NoJennyNo: Monaco: Ups and Downs

Has it really been a month without posts?

Monte Carlo Bay at night

From the Prague move to the non stop travel schedule, I have had not much time to even photograph for the blog.

Quick recap:

Monaco in May for the last EPT (European Poker Tour) for the season.

Dreamhack, a LAN gaming festival all around the world. I went to Austin, Tours, Summer for Hearthstone tournaments.

Other small gaming/poker events.

One blissful week at home to rest, followed by a few days here and there.

First up, Monaco.

In all the previous years I've been a fan of this country and couldn't see why anyone would have negative feedback - but this year was a different story.

View of Monaco at night

Nikki Beach nightclub

I've been here for the fourth year in a row. Although I had high expectations for one of the most prestigious countries in the world, the more I visit the more disappointing the trip gets.

My first visit in 2013 was everything I hoped for and more, the stunning waterfront and glamorous people never seized to amaze. I shunned the others who didn't like the country, deciding that their negativity was due to the overpricing and snobbery that naturally comes with bumping shoulders with some of the richest names in the world. However, as the years went by the glitzy fog unveiled its flaws.

1. Transportation

Can you believe there is virtually no taxi in this country? The hotel can call one for you if you wait 15 minutes, but every time I attempted to call or wait in the designated taxi line it was faster to walk to my destination than wait.

The roads that are perfect for famous Grand Prix racing leaves no such luck for regular traffic, which results in continuous blockage. 20 cars can cause road constipation for half an hour.

It is also no coincidence that I took the most expensive 2 km taxi ride, a round trip that cost 350 euro.

2. Activities

Like everyone else warned me, after a couple visits you will run out of things to do in Monaco. I've eaten at almost every restaurant in town and visited the 'must see spots' in the matter of one week. Does it come as surprise that most residents don't actually live here? That means there aren't many things to do for the locals, either.

3. Value

I won't say price, because everyone and their mom complains about the expensive tag that comes along with Monaco. I'm not complaining about that. It's to be expected in a tiny country that lives off of billionaires.

However, I will complain about the terrible service and general value of that said price. Example:

I got a chicken club sandwich with a promise of bacon from room service, which conveniently cost $30. This is what I got.

Ok, so sandwiches costing $30 or more isn't uncommon in hotel rooms. What is outrageous, however, is the near rotting state of food when they were clearly serving much better quality of the same item the 10+ times I've ordered in the past. And their social media interaction shows how little they care.

On the upside, Monte Carlo Bay has a new dessert shop open. I made it a point to try every single one of their desserts and they have all been top notch. I recommend their eclairs and seasonal fruit tarts, which are all super fresh.

Fresh raspberry tart

Praline eclair

The Blue Bay restaurant was also another plus. They are consistently delicious, serving modern dishes with an Asian twist. This year they put a special poker decoration up for all the players to enjoy.

Drinks with friends Randy and Celina

Poker!

Summer menu

Yuzu and matcha flavored savory appetizers

Japanese style seafood soup

Foie gras and artichokes

Chicken with popcorn

Stuffed lamb and ribs

Coconut souffle

Post-dessert dessert.

And of course, Monaco trip isn't complete without an Eze getaway.

Because let's face it, that's the only reason I still enjoy trips to Monaco - escaping to my favorite village.

Every Monaco trip we make sure to book a lunch at the Chateau Eza which is rated top 50 must-try restaurants in the world. Not only is it located in a fairytale-like village, the view from its cliff-hanging restaurant overlooking the French Riviera is fantastic.