Monaco

Monaco is full of surprises. Last week I had the extreme pleasure of going to the Monaco F1 for my second time.

In a word?

FANTASTIC!

As a Grand Prix enthusiast, I’ve attended the F1 in Montreal at least 15 times. Once in Monza Italy, once in Texas.

Until I made it to the Monaco F1 race, I thought, in my experience, Montreal was the best. Mostly because the entire town seemed to come out to celebrate. All the storefront windows were decked out in fan merchandise. The local bakery would have a cap perched in the window, the Jewelry store had mini race cars in their displays, and there were Ferraris — everywhere.

We would sit in the outdoor cafes and listen to the sound of the Ferrari engines as they strolled by. The drivers wanting to be seen and the spectators wanting to see.

We met some fantastic drivers like Mark Webber, Jackie Stewart and Nicki Lauda — in the early years.

One day on the plane returning home I read an article about what incredible athletes these drivers need to be to have the mental clarity required for this job. I fell even more in love with the sport so, last year we made the trek to Monaco and that was it! I want to be there every year.

In addition to the amazing race, which runs through the city itself right in front of the casino (another amazing feat to set this race up), it is like a non-stop fashion show. People come out in their finest to cheer on their team. Of course, there is lots of team sportswear, but the majority of the people are dressed like they are going to a party.

Which they are!

Because directly after the race there is a Veuve Clicquot area set up in a park beside the Hermitage Hotel where the champagne never stops flowing and the DJ never stops spinning and the people never stop dancing and the most wonderful supercars you have ever seen are parked. McLarens, Lamborghinis, Ferraris, Maybachs, Rolls Royce, — and the versions that are super exclusive.

My cousin asked me to bring her a T-Shirt back and I said:

I can buy you a Lamborghini.

I can buy you a yacht.

I can buy you a diamond.

But in this town, I can’t buy you a T-shirt or even a hotdog — it’s just not how they roll, and I’ve got to say — for the weekend I am there — I just LOVE it!

The part I find the most enjoyable (besides the race) is the people. This year — mostly from Europe. All of whom were very friendly and engaging. My WhatsApp is full of new contacts from Spain and France (we have pictures to keep our memories sharp for years).

It must be noted that everyone we met was one thing: KIND.

From the lady at the train station who sold us our tickets for our ride from San Remo, to the sweet couple on the platform who helped us find our way to the correct train, to the lady in the coffee shop who wanted to make sure she got our coffee just right . . . it was a delight.

Bright smiles. A willingness to help — from workers and other guests alike. The entire experience was heartwarming and made us feel that all is right in the world.

All except for Ferrari not winning . . . but right nonetheless.

Thank you, Monaco for allowing us to enjoy your beautiful city and for a race that continues to thrill.

Thank you to the people we met who fulfilled my need for human KINDNESS.

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