Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 398
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[Page 398]
Coad Cliff track almost to Monte Carlo. A delightful walk this rugged pine clad country. Many fine villas here overlook the ocean. The Home itself is a very fine pile – accommodating about 180 officers with necessary staffs. The Dining room I understand will seat about 500. Thoroughly enjoyed afternoon tea at 4.30 PM I really felt very tired after my morning and afternoon strolls. Played bridge with our party of Generals till 11 PM
Friday 22nd March
Called on General Monash at his Hotel MentonE at 10.45 AM. With him took train to Monte Carlo. Had lunch at the Cafe de Parisand afterwards spent a very enjoyable hour in looking round the town. Specially visiting the Casino, Opera House, looking in at the Gaming Tables, and generally admiring and criticizing Architecture and Gardens. I was exceedingly interested to find that the fine vista between the Casino and the Bank is flanked with palms and trees most of which came from Australia. I refer especially to Cabbage Tree palms, Currajong and Moreton Bay figs. Also, I have seen quite a number of fine specimens of Australian eucalyptus.
At 2.30 PM we boarded the rack and pinion railway leading from Monte Carlo to La Turbie. The ascent is very steep and the highest point reached is about feet. Leaving the town of La Turbie we walked to the Grand Corniche route and thence westwards for about 3 kilometres. Then taking a short cut down the hill side to the lower Corniche road we reached the interesting old village of Eze. We walked through it till we finally reached the old keep at the summit. From this point there is a magnificent panorama extending for the full 360°. We then walked down a well graded track to the seaside, about 3 kilometres, and took train back to Monte Carlo, then changed and continued the journey back to the Hotel. One gets a fine view of Monaco while coming through and later I shall hope to inspect the Museum and the Prince's palace. Generally the mountains and gorges are very interesting, much terracing everywhere, and much cultivation of vines and olive trees, also lemons. The Harbour works at Monaco and in fact all engineering work in the district in the way of viaducts, bridges, roads, etc. impress one as being of excellent design and construction. Altogether a very interesting day and full of pleasure and not the least being conversation on many topics with General Monash.