Monaco

I always regret when someone comes to visit and misses out on one of the things they most want to do. Jeff and I still feel bad about our ’93 car trip with my mom and Lisa, when Hannah just wanted to see the Shroud of Turin. We tried. We drove into Torino, we drove around Torino, got lost in Torino, fought in Torino but, sadly, we never made it to the Shroud.

During her recent trip, my friend Robyn wanted to see the stained glass at the Marc Chagall museum in Nice. Sadly, a flat tire on the last day, not to mention a surplus of tennis before then, conspired to keep us away. When Nancy came to visit, she really wanted to go to Monte Carlo. It was on our agenda, but somehow we just didn’t make it those extra kilometers.

Even though the Principality still doesn't make my list of favorites, I've become more fond of Monaco -- at least the French bits.

It started with the Monte Carlo Masters and a fun day out with Roberta and Michelle and our families. (That’s Nadal in the yellow shirt on Center Court behind Luke and Damon.) We saw a gallery of tennis stars play on the famed clay courts - Nadal, Federer, Murray, each taking down a French player much to the chagrin of the French.

The unruly crowd particularly enjoyed booing Andy Murray who continued using his favorite shot -- the drop shot -- despite his opponent's injured ankle. We joined some of the raucous rabble rousers for a glass of wine during the match under the umbrellas perched over the courts where members of the club can enjoy a multi-course lunch during the games. We so enjoyed being spectators at the Monte Carlo Country Club that we decided to go back to play.

The visit of Robyn, Abby and Penny -- all avid tennis players -- provided the impetus to spenda day at the club. That's Robyn and Penny on Center Court, without the stands and crowds but still demonstrating some impressive tennis.

It should be noted that despite the name and glamourous location, the Monte Carlo Country Club is actually just outside of Monaco in France

Michelle and I had another reason to return to Monte Carlo for our friend Jana's vernissage.

Her beautiful paintings, along with a few by her

talented daughter, were shown at a gallery just across from where Michelle's standing in the photo to the left.

After the viewing, the artist kindly invited a group of us back to her apartment with a wraparound terrace looking out over the sea.

"What a beautiful view!" I had to exclaim.

"That's France," replied Jana's charming father, visiting from Liberec in the Czech Republic. He pointed just over the balcony. Sure enough, while the apartment physically sits in Monaco, the gorgeous surrounding were France.