July 3: A day trip to Monaco.

Tanner was wishing we were staying in Nice today, but we promised him we would swim once we got back.

One last look and we were off, the Auer Candy Shop pulled all their candy fruit out of their brine. All we resting on racks on display. I don't know how long they soak, but these were interesting, celery and bell peppers next to the cherries. Ty wanted to try the cherries but would pass on the others.

An hour long bus ride that didn't have air conditioning along with backwards facing seats didn't sit well with Tanner and me who tend to get motionsickness. The drive was worth it. Founded as a colony of Genoa in 1215, Monaco is a sovereign and independant state. Its small size comes in second only to The Vatican. Monaco is .75 square miles of mostly urban occupation, so dense that it is the most densely populated independent state in the world. Maybe it has to with the fact that they don't have individual income taxes.

A view down to the Port of Hercules, so named because the Greek God was mentioned to have passed through this region.

A rest stop on our way to "The Rock".

Upon entering the Palais Princier, this statue greats you.

Francois Grimaldi and his compatriots stormed this fortress in 1297 dressed as monks. He lead a small army to reclaim this from a rival Italian faction in the name of the Pope. This was a daring and stealthily planned victory that is recorded on Monaco's coat of arms which bears two monks weilding swords. They must have known that guy named Machiavelli when they were in Italy and his famous saying, "The ends justify the means." Those Italians, they are all over the place. 

The top of "The Rock" or Monaco-Ville houses the palace of the Prince of Monaco, Prince Albert II. Monaco's official language is French, they learn English in school, and most of them are Italian by descent.

Tyler had to get infront of the biggest cannon to take a picture.

Monaco is also host of a Yacht show every year. Not a boat show, but a yacht show. Huh, I wonder why?