In 1985 Judy and I made our only tour of Europe, visiting seven countries in one month. This picture was taken as we posed (smugly) in Monte Carlo, Monaco. We were definitely above our class in this playground of the wealthy.
It is fitting that I post this photo today since there is a new heir to the throne of the Principality of Monaco today. Actually there are two. Prince Jacques Honore Rainier and his twin sister Princess Gabriella Therese Marie were born yesterday. Although the Princess was born first Prince Jacques is first in line of succession as the male offspring.
Here's a photo of the happy mom and dad.
They look more like they belong in Monaco than we did, I think.
You two could pass for Hoity Toity in that picture. It's the background that does it.
ReplyDeleteAt least you were not named after a cheap Pacific Northwest beer, like he was.
ReplyDeleteI think it was Somerset Maugham who described Monaco as, "A sunny place for shady people." That was my observation when I was there.
ReplyDeleteActually you both look dashing and charming and with the requisite sophistication to be on the Riviera. The mega wealthy do hang about but some of them are dubious characters. We found the place is also full of phonies, hustlers and wannabes. On our first visit we spent an evening in the Grand Casino and dropped only about $1 (US value) on a slot. We watched the table games, chatted with a member of the French Equestrian team, who bought us a drink, enjoyed the beauty of the elegant Casino and swiped an ashtray. Statute of Limitations applies-that was 1969. In subsequent visits I have spent nothing, taken nothing but pictures. Still a lot of "would bes" hanging around.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I did drop a franc or two in a slot machine at the casino. Suffice it to say we did not "break the bank at Monte Carlo." And unlike some of my more criminally-inclined friends, I did not steal an ashtray.
DeleteHow lucky you are... I have never been there and probably will never go. But one thing I learned from your post is that I share two first names with this little girl: Therese and Marie! Wow! :-) What should I make out of this?
ReplyDeleteBy the way: it was windy the day you went!
I have always thought of you as a princess, Thérèse.
DeleteIt is a nice place to visit. A flutter with the slots is always fun.
ReplyDeleteThe Grimaldi family are lucky, if the princing line doesn't provide a living, they can always run away with the circus (bit of smart-arse Brit-humour there).
ReplyDeleteYou look perfectly fine. I've never been to Monaco, though I suppose I'm on the same land mass. Sounds like Monte Carlo's something like Europe's equivalent of Vegas, only without the replica of Venice. I suppose if you want that you just hop over to Venice.
That's a great picture of you two!
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