The Monaco Formula 1, Grand Prix.

What the F1...
Never did I imagine that I would be here.  Hotel De Paris, Paying stupid amounts for small beers, Experiencing the F1, And the Noise.  Monaco is basically a valley, so the sound of the F1 cars is bounced around and amplified for about 4 days.
I can't actually sat that I saw the F1, Because I didn't.  But I was with the rich and famous, who were also not seeing the race.  But at least we got to experience it.
From what I hear, it's all about being there and enjoying the Atmosphere.
Basically, it's a week long party.  The streets are closed off, especially around the pits, La Rascasse corner, and around the Swimming pool.  Everyone goes mental...
But no-one breaks the laws, there are more cops here than ants at a picnic.
So it's super safe, even late at night.
Oops, Looks Like the boss needs something...Off to the Shops for me!

Riva, Riva everywhere! 

The Build-up was massive

Pit Lane

VIP?

Race Face!

 

Randoms

Santo Barilla

Hotel de Paris

Monte Carlo Casino

Race-day colours!

Missing Something?

Real Rubber

Hate running!

We've been in Monaco for nearly 3 weeks now and I'm slowly getting into the swing of things.

The F1 has also steadily been appearing.  Barriers and fences have started to spring up all over the place.  Crash barriers, Massive Television screens, seating, Private security, and over the weekend the team trucks with all their equipment appeared.

I've started jogging.  I hate jogging and the pain it brings it just seems pointless, but I need something to keep me fit.  At least the scenery isn't too bad.  but there aren't too many forest paths or parks to go running along.  

Just under 2 square kms it sure has got a lot packed into it.  (The only country that is smaller is the Vatican.)

Nearly any and every luxury/sports car out there are to be seen here more Ferrari's than I've ever seen and Bentley's and Austin Martin's and Porsche's and Lambo's and AMG's etc.  But as with everywhere else in and around the Côte d'Azur there are motorcycles and scooters in every single empty space.  They love their bikes. and I love the fact that they love their bikes.  Might have to bring Nicole down one day.

Up till now the weather has been pretty average.  Last Friday it rained the whole day.  But it's slowly and surely improving.  Although, Monte Carlo is surrounded by high hills on all three sides and when we get a Northerly we never know what to expect.  Today is lovely, Sunny, Blue skies but I can see some clouds rolling in.  I'm sure that in a couple of weeks I'll be moaning that it's too hot, or not.

Oh, I mentioned that the F1 is here, it all kicks off this week with "THE RACE" on Sunday.  The Berths here are now at a premium and in the next couple of days I'm sure we will have to anchor off-shore.  But that doesn't mean that we'll miss out on the F1 completely.  The Boss has told me that he will get some tickets for the race.  And I'm sure that they won't be the cheap seats.  I'm not really into F1 but to be there for the race, up close & personal, that'll be an awesome experience!

Randomness!

Up too early

Some views are better than others'

The Palace

Yesterday was Claudia's birthday

The F1 has started to arrive

First day out

I've been down in Monaco and on the boat for a week now and I seem to be falling into some sort of a routine.
We took the boat out for a spin yesterday for the first time since I've been here.
and out again today.
Quite exciting for all involved.
We have just gone "around the corner" about 30 mins car drive, or so.
Some of the most exclusive real-estate in the world
The rich and famous have houses here and come to get away from it all...
Taking the boat for a jaunt is a bit like taking the Rolls out for a Sunday afternoon drive in the countryside.
More peaceful and relaxing than I expected.
The yacht is a 60 m "superyacht", dwarfed by others but still pretty impressive but not as gaudy as some owned by some russians...
We have a crew of 16 plus guests, and myself who is neither a crew-member or a guest.

As the boss is doing quite well at the moment, I'm at a bit of a loose end most of the time.
While everyone's working, polishing fittings, cleaning, running the tenders, repairing, cooking etc, I'm Chillaxing...
Life is hard to handle at times.

Time flies...when you're having fun

I'm sure it does, but it seems only to drag when I'm here.
But hopefully we will be on the move in a couple of days, or so.
I just thought I'd share a few photos of my workplace with you...
"The Clinic" is in the lower floor of the castle and it's where I spend a lot of my time.
Although, if things work out as expected, I won't be back here till the end of summer...what a prospect!

The Clinic Proper 

Our small Hyperbaric chamber

The Gym

Dental Suite

The in house Chapel

Jobbin'

Well, here we are

One month in and I guess I'm starting to understand the way things work around here, a little bit.

As you can see from the photos, I'm still on Brecqhou.

The weather has improved and Spring has finally arrived, it's not too shabby.

A lovely place to walk around.

Last Wednesday, 17 April, they had a 17 gun salute in honour of Lady Thatcher.  

It took quite some time, one minute between each of the shots.  

Quite impressive.  

She apparently visited the island back in 2000 and when she passed away was living at The Ritz.

Tim, my colleague, has been in London for the past week or so, therefore I'm feeling a bit lonely.  Sure, there are people here, cleaners, chef and kitchen staff, office staff etc. but no-one that I can discuss things with.  Isolation, I guess is the word.  We, the nurses, are the only ones who can't really have a day off, can't really get away do do personal stuff.  Not that I'm complaining.  Everyday is the same.  

and most days my actual work is only a few hours, but I do have certain responsibilities re: the clinic, renewing expired consumables, meds, device and equipment checks etc.  it's not that difficult, but has to be done.

Unfortunately, I'll probably only get 1 or two weeks holiday this year.  

I'm thinking I'll take Nicole for a run.  She's currently awaiting a insurance assessor/engineer it inspect and approve the repair work.  I guess the longer it takes, the less I have to pay for storage.  

Hopefully, the work will be completed by September.  

I would like to attempt another IBA ride.  Either the 4 corners, - England, Wales, Scotland or the FHB48, France, Austria, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway.  Mind, it may be a bit cold in Norway at that time of year.  

We will see...

Anyway, I've got to get through the Summer first!

First of 17

The view isn't too bad

Walking

Where is Summer, or Spring for that matter?
I went for a bit of a walk on easter sunday.
Just to see the grounds and spend some time contemplating life
As you'll see from the photos, it really is a wondrous place where I live