Thank you BL and Babe for the information.
I'm going with a friend (my husband has" 9/11itis" and won't go)
and we plan on going to local haunts, neighboring cities, probably
Italy, maybe Spain. We're not booking rooms in advance, just winging
it once we get there. I'm sure we'll stumble upon a casino or two
and I'll file a report. There's no way that I'll play (I avoid 9/6
JOB, unless the Royal is progressive or other circumstances take up
the slack; my friend doesn't gamble). I don't mind paying their fee
so I can snoop around.
Again, your posts are helpful and appreciated! LD Boyd
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Hi again Linda,
If this is your first trip to the south of France, I envy you the
marvelous experience! Nice, Monaco, Cote d'Antibes etc., are truly
magnifique, and I know you will enjoy the experience.
In addition to my previous vp comments, and BL's suggestions, I
would also recommend that while in Monaco, you visit the Palais du
Prince (where Prince Rainer resides) and the Musee National de
Monaco, which houses a GREAT collection of dolls, costumes and
automatons. WE found it extremely different and interesting.
If you are going to have a car (you can rent one in Nice even for
one day) and are interested in driving to the bordering Italian city
(whose name, unfortunately escapes me) they have great shopping
there. You do have to go through customs, coming and going, and
sometimes they inspect your car trunk to make sure you're not
smuggling goods into France, to sell at a profit. The shopping is
FABULOUS there. Most French people drive there to shop regularly.
since the same merchandise is at least 50% less than in France.
When I was there, there was a Gucci store that had astoundingly good
prices on handbags. I bought a large Gucci signature bag for about
$75.00!! This was a few years ago, and things may have changed, but
it's worth a look.
One caution, for what it's worth. France is VERY expensive. Hotels
in the south of France are especially expensive. There are very few
reasonably priced accomodations to be found. I'd be VERY hesitant
about going there w/o a confirmed reservation, lest you be forced to
either pay an exhorbitant sum for a decent hotel, or wind up in a
French fleabag (and, yes, they DO exist, even in tony Nice). If
money is no object, for a special splurge, I heartily recommend the
gorgeous Hotel Negresco. It has all the French old world charm plus
all the modern conveniences, you could ask for in 5 Star hotel. I've
stayed there twice, a few years apart, and it remains one of my all
time favorite hotels.
Fly safely and have a great time. I'll be interested to hear about
your adventures (casinos & otherwise) when you return.
Babe
···
--- In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, "Linda Boyd" <maggie2194@c...> wrote:
