Location: Monaco
I step on to Caroline, an 80-foot yacht from the old stone wharf in Monaco with a delicious sense of anticipation. This is my new home and office for the next five months.
14 April – Living the dream
April 15 – Exploring Monaco
Location: Monaco
After a whirlwind tour of the boat’s systems, Bill and I spent yesterday unpacking and wandering around Monaco. It is freezing cold and I’m glad I packed my thermals.
April 16 – A different work ethic
Location: Monaco
It has taken me three days to get my new French sim card to work – I had to walk all the way back up to the original shop where I bought it, yesterday and today, to complain before it magically started working properly. Continue reading “April 16 – A different work ethic”
April 18 – Faking it
Location: Monaco
Sitting in the salon going through the photographs we took today. There’s one of me all dressed up in my best outfit, sitting outside the casino pretending to be a Montekest or Monegasque or however it is you say that word. It’s kind of difficult when you consider the average wage here is 186,000 euros a year, but I’m subscribing to the ‘fake it till I make it’ theory. Continue reading “April 18 – Faking it”
April 19 – Guppy-faced monster of Monaco (Me)
Location: Monaco
Today we are off to see the final tennis match between Djokovic and Nadal, courtesy of Franco’s tickets. Continue reading “April 19 – Guppy-faced monster of Monaco (Me)”
20 April – Meeting our future neighbours
Location: Santo Stefano Marina del Aregai
Antifouling Caroline is a big job because she’s such a big yacht. The plan is to sail her to the boat yard and pull her out of the water for at least a week while she gets prepared for the journey. Continue reading “20 April – Meeting our future neighbours”
21 April – Hoarding the “billionaire” way
Location: Monaco
When we are not wandering around Monaco or making good use of Franco’s free tickets to various events, we spend our time exploring the boat. Continue reading “21 April – Hoarding the “billionaire” way”
22 April – 15 ways to cure a black eye and thrush
Location: Monaco
Experienced my first disaster yesterday. Discovered that one of several bottles labelled ‘Ammoniaca’ is really gibberish for ‘hydrochloric acid’ and NOT something you should throw around with gay abandon when cleaning mould-spotted walls. Continue reading “22 April – 15 ways to cure a black eye and thrush”
23 April – Note to self: Don’t clog the head… again!
Location: Monaco
We have been invited to have lunch with Anna and Franco at their house today. I am very excited and put on my best outfit, again. Continue reading “23 April – Note to self: Don’t clog the head… again!”
24 April 2013 – Nodding and smiling routine puts me into hot water
Location: Monaco
Franco told us an interesting fact about Monaco yesterday. The country operates under French employment laws. Under these laws, firing someone for non-performance may cost the company anywhere from six months to several years of that person’s salary, depending on their tenure.
Franco explained. “In Monaco if you hire someone, and they are no good, you have to pay them six months salary if you sack them before six months, and far more if they have been working longer. Continue reading “24 April 2013 – Nodding and smiling routine puts me into hot water”