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel.

The Cute Red Car

Not the usual Ferrari or Rolls Royce that you often see in Monaco.  I wonder what make this cute little car is. Perhaps it's a kit car?

Anyone know?

High Seas and La Vigie

Churning seas in front of the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel.  This is technically France (Roquebrune-Cap-Martin) - but the Pointe de la Vieille, on which stands the hotel and the tall cream building, was bought by the SBM in Monaco in 1926.  The tall building is La Vigie, built in 1902, for Sir William Ingram. In recent years it was lived in by Karl Lagerfeld and now I believe is offered for rent. You can read more about La Vigie by clicking on the link.

A Run on the Beach

A day of endless rain and wind two days ago turned into this - yesterday.  Sunshine, high seas (for the Mediterranean) and a run along Larvotto Beach.

The Water's Edge

As you walk along the port of Fontvieille, don't just look at the luxury yachts - peer into the water. 

You never know what you might see ...

Fontvieille

The Port of Fontvieille yesterday morning. That's the le rocher (rock) on the left - on top of which, you find the Palace, Cathedral, Oceanographic Museum etc.