Monte Carlo

 Monte Carlo officially refers to an administrative area of the Principality of Monaco.

 In the gardens

 On our way to view the famous Casino & Cafe Paris

 At the narrow streets of the Old Town

Monte Carlo is situated on a prominent escarpment at the base of the Maritime Alps along the French Riviera. Near the western end of the quarter is the world-famous Place du Casino, the gambling center. It is also the location of the Hôtel de Paris, the Café de Paris, and the Salle Garnier.

The Hôtel de Paris, established in 1864 by Charles III of Monaco, is located on the west side of the Place du Casino in the heart of Monte Carlo. The hotel has 106 rooms divided into four groups based on type of view, decoration and luxury.

 Ice-cream Time

Monte Carlo has featured in numerous films and television series which includes the 2011 movie of the same name.The casino was featured in the James Bond films Never Say Never Again (1983), and GoldenEye (1995). To Catch a Thief (1954) was an Alfred Hitchcock film with Monte Carlo and its famous casino as the setting and featured Cary Grant and the future Princess Grace of Monaco as the stars. There was a scene in the movie where the-then Grace Kelly driving a car very quickly and dangerously along the steep winding roads of Monaco that surround the heights of Monte Carlo. This was also a coincidence to her actual fate in 1982. 

Journey to Monaco

Picture Postcard with Pat

From Nice to Monaco, the journey was scenic and the sights took my breadth away. I was totally awed by the beauty and the pictures say it all. Simply love the France Trip.

 Gina & Pat

 Scene of Serenity

Monaco is a tiny city-state on the Mediterranean Sea and surrounded by France, with the Italian Riviera a few kilometres farther east. This is the second smallest independent state in the world (after the Vatican).

 Through the eyes of the photographer

 The Gardens

 Admiring her beauty

 All set to board the ship

 Bird Watching

`On our way to visit Monte Carlo

Swensen@Ion

 Midweek and it was a night to chill out with Joyce, gals night out. We headed to Swensens at Ion on 28th August. 

 Rootbeer Float - perks of being a Cool Rewards Members - drinks at $1

 Salmon Pasta with cream sauce

 Platter of Fries, onion rings, king prawns and beef

 Babe and her dinner

 Topless 5 Ice-cream

 Sweet Tooth Pat

 Pat & Joyce

Stuarts Anderson 's Black Angus

Located at Orchard Parade Hotel, Stuarts Anderson's Black Angus is one of my favourite places for steak. I recalled celebrating my birthday there. I have even won complimentary lunch treat with colleagues through radio contest several years ago

Steak Soup & Garden Salad - our sides

After Saturday evening mass, AG and I headed to Black Angus for dinner. How can we not resist the steak there. 

 Long Island Tea

 Wild West Onion ( $16.90) 

 Both of us had Sirloin Steak. AG's steak was medium rare while mine was well done.

Steak Dinner on Saturday evening. After dinner, both of us headed to the museum to view the exhibits. We really had a fantastic Saturday :)

Crystal Jade Dine in

Egg Tarts - Pat's all time favourite

 I always look forward to the weekends where it is time for my family and friends. Personally it is also a time to enjoy life without thinking of work. On 24th August, I really had a fun-filled Saturday with AG. We met for lunch at Crystal Jade Dine In at Vivocity where we were treated to a great spread of dim sum and chinese food.

 Prawn and Mango

 Hao Gao

 Vegetables with egg

Siu Mai 

 The hungry AG and Cha Siu Bao - no surprise who had most of the bao

 One bowl of century egg porridge each for both of us

Chicken with Sechuan Sauce - Dish for AG

After a sumptuous lunch, we were off for the afternoon adventure. It was very interesting experience. Trust AG for the adventures.

Coffee Club

Most of the time we catch up with colleagues from other departments only for farewell lunches. On 30th August, Johnny and myself met Melvin at Coffee Club for his farewell lunch. It was certainly an interesting lunch session where Johnny shared his words of wisdom on the 2 Es ( my take away pointers - Emotions and Ego)

 Iced Hazelnut Choco Latte ($7.50)

 Fish & Chips ($15)

 Skipper's Delight ($14.50)

 Melvin, Pat and Johnny - Lunch time at Coffee Club

 Baked Shrimp-crusted Salmon ($16.50)

Muddy Mud Pie ($11.80)