Just a couple of scribblings about the places we visited on recent weekends

monaco: the place has nothing much going for it. without the f1 track and casino, its really just like any other sea-side attraction. for me, being there first hand really showed the combined power of these two attractions... and puts singapore's decisions in a different light.

marseille: out of nice, monaco, and marseille, i found marseille most real, and hence most interesting. had an excellent time wandering about the arab quarter (which reminded me of bahrain), buying the cheapest tomatoes and bananas that i've seen in france, watching the kids play soccer, visiting the atas but beautiful notre dame cathedral, the fish market by the port...

french gorges: super long day trip with the "definitely safe to travel agency", or dsta, over easter weekend just to see these pieces of rock, but was worth it. thought it would be just like the grand canyon, but it was more breathtaking and had more varied scenery. also less touched by tourism. worth a visit if you are in the area.