For me, because this was mostly a commercial real estate centered event - I found most interesting the international architects that were there to present some of their more innovative projects currently being built around the world. A big trend was to integrate "green" elements such as solar panels into the actual design, and in some cases even the facade (!), itself. Lots of sustainability ideas were present, as well as the better use of design and layouts to make each home as functional as possible, as many cities continue to move more towards space saving condominium towers. As someone who consults for developers, I did come back with some eye opening concepts I hope to implement in a New York City building soon.
When I wasn't filling my head with an overwhelming amount of real estate concepts, and world markets, I did sneak away to have a little fun during my downtime....
Instead of staying in Cannes, I choose instead to pick a hotel in Nice. This would allow me to take a quick train ride into Cannes each day for the conference, but would also allow me to be away from the crush of all the attendees, save a little money, and be closer to one of my favorite places to spend that extra money - MONACO!
I have been to Monte Carlo, Monaco before - the first time was when I was 20 and my college roommate Irene and I traveled from Seville, Spain (where we were studying at the time) over 20 hours by train to Monaco -only to spend a day and a half there and then turn around in time to make it back to classes the following Monday. Why did we choose this exhausting trip for a long weekend excursion? Well, because back then we watched a lot of "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" and Mr. Leech said we had to go.. so we did. ( This is also how I wound up with a big desire to go to Dubai as well - and finally managed to do so a few years ago)
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| Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
And he was right - it was FABULOUS! A beautiful pink palace, where an american girl from Philly, became a real life princess. A casino with so much history and glamour, complete with frescoes painted on the ceiling as you play blackjack and roulette - literally right out of a James Bond movie. Plus, who can ignore the fancy cars all over the place ? Ferrari's, Bentley's, Rolls Royce's, Porsche's, and every expensive car you have ever heard of, but never seen - is there. As are the super luxury yachts that fill Monaco's marina. The food is amazing being that it is a little cliff side principality nestled between France and Italy - thus the cuisine represents the best of both worlds. And the shopping is to die for!
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| Monaco, Monte Carlo (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
I am happy to say that little has changed since my past visits. Still the same luxurious little gem of a place it has always been. BUT.. more expensive these days. One lunch of fresh mozzarella, some pasta, and a coke light ( diet coke- for us Americans) cost me $65.00! I watched as others ate ice cream sundaes at the famous Cafe de Paris priced at $23.00 each! - For a sundae! The good news, I came back feeling that NYC prices are quite the bargain by comparison!
And now it is back to all things Manhattan real estate for a while at least. I am hoping to attend a real estate conference in St. Petersburg Russia in May! Now, that should be fun!
