Enjoying life in Monaco and Monte Carlo

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Oct 1st Newsletter

Too large for the shelf. (1)

What's new

The Institut Audiovisuel de Monaco's 17th Tout l'Art du Cinema started last week and its theme is "Chanter la Vie". There are plenty of movies celebrating life, including one of my favourites, The Ladykillers (1955), an Ealing Comedy starring Alec Guinness. The Institute's new premises were officially opened by Prince Albert last week and contain a small screening room, a reading room with books and periodicals, and an archive of AV documents and photographs. Eventually it'll be open to the public, by appointment only.

If you're traveling to Italy in the next few months you might want to set off early. By train there'll be a reduced service between Menton and Ventimiglia due to work being carried out in the tunnel between the two towns. Whatever way you choose to travel, don't forget you'll be expected to show you're not carrying Covid-19 by providing a negative test taken 72 hours before arriving at the border.

As for Monaco's measures to contain the virus, there's a lengthy, interesting interview in Monaco Hebdo with Didier Gamerdinger, conseiller-ministre aux affaires sociales et a la sante. He not only explains what Monaco is doing but also the government's reasoning. Considering the shenanigans of politicians in other countries of the world, it's very reassuring.

And finally, gourmands are well catered for this weekend. Monte Carlo Beach Hotel is taking part in the Food for Change Festival, which aims to raise awareness of climate change and biodiversity in relation to food. The chef has come up with a 78 euros lunchtime menu excluding drinks. You could also head to Monte Carlo Bay Hotel which is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a birthday brunch around the lagoon on Sunday, 125 euros with unlimited champagne. Enjoy!

What's in the diary ....