Monaco

We've all heard of Monaco, whether it's from the Formula One race, James Bond, or the obscene number of superyachts floating around the harbour. Being less than an hour from Nice by train, it felt like a mandatory day trip, and I'm glad we made it.

The city-state is exactly what you'd expect and somehow still surprising in person. Everything is immaculate, everything is expensive, and everyone looks like they've never had a bad day in their life. Will and I walked down to the beach where I swam in the Mediterranean for the first time on exchange, which alone made the trip worth it. But the highlight was easily the Monte Carlo Casino. Walking in felt less like entering a gambling hall and more like stepping into some kind of sacred institution, all ornate ceilings and men in suits taking themselves very seriously. We both won at Blackjack, which felt fitting.

Monaco is ultimately a place best experienced when someone else is paying. The fancy cars and luxury boutiques are fun to walk past, but you're always a little aware that you're a tourist in someone else's fantasy. If I'm ever rich enough to do it properly I'll come back. For now, I was happy to cross another country off the list with a little extra cash in my pocket.