by Christos Zabounis

On September 25, the “Monaco Boat Show” opened its doors. Already from the past week, yachts and super yachts, mainly from the Mediterranean, had begun to dock at the piers of Port Hercules – oh yes, Hercules! I watch the workers set up the kiosks of shipyards, boat rental companies, watchmaking houses, but also interior decoration. For four days, the Principality will experience a consumer “flood” from its well-to-do visitors, as well as from their wives. With an area of ​​only 2.1 sq. km., of which one has been added in recent years, following sea embankments, it is the richest country in Europe, with an average per capita income exceeding 200,000 euros per year. Of interest is the ratio of police officers per resident, 1 in 500, as well as property yields, which present a problem: the lack of supply. No, Monaco was not a Greek colony, like the neighboring Marseille, but according to one theory, it got its name from the temple of Heracles Monikos, who was worshiped there. Also, Monte Carlo is not its Italian name, but a district northeast of the Palace. In 1297, Genoese pirates disguised as monks – hence the alternative theory for its name – captured the eponymous rock (Le Rocher) and founded the Grimaldi dynasty. Their descendant is the current reigning prince Albert II, son of Rainier the 3rd and the American actress Grace Kelly. The last time I visited the Principaute was at his wedding to South African swimmer Charlene Witstock in 2011. At the time, I was struck by Philippe Bouvard’s description: “In a few years, maybe several, the euro may not exist , America may be bankrupt, but royal weddings will always make us dream.”