Rainer Birkle
was spotted in Monte Carlo, sporting a fabulous FIBS T-shirt.
Being in the south of France is a little like being on the set of
Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, only you probably aren't famous,
and after a few days there, you won't be rich anymore. After a week,
I thought nothing of spending $5 for a Coke, a cup of coffee, or a
bottle of water. A $30 dinner was a steal. The most expensive
shocker, though, was going dancing at Jimmy Z. $40 for a beer? Well,
I don't have to worry about getting drunk.
Rainer Birkle
was spotted in Monte Carlo, sporting a fabulous FIBS T-shirt.
The World Backgammon Championships were held at Loews Hotel and Casino, and incredible nearly-palatial place built right at the edge of the sea. Don't try to carry your own bags, or you'll be snubbed by the bellboys.
Who was the winner?
In addition to the regular tournament goings-on, the
Fred World Team Championships
were held on Friday. Teams of three people each faced off to play
five-point matches. If a team won two out of three, they progressed
to the next round. The members of the winning team each won a watch.
It's a fun, low-pressure end to a great week.
The day after the world championships end, many people trek to Nice for a small tournament at Lido Plage, right on the beach. I suspect that the topless beach beauties a few feet away distracted many of the players. (No photos, sorry.)
The Nice tournament is followed immediately by the Riviera's Cup
tournament at the
Hotel Martinez in Cannes.
The Martinez is a lovely but expensive hotel. While we were there,
James Brown held a press conference in the hotel bar. If you're ever
in Cannes, drop into La Chunga around midnight for some excellent
music. It's just across the street from the Martinez.