drron29

Dinner that night was in the Japanese restaurant Kaiseki which incurs an extra charge of $40 a head. Basically not worth it as lunch here is with no surcharge and is very good. Here is the menu. I might have indulged in too much sake!

When back on board it was up to the pool deck for a light lunch. Mrsdrron had a toasted sandwich And I think it was chicken and avo and mine was a simple burger. And then a few more shots of Menton.

Now back on the bus. Back on the tender.

Truly an amazing place. Nearly at the end. Now walking back to the bus.

The Baroness was a ruthless collector. A really extensive porcelain collection. as well as paintings sculptures and religious art. As well according to our guide being very good at entertaining her friends.

The last of the garden. Now some free time to explore the villa.

Good views from various places around the garden. Then into the Japanese section.

It was then time for a walk around the gardens. Very extensive gardens and often nice shade. Altough the severe heat of summer had gone temperatures were still 28-30C. The Goldfinger house.

We arrive at the villa. We were off inside to start with morning tea. A bit sad as when you book with a Virtuoso agent you usually have a Virtuoso agent as a host. Ie getting a freebie. This time it was a pair of sisters and they were useless. We had to announce our presence to them after they came to our table to say hello to a NZ couple who were Virtuoso clients. Unfortunately they were on a few of our excursions and they were the ones who were always last back to the bus. Thank goodness we took the OBC instead of a Virtuoso excursion. Sadly these were not for us.

It was another tender port and then we were off to the Villa Ephrussi De Rotschild. Many went to Monaco but it holds no interest for me. Beside on this excursion we drove around it anyway so can say we have seen it. So from the bus on a lengthy ride. They call this a beach? A distant view of Monaco. And then we wizz around it. Many of the new buildings are built with Russian money. And then we were there. Some good views then a walk up to the villa.

The next morning we were steaming in to Menton France.

For some reason they were not very popular when we sailed. Same went for the Explorer. On warmer cruises the Medallion suites on the Explorer were excellent with a much larger balcony than the Silver suites.

A great position. Close to midship. Convenient to stairs and elevator as well as La Terraza and La dame. 50% bigger than a verandah suite and large enough for us to be comfortable. The verandah suites on the older classic fleet were a little too small for Rojaan as she sometimes is claustrophobic. But sometimes significantly cheaper than a silver suite. As I said despite it's position we were never bothered by noise. As well on a day of rough weather much less distance to your suite from the elevator.

And the restaurant. The food starting with the bread. Rojaan started with the lamb skewers and I the tuna. Then Rojaan had the chicken and potatoes and I the beef stew and pasta. We both had the local dessert.

Dinner was in the SALT Kitchen. Not really to our liking. Meant to reflect the cuisine of where you are and didn't seem true. The menu.

On our tender back to the ship. The only time I got the desired seat with a clear view to take some photos. And from our balcony. Hoons. Listening to an opera singer on Venetian Society night. So naturally you have champagne and caviar for canapes.

The last of the village. Now on our way back to the ship. Passed quite a few nurseries selling very old olive trees. The former natural environment of the St. Tropez area.

A very interesting village. And there is the Dawn. I am now climbing up to the castle.

The flags were flying for the upcoming anniversary of the Allied landing in southern France in WW 2.

Now on our way to the village of Grimaud in the hills. Past a lot of grapes. The old village is up a lot of stairs from the main road. Though we used the lift! At first you are outside the old part of the village. But everyone is heading for the tunnel which takes you into the village. In the tunnel you could exchange books.

Then back to the electric boats to wait for our canal cruise. A little delay so I popped into the minimart. A lot of wine especially Rose for which this region is known. Plus a little of other styles. And now for the canals.

The next morning we awoke steaming into Saint Tropez. Our excursion was to Port Grimaud. Presumably the inspiration for Mike Gore. For the non Australians he was an infamous property developer on Quennsland's Gold Coast. He got Frank Sinatra and Whitney houston to open his Sanctuary Cove Resort. It was OTT. just before he was to be sentenced for tax fraud he disappeared to the USA his valuable art and antique collection was never found. His son also became a property developer on the Gold Coast and did end up in jail. In other words like this resort gore's resort was OTT. The conspicuous flaunting of wealth everywhere. this pic sums up my thoughts.

Some more views as we were eating. And by the time we had finished the sun had set.