Hobnobbing with the High Society

Tuesday found us hiking over the hill to Cap Ferrat -- the land of the uber rich, I-want-to -be-alone rich, like Tina Turner and Elton John.

We had had tantalizing glimpses of the rich and maybe famous already. Large, luxurious yachts were moored across the bay, with people being shuttled in smaller boats to and from the mainland; very expensive Porsches, Jaguars and BMWs (with Monaco plates, no less) parked in the middle of the road with little regard to any pedestrian or car inconvenience, as they disgorged their haut couture inhabitants who sauntered into their chosen restaurants; a huge Hummer parked outside a very expensive restaurant with pink disco balls and many champagne pails; little red laser lights danced on the pavement before the restaurant, bringing to my fanciful mind the pointers that snipers use (for those who come too close). Talk about mixed signals.

So, like Robin Leach (old reference) we wanted to join. Under the guise of a little walk before settling in the surf and sand, we climbed the stairs at the end of the beach and were immediately transported into another world of giant wrought iron gates (with separate service entrances), gardeners, and security cameras. Like little kids peering through the window at candy store, Mom and I checked out the places. A little like Bridle Path only, more rich and exclusive. All too soon, we decided to move on, before the dogs were let loose (and they did have some watch dogs as well as the cautionary signs).

Then it was off to a more approachable venue - La Villa Ephrussi de Rothchild, once owned by the Baronne de Rothchild of the bankers fame. I could live there quite easily - just as luxurious as Schonbrunn only more homier, kind of.

The gardens are what you check out there, complete with dancing waters (fountains) that are timed to music, and all kinds of differently-themed gardens. The gardens were amazing, even this late in the season, and the view of Villefranche and Beaulieu/Cap Ferrat was breathtaking, not to mention the birds-eye view of many other estates. A lot of money in those babies.

In keeping with our desire to experience the "better" life, we decided to splurge and have tea, but not crumpets, in the tearoom. The gilded wooden chairs with dusty pink cushions had us surreptitiously brushing the back of our pants before we sat down, very gingerly, mind you. Not quite in the Lazyboy hefty size that we are accustomed to. Very dainty, you know. We also obviously had to remember our manners, no slurping tea from the saucer in this room.

Especially as we were being overseen by the waiter, complete with gold trim waistcoat. All very proper, you know. Overlooking the gardens and the bay, we lifted our pinkie fingers and absorbed the ambience. A piece of apple pie (French style) complete our fantasy. We could be civilized too.

All too soon, we toddled back down the road and returned to our reality - sunning ourselves on "our" beach, eating our homemade ham and cheese baguette, and then going for a swim with our little fishes.

And nobody cared if we licked our fingers after eating our oranges.

Villa Ephrussi de Rothchild, Cap Ferrat">More photos from the garden.