ITALY BLOG SEPTEMBER 15th, 2025 - MONACO

 

9/15/25– My body is almost done with this trip. I feel the last few days of stairs have really taken its toll and now I’m wishing I would’ve planned Monaco better. Case in point, this morning we wanted to go to Monte Carlo Casino (world famous James Bond one). I thought we had until 1pm to take the tour of the gaming area before they open to the public (as they don’t allow photos during those hours), but apparently they close this off at noon.

With us already being dressed up, we decide to go anyway to at least take some photos around the casino and see what else we’re able to do. It takes thirteen minutes walking in the shade and bam, what a nice looking building.

We go inside and it’s confirmed that we can’t tour the place today as it’s passed the time. Will just have to come back tomorrow before we leave on our train. I am able to get some pretty cool photos from inside the atrium though.

I was hoping to spend some more time here but there really isn’t anything to do. So we pass the high end shops and walk along the port (this time from the Monte Carlo side). The wind is pleasant but the sun is fully out and starting to bake, and I’m dressed in pants and a button shirt. 

It’s a long 18 minute walk but we arrive at L’Orangerie Distillery. Sharece immediately heads for the restroom to freshen up as I stay outside in the breeze. Didn’t realize the heat would be so brutal today. After about five minutes, we ask for a tasting and surprisingly enough it’s free. 

We try three of their spirits with each one almost better than the last. The alcohol content on them is from 24% to 40% but the orange one is by far the best so we buy a bottle. Again, unsure how this will work bringing it home due to our weight but that’s another day’s problem.

Finally cooled off and liquored up, we take the underground train passage back to our AirBnb and cook a pizza. Later, after 8pm, I head back to the casino to capture some night shots. The walk there is smooth but the uphill on the way back is grueling. The photos are worth it though.

Side note: Sharece is now getting sick with a stuffy nose. It’s probably only a matter of time before I catch it too. The flight home in a few days may not be the best.

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