Lotus Land

The lotus has to be one of the most beautiful of flowers. 

Here it is in the Japanese garden and in all its stages of life:  the bud, the flower, and the beautiful seed pod emerging from the dead blossom.

Larvotto Beach - Walkway to a Swim

Walkway to a swim ...

Summer berries

Beausoleil market:

Summer berries - the strawberries were further along the stall ...

Rookie of the Year ...

Rookie of the Year ... in Beausoleil.

Courgettes as far as the eye can see ....

Courgettes (zucchini), with or without their flowers, for sale in Beausoleil's market. This sort are called 'trompette.' 

Don't!

There's an awful lot of things you CAN'T do on Larvotto Beach - so whilst you are not doing them, watch out for the sea urchins! Ouch!

Japanese Garden - Walk with Me ...

A pretty walk-way in the Japanese Garden on Avenue Princesse Grace.

Miami Plage - Piquant Oil

If you've ordered a pizza you'll need a bottle of piquant oil on the table.

It's good on lots of things - goats' cheese for instance. Yummy ... or Miam Miam as the French say.

Miami Plage

Miami Plage, Larvotto Beach 

Goodness! How many glasses does that waiter have in his arms?

The Japanese Garden

Cloud sits on the hills, it's hot and humid.  So a great place to cool down is in the peace  and tranquility of the beautiful Japanese gardens on Avenue Princesse Grace.

Larvotto Beach - Raked

The beach is raked early every morning ready for the day's influx of bathers and sun-worshippers.

Larvotto Beach before the crowds ...

Early yesterday morning on Larvotto Beach.  The loungers haven't yet been tidied, the parasols haven't been put up ... they soon will be though.

Different Directions

'Life is not a one-way street. You can go in different directions, but be prepared for those people who act like they own the road.' 

~ Unknown

Marble and Monte Carlo people ...

We're back in Monaco today at the coffee/lunch place on the lowest level of the Metropole centre.

The mixture of marble floors, elegant staircases and Monte Carlo people is always fascinating.

Note: I took these photos at the beginning of June when it was chilly here - hence the clothes.

Beaulieu-sur-Mer - Soap

Market in Beaulieu

Look at all the wonderful choices you have if you simply want to buy a bar of soap.

Beaulieu-sur-Mer - Spice

Indian spices for sale in Beaulieu's market seem appropriate to show you today as last night, Gorbio (the medieval village near Menton) was 'in Fete' to celebrate the opening of a major exhibition of Indian art 'The Year of India.'

Click on Menton Daily Photo to see the stunningly beautiful and expressive dancer of Bharatanatyam classical Indian dance,  Jessie Veeratapillay.

Beaulieu-sur-Mer - the Olive Oil Jar

A beautiful old olive oil jar sleeps next to an olive tree near to the port of Beaulieu.

Beaulieu-sur-Mer - Heart for Sale

Hearts for sale in Beaulieu's Saturday market.

Beaulieu-sur-Mer - the Old Mail Box

It's great to see they are still using the old mail boxes in Beaulieu-sur-Mer. This one is tucked into a niche in a wall, not far from the port.

Beaulieu-sur-Mer - Divers

A dinghy in the harbour of Beaulieu-sur-Mer.  Looks like these guys are pretty serious about it all - off to dive I'd imagine ... or perhaps to work on a project in the harbour?