0830: Depart hotel for some deep-sea diving. Unfortunately the sea is so choppy that the diving instructor, Pierre Frolla, advised us to postpone until tomorrow. Pierre has set the world free-diving record four times; he is 'Le Grand Bleu'.
1000: Up to the Rock to the Royal Palace to watch and film the changing of the guard. Pick up loads of shots of the Harbour and La Condamine as the Rock is quite high up.
The view from the Rock
Facts about Monaco:
- It's a constitutional monarchy
- It's one of six microstates
- 2nd smallest independent state (after The Vatican) with a population of 32,000
- 125 nationalities - 47% French, 16% Monegasque and 16% Italians
- Languages: French, Italian and English
- Italy is an hour dive to the East
- It's 1.96 km squared in size (485 acres)
- The highest point is Le Rocher (rock) - 141 metres above sea level
- First 'mentioned' in 43 BC when Caesar was waiting for Pompey
- 10th June 1215 - The Genoan Gibelin family owned the land
- 8th June 1297 - Francois Grimaldi took over the land in the name of The Pope
- 1861 - Monaco decreased in size by 90% after Monegasque Treaty
- 1993 - Joins UN
- Prince Rainier III marries Grace Kelly in 1956
- Prince Albert II succeeds his late father on 12/7/2005 - father reigned for 56 years
- Monaco has 5 districts: Fontvieille, La Condamine (Port), Monghetti, Monaco Ville and Monte Carlo (Charles Hill) - named after Prince Charles III of Monaco
- Was once poorest country in the world filled with lemon trees!
- Deo Juvante - "With God's Help" is the national motto
-Casino (1861) built to rival that of the one in Baden Baden (Germany) - then SBM founded
1300: Interviewed the Tourism "Minister" Michel Bouquier at the famed Monegasque restaurant in front of the Prince's Palace 'The Castelroc'. Took bus back to the hotel! LOADS and LOADS of tourists EVERYWHERE!
It's good to have someone else on camera for once!
1700: Went down to meet Gildo Pastor, owner of Venturi cars. Will not say anymore until Sunday about this! ALL VERY EXCITING!
An early night - calm before a watery storm.
Weather: Still.
Song of the Day: The Beautiful Ones (Prince)
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