It’s been a day of cars, helicopters and motorbikes - and a hotel too that is connected to cars!
0800: Check out of The Hermitage after a team-breakfast.
0830: Arrive at The Columbus Hotel after a detour to track down a missing piece of kit. Waiting for us is Bettina, the lovely PR for this hotel. Coffee, coffee, coffee; it’s early but we need huge caffeine kicks. Everything up in the air today – literally.
0945: Dramatic arrival of Frank Sytner in stunning red Porsche speedster; 1950’s I believe. Far, far, far the most wonderful car I have seen in Monaco (save the Fiat in Prince Rainier III’s car collection).
I'm in love
Drive the “grand prix” course, filming while the car purrs like a pussy cat. Frank “Fearless” Sytner is a very humble man whose achievements are well documented. While he no longer runs the Sytner car sales company, he still lives, breathes and dreams cars. He drives the bi-annual classic Grand Prix here in Monaco and still competes in the UK, where he won the Touring Car Championship in the UK in a BMW in the 80’s. Whether he likes it or not, he is a legend. The course record is 1’15” or so, we get round much slower as there’s traffic (but not too much) and some crazy drivers around. Frank’s car is a true head-turner and in the Casino Square all eyes averted from the dull Bentleys and Ferrari to his Porsche.
1100: Back at the hotel (part owned by David Coulthard) I am delivered by MD Cabs, a motorbike cab service from Cannes. I nearly break the bike - definitely a blooper moment.
How did I nearly break this? (the bike that is, not the man)
1200: Interview hotel GM, Frederik Aspegren. There are 153 rooms and 28 suites, and an outdoor pool, restaurant and bar. The 9th floor is all suites and this is the only luxury hotel on this side of The Rock AND Frederik, from South Africa, is a serious dog lover (3 of his own) - a new friend for me then!
1300: Pizza time; my 10th in as many days. Thankfully the morning jogs are helping my waistline - just!
1400: Film room 906; I am in love with the bathroom. Views of the Rosary Garden and “Tete de Chien” – the mountain behind Fontvieille.
1700: Jump on helicopter for a quick zoom around Monaco.
1705: Jump off helicopter after quick zoom around Monaco.
1707: Boys jump on helicopter to film round Monaco!
Just call me the international man of mystery
1800: Finish off the hotel with the Grace Cocktail, rose jam in an iced glass, with rose liqueur topped up with champagne, very girly methinks.
Say goodbye to Bettina after a dip in the Columbus pool. The 10th floor is soon to be a spa/pool; methinks the Columbus will soon be one of the hottest hotels in Monaco.
2000: Arrive at the MC Bay Hotel, my home for the next 3 days. Am very tired so hopefully will sleep tonight!
Smoked a BIG fat hairy cigar this evening! In London, I would not be allowed to do this in my favourite bar, restaurant, hotel anymore another liberty gone!
Weather: Who cares!?
Tune of the Day: The Force of Destiny (Giuseppe Verdi)
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