Rolls-Royce Land (part 1)
In Monaco, the powers that be are twisting novels, losing crazy amounts in casinos, and indulging in other pleasures of life …
Thoughts free and involuntary
The yachts on the pier in Kondamina Perhaps, in general, the Principality of Monaco resembles a theatrical stage, on which several stories unfold. One of them confidently refutes the banal truth that a beautiful life is only in the movies. For one and a half centuries, the most famous people of our planet come to Monaco. There you can easily meet pop stars, top models and sports champions on the street. The sea, the sun, casinos, luxury hotels and restaurants, a rich cultural life in Monaco attract the very cream of society.
Among the luxurious yachts, sparkling Rolls Royces, casinos and luxury hotels, the world’s strengths, distinguished personalities and financial elite “nest”.
Another story, about the city of the future, takes place against a background of mirrored skyscrapers, famously twisted flyovers and autobahns as smooth as glass. Street escalators and high-speed elevators successfully replace public transport here. The well-known Monte Carlo rally fits into this scenery, no less popular than the casino of the same name.
The Monte Carlo ring road, winding with a dizzying serpentine in the narrow urban labyrinths, is the shortest (3.5 km) and the most dangerous in the world. “Devilish carousel”, “race of a thousand turns” – this is how the participants christened the competition. At breakneck speed, they have to overcome numerous 90-degree turns and even 180-degree “pins”.
The third plot is definitely romantic. The scenery is served by the gentle azure sea with snow-white gulls, shady parks filled with spicy honey smells, twitter of birds and the rustle of cool fountains, and cozy cafes on the promenade, where coffee (with such an entourage!) Seems a hundred times more aromatic.
And finally, a historical plot on the theme of the eventful and dramatic past of Monaco. The scene is the Old Town. Even Virgil in his poems mentioned this land as an “impregnable fortress, a quiet port, sheltered from all winds.” Restless Julius Caesar gathered his fleet here, preparing for war with Pompey. In the XIII century, when these lands were ruled by the Genoese, Francois Grimaldi was able to capture the impregnable fortress of Monaco. Having dressed as a priest, he entered the fortress, managed to lull the vigilance of the Genoese guards and open the gates of the fortress, already besieged by his army.
Since then, over the course of seven centuries, the monastic throne has invariably passed on to the descendants of the Grimaldi clan. This is an indispensable condition for the existence of the principality: according to the treaty of 1815, the termination of the dynasty means the immediate entry of France into the possession of the territory of the principality.
But the “golden times” did not come soon for Monaco. In the XVI-XVII centuries, the principality was under Spanish rule, then under the French protectorate. Until the beginning of the 19th century, Monaco was part of France and only in 1815 it finally gained independence.
Under the rule of the Grimaldi dynasty
Prince Rainier III of Monaco is one of the last absolute monarchies on the planet. The current ruler, Prince Rainier III, continues with dignity the plan of his family – to realize the tale of a better world. And he has already achieved a lot. In any case, peace, beauty and prosperity reign in Monaco.
All thirty and a few thousand citizens of Monaco are completely exempt from taxes. It is not surprising that many highly paid “stars” of cinema and tennis, famous fashion models and car racers (including Claudia Schiffer and Michael Schumacher) moved here for permanent residence. Thanks to the exceptionally favorable tax regime, hundreds of representative offices of major companies and banks have settled here.
The state replenishes its treasury through tourism, gambling and the issue of postage stamps. The Principality is never mentioned in the context of wars and conflicts.
There are no political parties. A lot of effort and money is spent on environmental goals, the local flora and fauna are carefully guarded and increased. There are no industries hostile to the environment. And finally, it was in Monaco that the Green Peace movement began.
In the days of festivities and celebrations to the delight of the public, Prince Rainier III appears on the balcony of his palace with his titled family. The prince is undoubtedly worthy of respect for everything he does for the subjects of his tiny but prosperous state.
