Enjoying life in Monaco and Monte Carlo
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July 27th Newsletter
Matilda told such dreadful lies (1)
What's new
Ah, the Daily Mail. Don't you just love it? Of course you only read it for amusement don't you? Because the actual news content, well.... Those of you who know the maBoum team also know its opinion of the British paper, which teetered on the edge of the fake-news cliff last week with an assertion that the average price for a pint of beer in Monaco is 1.50 GBP (1.70 euros). Yes, you read that correctly. Apparently "experts" compiled the data, which showed that the average monthly wage in the Principality is 3975 GBP (4449 euros), and that workers only need graft for just over 4 minutes to earn themselves a pint. Suffice it to say that the "experts" were not named. But please, please, pretty please, if you know which bar is serving the amber nectar at that price, let us know.
We oohed and aahed with the friendly folks at MonacoUSA last weekend on the roof terrace of the Carabiniers's barracks from where we had a panoramic view of the port and the musical fireworks show. It's the Austrian competition entry on Saturday and members of CREM are taking to the bateau bus for their pyrotechnic party. If you're still looking for a vantage point, the upper floor Stardeck at Stars n Bars has huge windows with balconies that offer a view above the luxury yachts. Don't forget the Rolling Stones tribute concert afterwards.
On Sunday we visited the Cite Interdite exhibition in the Grimaldi Forum. The intricately embroidered imperial robes were the highlight. We also enjoyed the virtual reality tour, and sniggered at a screen depicting caricatures of the followers of Buddha, one of whom bears a remarkable resemblance to John Cleese. Crossing the road to the Villa Sauber we went from the sublime to the ridiculous. Saadane Afif's The Fountain Archives brings into focus the question, "what is art?" Take it at face value or smirk at the pretentiousness, but do go. We discovered British artist Jonathan Monk's work there, a "poem" called FA.0000 (But I Do) which appropriates The Smiths's song Reel Around The Fountain.
And finally, a shout-out to Club Vivanova which is hosting a summer party at the Meridien's Amber Lounge on 4 August. There's no door charge, you just pay for what you drink. A perfect start to the weekend.
What's in the diary ....
Thursday: A-grade singer performs B-Side.
Friday: Regal attendance at Red Cross Ball.
Saturday: Irish fireworks party in white.
Sunday: Saint-Saens & Roussel at the Palace.
Coming up next week, Italian sugar dad, Monaco-based bossa, and blues guitarist records CD.
For lots more suggestions, visit maBoum's 7 day listing and enjoy your weekend.
(1) This week's quote is the first line of the children's cautionary tale, Matilda, by Anglo-French writer Hilaire Belloc, born this day 1870. Matilda told lies and was burnt to death.