2 gardens and an aquarium

Yesterday I organised a full day of activities for Jamie and his mother. Jamie is a keen marine biologist and our first port of call was the Oceanographic Museum in Monaco which houses an aquarium. Over the years I have visited a number of aquariums without Jamie’s enthusiasm for the marine world although I am always struck by the vivid colours of tropical fish. At least we were spared here eco lessons of gloominess accompanied by a donation request and the fish were well presented in pleasant aquatic conditions of large tanks and corals.

We then went to the Exotic Gardens nearby which had numerous cacti and spectacular view over the coastline and Monte Carlo which has clearly run out of building space.

Our final visit was the Hanbury Gardens just over the Italian border. We did not notice we had crossed the border as there are no signs. It’s the 150th anniversary of these gardens built by Sir Thomas Hanbury and his brother Daniel. Aside from 5000 plants there are statues, a tomb, fountains, grottoes as you descend to the sea.

In ascending Jamie’s mother and myself said we did not need a cardiac stress test till next year . We puffed and blowed and complained of tired limbs but we made it. We rewarded ourselves with a delicious ice cream and cappuccino in Bordighera before returning to base. These Gardens are a hidden gem and well worth a visit.

Jamie has made 2 friends here he has called Pierre and Felicite. These are two suede coloured plump pigeons who pass by at 6.00 pm to partake of our pistachios. Both strut around the balcony table self importantly and we wonder if tomorrow they will bring their whole family to the feast.

Finally we joined Michel for a pizza and watched a game of 2 halves with Real Madrid coming back from one down to beat Bayern 2-1. Having just visited Monaco we rooted for them in the earlier rearranged game. They played well but the Boruusia Dortmund side looked in every sense shell-shocked.