James Bond ain't got Nothin' on Me.

Today was my favorite of the days here thus far.

Waking up and having a simple worship time to the acoustic sounds of Phil Wickham, and eating the traditional croissant with honey... it started the day off in a way that I wish every morning could become. Luiz then looked up tourist attractions here in Nice, but instead we decided to walk through and discover places that were of our own 'attractions.' The whole time a strange craving of Orangina came over me, and arriving at Neptune Beachs' restaurant that craving was satisfied. A sweet tangy goodness. With little French doggies joining the meal with their owners and pretending I am no longer American, but instead... le French, this meal brought a lot of laughter, inner joy, and good tuna salads. The fun didn't stop there. I was then ready for my sweet treat after the light meal, and they had the most brilliant and perfect one hand picked (but already on the menu) just for moi. LEMON & STRAWBERRY GELATO (my previous dubbed favs from Italy) + FRESH FRUIT! Double score!

The ladies of the group then decided that it was time to venture into our most favorite of activities... duh, shopping. We headed out into the inner city where the hole in the wall stores were and I was tempted to buy something in every store; yet, my rule of thumb: if I can find it in the states, I am certainly not going to purchase it in Europe. I still managed to find a couple of things I loved a lot, which included a clear colored pair of Jelly sandals! Please tell me you remember those bad boys. The ones that cover your toes (& may or may not included glitter) and you can twist them in any which way! These were purchased while sipping on, what I now believe is an addiction, Orangina.

We then returned, after exhausting our feet and our wallets, to get gussied up for our evening plans of journeying to Monacos' one and only... Monte-Carlo! Hello, this place is in another country (Monaco)... meaning, I have now been to London, France, and Monaco in a matter of one weeks span. Facts: the casino is built on rock, James Bond: Casino Royale was filmed there in 2006, it was built in 1858, and I WENT THERE!

Upon our arrival, our driver pulled up to what looked to be a vintage Lamborghini from the 60's with a guy and a girl who were only from the late 80's. Gosh, do these people have cash money here on the bay area. We then strolled around the gardens that are filled with large water structures, perfectly trimmed green grass, and flowers of many colors before we head over to Café de Paris for our reservation. With the title of the restaurant being accurate to the style of the food, I then learn again that the French eat so well. I also learned that no matter where you are in Europe (a.k.a. Monte-Carlo!), it is always appropriate to scream and clap during the World Cup playing on the television beside you. After trying a strawberry tiramisu for the very first time, I was very pleased with the ending note to this meal. Yet, mama Lucia ordered an Italian beverage titled "limoncello"which I had tasted earlier in the day yet with a different taste, and Luiz had promised that the 'limon' flavor was much more delightful... but no matter how good it is for your digestive system, I couldn't get over the feeling that I was drinking pure rubbing alcohol. When in France......

What is one to do while visiting Monte-Carlos you ask? GAMBLE, OF COURSE! That was the exact plan that we partook in after our delectable meal. We went down to a casino located below the grand building, and of course the whole casino was paused to finish watching the finale of the World Cup game which led to Spain taking the championship title for 2010. See ya never, le Dutch. Afterwards, we proceeded on with one game of Roulette, where Luiz sat down with € 50 on the table and with only slipping one more chip in, he asked what number I thought he should place it on... and I said "trois"... and, the little ball spun around the wheel with a halting stop on the number.... 3!!! I WON, I WON! That's right folks.. I, Lauren Arther, (with the help of my manfriend Baba Luey) walked out of one of the Monte-Carlos casino with € 190 in my wallet.

Bonjour nouvelles chaussures, au revoir Monte-Carlos!