After all the razzmatazz of the Venetians, let's pause for peace in the Japanese Garden.
A sad time in Monaco at the moment as
Princess Antoinette died a few days ago. Princess Antoinette was the sister of Prince Rainier, father to Prince Albert and his sisters, Princesses Caroline and Stephanie. She was 90 years old. The Principality is now in mourning for two weeks with the funeral taking place on Thursday. She had quite a life and was married three times - click on the link.
Princess Antoinette adored dogs, indeed she kept many dogs at her house,
Au Bout du Monde, at
Eze-bord-de-Mer. She was involved in animals rights and was President of Monaco's Society for the Protection of Animals. She was very knowledgeable on the subject of dogs and I remember a lovely conversation I had with her at one of the Monaco dog shows when I sat opposite her at lunch that day.
Sometimes it's helpful to have a bird's eye view... Here is a small garden - mostly lavenders and rosemary I think - opposite La Rose des Vents on Avenue Princesse Grace. Pretty, isn't it? 
Giacomo Casanova lived between 1725 and 1798 and was a famous Ventian womanizer. How did he do it in those heels?
Perhaps not as sharp an image as would be ideal, but I just had to show you this hair! And what about that nifty red number in the smaller photo.
Even for Monte Carlo, one might say this is a little over the top!
Apart from the chilly weather it must have been such fun to dress up in all these stunning Venetian costumes. Helps if you are beautiful too...
As you can see, cloud hangs low over the Casino Gardens. Not ideal conditions for a good photo but of course everyone pulls out a camera.
An enormous wig and scant clothing on a chilly grey day in Casino Square. This lady smiled through it all. Good for her!
Often, the faces were as fascinating as the costumes. Each participant took his or her role very seriously and stayed in character as they wandered around Casino Square.
Venetian clowns pose in front of one of the fountains in Casino Square - and below, crossing the road to the Casino.
Casino Square yesterday... a gloomy, overcast day until Venice came to Monte Carlo with wondrous costumes, masks and all the drama of Commedia dell'arte. 
La Note Bleue on Larvotto Beach always has such beautiful flowers. Wonder who does them?
Avenue d'Ostende is the road that runs down from the Casino to Saint Devote and Port Hercule.
