I had an incredibly awesome work week, and was feeling quite proud of myself. I wanted to have some fun, but my friends were all either out of town or busy. So, I decided to throw a weekend bag together and head to a train station and just find a place to visit where I haven’t been before. I selected the Gare d’Austerlitz as I had never traveled out of there before either. I arrived and looked at where the trains were headed. There it was, hidden between three trains to Orleans, NICE! I had watched Troop Beverly Hills the night before and the scene where Chica is upset that her parents ditched her birthday to go to Monte Carlo inspired me. Monaco was an easy connect to Nice, I will spend the weekend there. I bought my round-trip train ticket, €24, and needed to start to search for hotels. I would arrive Saturday morning around 10am, so sadly just the one night in Monaco is all I could permit this trip. I decided I would wait until I was on the train to look for accommodations.
I had a lovely room on the train, bunk beds, and great wi-fi. I settled in and a few minutes later a couple came in, a guy and girl from Germany who are college students going to Nice for the weekend. They were fun, loved hearing about my move from NYC to Paris, and I was just as eager to hear about Cologne. The girlfriend apologized but was incredibly tired and passed out just a moment later. The boyfriend though just wanted to keep talking. We went to the bar car, had a few drinks and talked about anything and everything. We stayed up chatting for a few more hours, but once it got to be 1am, I had to apologize, because I had to get some sleep. He was sad, but agreed, since we would both be in new cities, we should enjoy them. He asked for my whatsapp and we exchanged numbers. I honestly didn’t know how to read him, it seems like he was hitting on me, but with his girlfriend in the bunk above me, I was too tired to figure it out. Perhaps he just wants a Parisian friend. We said goodnight and passed out. When I awoke at 8am we were already on the coast heading from Marseille towards Nice. The view out of the window was spectacular, nothing but the Mediterranean ocean as far as the eye could see. The Germans got up and asked if I would join them for breakfast, I wasn’t hungry but a tea or espresso would be nice. They ate, I drank and started talking about all of our plans for the day. They tried to get me to spend the time with them in Nice, I thanked them, but had plans in Monaco already. I would have asked them to join me, but was still apprehensive about the boyfriend and their “relationship status.” We arrived in Nice and hugged our goodbyes.My train yo Monaco was in 10 minutes and the transfer from one platform to the other was quite easy. The train pulled up, it was much smaller than the previous train, only 4 cars I believe. It was headed to Ventimiglia, and on any other occasion I would have said let’s go to Italy. But, I wanted to experience Monaco, so I got off at the right stop.
Monaco is not a large country. It’s actually the 2nd smallest country after Vatican City. With a land mass of 0.78 square miles and a population of around 40,000 inhabitants, it is the most densely populated state in the world. One thing I’ll never understand though is the amount of cars everywhere. Granted, walking from one end of Monaco to the other is not the easiest of tasks with many elevations, but there are plenty of stairways and elevators to help. I’m a walker, so I decided no cars this trip, no ubers, taxis or Porsche Cayennes. I’m glad I walked, so many gorgeous sights to see and enjoy. I first went to my hotel, the gorgeous Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort. Check in was a breeze, I apologized for arriving early and asked if I could just check my bag. The desk agent was so kind, he said he would be happy to get me checked in right away. He told me all about the amenities the hotel offered and also suggested as it was my first time in Monaco to speak with the concierge about any exciting activities I may be looking for. The room was spectacular. The bedroom, bathroom, closets and the balcony….the balcony was incredible. I could have just stayed there the entire trip and had the best time ever. A gorgeous view of the French riviera as far as the eyes could see. It was lovely. I kept the door open the entire time, the breeze was spectacular. The smell of the ocean, the sound of the waves, it was perfect. I took a delightful bubble bath, the tub could fit an entire soccer team in it at the same time. I do love a good bathtub. I got dressed and went for a walk along the beach. The pebble beach is something I’ll have to get accustomed to, as I am spoiled on the sand of Fire Island. The water was chilly, but I did stick my feet in for a whole hot second. The sunshine definitely made it feel warmer than it actually was. I had lunch at a cute restaurant on the beach, just a club sandwich, but it was delicious. While I was sitting there two tall guys walked over towards me. They both had french accents, were mid-late 20’s and must have been 6’5″ each. They asked me if the water felt nice. I responded that it did, and was worth it. One turned to the other and told him they should have gone in. I laughed at this and they apologized and introduced themselves. Louis and Gustav were both from Lyon visiting Gustav’s aunt, who lives in Monaco. They were pleased to meet me, as Monaco is usually dead of gay guys off season. I explained I was just in town for the night visiting from Paris, but they said that they were claiming me and going to show me an exhilarating experience in Monaco. I’m not one to pass up a good time, so I said “absolutely!!” We first went to the royal palace, admittedly not a novel adventure. But something every tourist must see. Honestly, I was not that impressed with it. I suppose after seeing Buckingham and Versailles, it leaves other palaces wanting. Anyway they guys took me to a wonderful and hidden ice cream shop, we then went to a beautiful garden and walked around more. Finally, I told them that I wanted to gamble. They chuckled a little at my request, but understood why I was dressed like a 50’s fashion icon. They said ok, mister shaken not stirred and walked me back to the hotel. I got changed and provided them both with coats, as I always have extras and they were not planning on going to the casino. They marveled at my small collection of bow ties spread across the bed, and asked me about why I had the Card deck bow tie if it was a random pack for a random weekend. I told them that lady luck must have knew I was going gambling and made that one to the top of the pile.We looked fabulous, beyond compare and we headed out.
They were surprised at my request to walk, but granted my wish. We went first to the Casino de Monte Carlo which h looked as gorgeous as one would imagine, but unless you’re a professional table player, the novelty wears off quite quickly as free drinks are only done in American casinos. We then went over to the Casino Cafe de Paris, just across the square, had a few drinks, and played a few slots. It was fun, I played 60€ and won 60€. I wasn’t actually expecting to win billions, but was satisfied to double my money. It already 2am and boy, time does fly here. Louis, Gustav and I hugged parted ways promising to meet the next day for lunch and a proper goodbye. We met at my hotel room, they gave me my items I had loaned and we went to a taco restaurant. Sexy Tacos was the name of the place and we tried the Mix tacos. 1 of each, 1 Carne Asade, 1 chicken and 1 pork. The chicken and pork were too sweet but the beef was good. On top of that the Strawberry Mojitos were delicious and I enjoyed 2 of them.
Finally, it was time to return home. I had a fabulous time, and Monaco really is gorgeous. I highly suggest visiting off-season, where you’ll be able to meet fun people. The gambling is ok, but if you want free drinks, I still suggest Vegas. Overall, it was a great weekend getaway.
Kevin Nicholas Gavit 