Empty

An empty frame on a wall on the Boulevard du Jardin Exotique.

I wonder what it was once used for?

The Doormen

A couple of doormen outside the prestigious Hôtel de Paris in Casino Square. They stand to the left of the main entrance, level with the top step. You can better see where, by clicking on THIS LINK.

Sore Feet

A low wall in the Casino Gardens near to the police station and underground car park.

Her feet are sore. Those sandals are chaffing. He's taking her mind off it.

Ain't love grand...

Enough Already!

A bench in Casino Gardens. Multi-coloured fatigue.

Not as sharp a picture as it should be but I think my camera was tired too...

Monaco Red Cross

This sculpture stands in the grounds of the Croix Rouge Monaco - the Monaco Red Cross. There's no indication of the name of the sculptor or the name of the piece. Presumably - a nurse and child.

Cicada Lane

A stone wall, tumbling jasmine and a carved marble street sign. Cigale is French for cicada, by the way - the sound of summer.

See another type of jasmine on Menton Daily Photo today.

Connecting People

Put the phone down, Mister, and connect with the lady in front of you!

The Video

The other day we saw a young girl taking her self-portrait. Today we've advanced to a video.

He places the camera on the plinth. She poses whilst he sets the self-timer and focuses. He runs across and stands with her. Then it's back to the camera to make sure it has worked.

It has.

The sculpture is by Sophia Vari - you can see another and read more about this artist by clicking on the link.

Wonder

Childhood is measured out by sounds and smells and sights, before the dark hour of reason grows.

John Betjeman

A fountain in the Casino Gardens.

Monte Carlo Gentlemen - 9

Whilst Monsieur Benaut was snapping ladies the other day, I snapped this gentleman. I hadn't realised his face would be lit from underneath - from the bar. Do you like it or not?

He and the gentleman next to him - so deep in thought, aren't they? - their faces almost blank. Wonder what they are thinking as they sit at this lunch counter at the Metropole Centre?

The Self Portrait

Alone in the Casino Gardens in Monte Carlo - no one to take your photograph?

First choose your position. Prepare the camera (see smaller photo). Walk quickly to position and SMILE FOR THE CAMERA....

Monte Carlo Ladies - 22

Readers of Menton Daily Photo will know that the Benauts from Adelaide Daily Photo have been staying with me in Gorbio - and what a delight they are. Yesterday, we spent the day exploring Monaco - and surprise, surprise, M. Benaut found an endless supply of gorgeous Monte Carlo ladies to photograph - this is one of his photographs - thankyou, Monsieur Benaut: Guest Photographer.

Madame Benaut, on the other hand, was noticed going in and out of some rather nice shops.

We lunched in the restaurant on the lower level of the luxurious Metropole shopping centre. This photograph shows two Monte Carlo Ladies chatting on one of the levels above us. In fact, these are just two of an ever-changing series of ladies who appeared to be on a non-stop cigarette break from the shops they work in.

Monsieur Benaut and I have the same camera - a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18. It's that long zoom that allows photos like this. It's been educational and inspiring for both of us to compare shots, discuss settings and so on.

Today they left for Sestri Levante on the Ligurian coast of Italy and already the house is empty without their energy and enthusiam and kindness.

Dressed in Green

It doesn't take much to make a fairly plain building interesting - a Virginia creeper on the walls and the obligatory washing hanging over the balcony. This block of apartments is in Beausoleil, a stone's throw from Monaco.

Maxim's

Maxim's, the legendary Paris restaurant had a branch in Monaco. Now it's closed. Gone. Peer in and all you see is the reflection from across the street. No more beautiful Art Nouveau interior, wondrous food, perfect waiters. I was lucky enough to eat here one evening and was surprised there were so few guests. A few tables of couples. A large table filled with exotic and noisy Russian 'ladies of the night.'

If you click on the link - then on 'restaurants' - you'll find that if you move your mouse over Monte Carlo there is no address or phone number.

Sad.

Monte Carlo Ladies - 21

A beautiful lady, with a demure smile, crosses the Casino gardens.

Lantana

A yellow Lantana brightens a rather plain modern building not far from the main post office in Monaco. Lantana is often used in public gardens in the south of France but I believe in parts of Australia, it's considered too invasive and is a noxious weed. I find the so-called 'common' or 'wild' lantana ( two or three colours within one plant) is somewhat rampant but the single colour varieties, like this, are manageable - indeed rather nice.

The Terrace of Stars 'n' Bars

The terrace of the trendy American sports bar Stars 'n' Bars on the port of Monaco. Shade from the midday sun - a wonderful view over the harbour. If you are an American in Monaco and need a hamburger fix, this is the place to go. Personally, I recommend the Eggs Benedict - they come with great chips (French fries in America) too.

Monte Carlo Gentleman - 8

Walk through the beautiful Casino gardens. Find a bench. Read a newspaper. I couldn't resist photographing this good looking guy.

Fashion Statement?

A rebel in the making? - or a fashionista to be? This little girl was crossing Boulevard Albert 1er - the main road by Port Hercule.

'Fortune befriends the bold' - Emily Dickinson

A House with a View

Monaco has so many beautiful houses - not just the blocks of apartments we see in the postcards. This house, on Boulevard du Jardin Exotique, has wonderful views - from the left, it looks down on the Church of Saint Devote - and ahead and to the right is the Port Hercule. You can see a little more detail in the smaller photograph.

A friend told me that Radio Monte Carlo used to occupy this building. I really don't know who owns it now. It would seem building work is going on. Someone reading this may know?