Just one night in Monaco

I spent one single night as part of the elite, rich and famous people that make up but a tiny population of the world. By the looks of it, most of them live in Monaco. Before arriving in Monaco, along the French Riviera, we were told that the mystery place we were going to that evening had a dress code that was so strict that you would not gain entry to the building if you did not meet the requirements. This was equally exciting and daunting, but we followed suite.

Kim and I in front of the marina

When I am told to dress smartly, my go-to staple is usually a black dress. It always looks good and you feel polished and formal. What I didn't expect was the other girls in my group to have the exact same idea, so we ended up looking like a group of back-up singers (but fabulous nonetheless). In the travel bus we went, and that scenic drive to Monaco was something I will never forget. The steep hills and narrow winding roads are enough to make you catch your breath as you turn a corner.

The girls in black

One of the many beautifully lit buildings

This tiny independent city has wealth beyond explanation, where waiters and taxi drivers make more money than doctors in my country do, and suits, ties, pencil skirts and heels are the common uniform for locals. The first stop we made before our mystery place was to see the magnificence that is Port Hercule, filled with million dollar yachts and luxury boats (one of which had a basketball court on the back- so casual). The buildings and homes along the way are nothing short of extraordinary. There are long red carpets laid across side walks, and empty white marquees waiting on the beach for fancy evening parties to take place. Everything about Monaco goes against common sense and middle-class normality.

Port Hercules

Finally we were told that the place we would be spending the rest of the evening was in fact, The Monte Carlo Casino. I could never have been prepared for what I was about to experience that night. We walked up what seemed like a never ending flight of stairs until we finally caught sight of the casino in all its glory. Parked outside were lines of shiny cars I had only imagined seeing in real life... Bentleys, Rolls Royce Phantoms, Jaguars and Ferraris- did I mention Bentleys? Oh and Lamborghini's?

Image from tripadvisor.com

We arrived at the entrance to the casino, and showed our ID's to gain access. There is an entrance fee that was included in our tour but I shudder to think how much that would cost. I am sad to say that from that point on we were not allowed to take photo's (how mysterious), but it was truly spectacular. Gold brimmed everything, crystal chandeliers and thick luscious carpets. We walked into the bathroom as we arrived, which was bigger and more beautifully decorated than most peoples homes.

A sneaky (illegal) photo my friend Kim took of us inside the Casino

Then it was time for me to order a drink, which was a Peach Bellini of course! We sat at the mahogany bar, slowly sipping on our drinks (which were the price of a 3 course meal), and people watching. Among the small crowd, there was a woman in a gold ball gown with diamonds dripping off her fingers, and her short red-faced husband with sunglasses and a pin-stripe suit. Suddenly I felt extremely underdressed, as if I was wearing jeans to a wedding. Side note: the plastic surgery industry seems to be booming in this part of the world.

Some of the guys took a chance and decided to gamble, but obviously didn't realise that A) We are currently in one of the most expensive cities in Europe, and B) the people that gamble at Monte Carlo are not here for a laugh, they know what they are doing. Needless to say not one of them had any luck and lost all their money. Wandering around the casino, and Monaco in general, there is this incredible sense of power and intimidation, and you don't really want to touch anything or look at anyone for too long.

When we walked out of the casino after a few hours of fun, I was surrounded by a cloud of thick smoke from a group of well-dressed French men with cigars in their mouths. Getting out of a Mercedes Benz S-Class in the distance was a tall woman in a huge mink coat. I guess having no income tax in Monaco must be nice? Before I knew it, the clock struck 12 and I was back on the bus, ready for my warm single bed at the hostel. All I needed was one night of feeling like billionaire, and then it was back to reality. x