My travel, accommodation and meals were covered by the company I was providing news coverage for. There were also dinner functions planned for the evenings after work, so I had no need to worry about basic travel costs.
But I was concerned about what I would do in-between conference sessions, interviewing people or writing stories. The South African currency (Rand) offers less value when compared to a Euro, having a ratio of about 11:1 in favour of the Euro. Still, I was determined to find new and interesting things to do which cost nothing, or need minimal cost. Here is what I found out:
1. You don't have to pay to go to church
I found the description of the Church of Mercy compelling enough to include in my itinerary. Built in 1639 on the Place de la Mairie (in the Old Town), the church has religious art which includes a wood carving of Jesus Christ that was done by the official sculptor to the Emperor Napoleon I.
If you're seriously into historical church buildings, you might also want to check out Monaco Cathedral and the Church of Sainte-Devote. Me? I decided to visit some gardens.
2. Monaco has beautiful gardens
I love going to the park and visiting public gardens, so setting aside time to visit the Casino Gardens and Terraces, Fontvieille Park and the Princess Grace Rose Garden fits my agenda. I've also never been in a Japanese garden, so I'll have a chance to see something completely new.
3. Learn about art
Speaking of learning something new, I'd love to say I know a lot about artists such as Fernando Botero, Claudio Bravo, Dale Chihuly, Chen Yifei, Arnaldo Pomodoro, Manolo Valdés and Jacques Lipchitz. But I had to look their names up on Google after learning thegallery is showng their works. Still, the gallery is worth checking out, if only to expand my range of cultural experiences.
4. Some things are worth the money
I would have loved to start my tour by watching Monte-Carlo Story Presents: "Monaco le Film," as it presents an overview of the origin, the history and the future of the Principality.
The 35-minute show, which is shown daily at the Terrasses du Parking du Chemin du Pêcheur costs six euros for adults. But it's money well-spent to gain insight into the country. Unfortunately, the theatre is closed from November 1 to December 25.
I would also have loved to visit the Prince's Palace, but unfortunately the apartments are closed from November to May. Why do I get the feeling I'm going to visit the country at a very bad time, when many of the interesting venues are closed?
There are many more places to visit while in Monaco which don't cost much. For example, you can visit the museums, many of which cost less than ten Euros. You can even go on a tour on a catamaran-like boat and see some impressive undersea life forms.
