We always laugh with Raymond when he comes around with the Canapés as each time we say, not tonight but maybe tomorrow. When it comes to photos though, Raymond has a serious face. Like so many of the crew who work many hours on the Lido Deck, Raymond is so very kind and a caring person.
The tray of Canapés featured sliders.
Afterwards, we were back at the Crystal Dining Room.
We had three courses.
We began with salads and then we each had Lobster that Augusto had pre-ordered for us as we were not at the Crystal Dining Room two nights ago for dinner when Lobster was featured on the menu.
We probably should have passed on the Lobster and not had it pre-ordered as we find that the Lobster is tastier and softer when it is served on the first formal night.
We ended our meal with fruit as our dessert.
We skipped the evening entertainment which was not until 10:15 PM, and we walked around the ship for awhile and then returned to our room to read and write.
We slept very well. We did not leave until 11:00 PM and then it is a very short distance to Monte Carlo. For all we know the ship was sailing in circles. LOL, but we might be right.
We began the morning as we normally do with a workout for Keith, then coffee in the Lido Cafe and then Anne Marie enjoying a nice walk around the ship. We had breakfast in our room thanks to Butler Almir.
We arrived very early to Monte Carlo. Since the Grand Prix is being held, we had to anchor rather than be docked in port and that will be the case for all three days.
We took one of the earlier tenders from Serenity over to the tender pier. The tender was full on the way over as several people booked on one of the tours were on the tender we took.
We have visited Monte Carlo many times starting with our first Mediterranean Cruise in 1998. That first time it was in August and it was very hot and humid and a reminder how weather can impact ones enjoyment of a port. We returned in 2005, in September and enjoyed the area so much more as the temperature was moderate with little to no humidity. Since that time we have visited Monte Carlo many times and have been fortunate to visit in April, May and September when the weather is quite nice.
Some of the highlights of Monte Carlo include:
Grand Casino, built in 1878 by architect Charles Garner.
Hotel de Paris, which is just steps from the Grand Casino.
Cathedral, which which is the burial site of Princess Grace and her husband.
Musee Océanographique, which was founded by Prince Albert in 1910 and is home to more than 4,000 species of fish.
Palais du Prince, which is the official residence of the Princess of Monaco.
Jardin Exotique, which opened in 1933 and includes Monaco's Exotic Garden which contains more than 1,000 species of Cacti and other Succulent Plants.
Today was the qualifying session for the Grand Prix. The sessions were held through the morning and the afternoon. As we walked around we could hear the noise of the racing cars.
Various roads were blocked off from traffic and when you walked to the areas with higher elevation you cold not see the route. There were a few areas with security guards where you could see the routes but you had to show your Grand Prix tickets. There was a lot of extra security everywhere we walked.
As we walked from the Tender drop off point we passed by many Yachts and smaller vessels.
During the course of our walk, we stopped by some outlets selling items for the Grand Prix. We each purchased hats and later on Keith got a shirt and light jacket.
We walked by television screens that were carrying the pre-qualifying races.
We made our way up to the higher level to visit the area by the Palace.
We also visited the Gardens and got beautiful views of the three ships that are anchored off Monte Carlo including our ship. There are also two ships docked.
Crystal Serenity
Windstar Wind Surf
Silversea Silver Spirit
There were several signs in place.
In addition to police officers, and security personnel there were also traffic control personnel.
We did make it back to the ship for lunch and we ate at the Lido Cafe as we normally do and we each made salad entrees.
Afterwards, Keith played Paddle Tennis for a few hours while Anne Marie walked outside the ship for around ninety minutes.
This evening we will be dining at Tastes with two very special people.
In the United States today, we remember all of those men and women who either served or currently serve in the Armed Forces and we give thanks for all that they do and have done. After all, we would not be enjoying what we do today if not for so many men and women, many of whom, sacrificed their own lives for the freedom of others including future generations. To us, this is another example to not complain about the little things in life and to be very appreciative for all that we have.
TODAY'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY.....
"No one has become very poor by giving." - Anne Frank
Keith & Anne Marie
Keith you look so happy in your Gran Prix hat. Enjoy your time at the races.
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