Monaco, Monte Carlo

Monaco🇲🇨, a tiny principality in Europe, covers an area of about 200 hectares and is the second smallest country in the world, yet it is the smallest member state of the United Nations. Surrounded by France on three sides, it faces the Mediterranean Sea to the south, small but not lacking in beauty and luxury. The architecture nestled against the mountains and by the sea is quite spectacular. Monaco is still a principality to this day, not a member of the European Union, but within the EU customs territory, there are no customs checks when entering or leaving Monaco from France. The currency within its borders is the euro. It seems to be the same as the EU, but it has its own independent network signal. My mobile phone number from European countries had no network signal in Monaco, and Hong Kong tourists I met during my visit also had no signal . The Grimaldi family, who came to this area from the Genoa region of Italy, has ruled Monaco for most of the time since 1297, except when it was occupied during the French Revolution and lost territory in 1848. It was not until 1860 that France recognized Monaco's independence. With the signing of a monetary agreement with France and the opening of the Monte Carlo 'Macau industry', Monaco's economy miraculously recovered. Today, the country relies on the income from the 'Macau industry' and tourism to become one of the wealthiest countries in the world, with a per capita income among the highest in the world. The total population of the country is estimated to be less than 40,000, with over 100 nationalities, and about 6,000 are Monegasque. The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco is a tourist attraction that is very popular with visitors, built on a cliff, with an entrance fee of 18 euros. It has a history of over 100 years and, in addition to the aquarium, has 90 tanks housing about 450 species of Mediterranean and tropical marine life. The entire aquarium is maintained by circulating seawater directly from the Mediterranean to sustain the marine life. There is also a touch pool that opens during children's holidays, allowing children to have close contact with the fish, but a separate ticket is required. In addition to the aquarium, there is also an exhibition that introduces the history of oceanography and marine biology knowledge. Monaco City is the main tourist area, where the royal palace is located, guarded by the royal cavalry. There is a changing of the guard ceremony at noon every day, which should not be missed. Monaco City is full of winding paths and gardens shaded by green trees, with many viewing platforms from which you can overlook the panorama of Monaco from different angles. The Saint Martin Gardens and the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate are both on the way from the harbor to the palace. You can take the French rail train to and from Nice, with a round trip for two people costing less than 20 euros, to the Monaco Monte Carlo station. There are many trains back and forth every day, and these two stations are major stops where most trains will stop. Just watch the scrolling screen for the station names. After leaving the station, turn left to go towards the 'Macau industry' and the yacht marina, where you can reach the yacht harbor pool. To the right is Monaco City, where the main attractions are concentrated. I had no network signal on my phone, so I relied entirely on Wi-Fi from attractions and hotels to find my way. It was a tight schedule for one day, but it went smoothly. The scenery is beautiful and uplifting.