November 11, 1918
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Decided to do Monte Carlo again so caught the 7 o’clock tram and reached there at 8.30. Had a breakfast of 2 rolls and coffee and entered the Casion sharp at 9 o’clock. It was very grand and I visited all the tables, the private rooms, seeing some tables in motion, and the theatre again. ‘Twas very beautiful, ceilings painted and decorations, etc. first rate. Next went into the Hotel du Paris, the grandest in the place.
We then took the funicular railway to La Turbie, a height which overlooks Monte Carlo and the view was magnificent. An old Roman tower here was very interesting, and traces of fortifications could be seen by which this part was prepared for any invasion. An English nurse we met advised us to visit an old monastery at Larghet so we walked to the village and were well repaid for our effort. The Church was covered with crude pictures representing accidents, etc. from which people had escaped and their faith in the Virgin was thus demonstrated.
They were extremely funny and we spent an amusing half hour over them. Inside were trinkets and photos left by people desirous of aid, and a number of crutches and leg supports of children, left behind by people who visited the Church and went away cured. The Cure was very renowned and people visited him from all parts. Had lunch at the local inn and very decent, the proprietor being quite excited by our presence.
Caught the train back at 1.30. People were beginning to get excited from the news of the signing of the Armistice. Bunting was appearing everywhere and we were greeted on all sides by happy smiles. We caught the tram next to Mentone in company with a host of Yanks and all along the route we were cheered lustily, here we met cabs which drove us to the Italian frontier about 2 miles away where we amused ourselves by walking into Italy and purchasing postcards which went through the Italian post office.
Returned to Mentone, witnessed some processions and joymaking and caught the tram back to Nice. Had dinner at Hotel and then went up town to be in the celebrations. The Aussies, being tired of being taken for Yanks, lined up with an Australian flag and paraded the streets.
They gave us a wonderful reception, Vive l’Australien! coming from all sides, and we were pelted with confetti, whilst with some French buglers in front and half the population tailing up behind, we did the main thoroughfare, singing “Australia will be there.” Dancing and kissing was the order of the night and I sought my couch at 1.30a.m.