Its back!!! Yes I have come up with another fabulous way to blow that hard earned bonus or tax return. Just in time for spring how about checking out a little high quality auto racing in the principality of Monaco. All the details are below:

The Monaco Grand Prix is the most historic and prestigious road race in the world, drawing thousands of visitors to the fairy-tale Mediterranean destination of Monaco. We have exclusive access to take part in all the glamorous action of Grand Prix weekend (May 25th-28th) from aboard a luxury mega-yacht in Monaco’s legendary harbor.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience offers five-star luxury services aboard a 200-foot private yacht moored in the harbor for the four days and nights surrounding the Grand Prix. Each day guests will enjoy exquisite cuisine, unlimited on-board hospitality and spa services, exclusive celebrity parties and designer events, and of course, all the exciting racing action of the Grand Prix. A nightly evening reception includes open bar, dancing, a buffet dinner, and celebrity DJ each night until 3:00am. This is the perfect opportunity to experience one of the world’s most celebrated luxury events with an unparalleled level of style and access.

The four-day, all-inclusive experience costs USD 15,000 per couple. Overnight accommodations in Monaco’s luxurious hotels can be arranged, as well, for an additional cost.

Okay Okay so I went a bit over budget, but come on, fast cars, crazy parties and a yacht, are you thinking what I am thinking?

Having just returned from my first trip to China, I have one word to summarize it all - WOW.  The picture above is taken from the 29th floor apartment I was staying in for a week in the Central Business District of Beijing.  As you can see, there are some enormous buildings, all of which are surrounded by additional construction.  And this going on ALL OVER Beijing. 

We were staying in the CBD, but had to travel 45 minutes each morning to get to Tshinhua University up in the Northwest corner of the city.  Needless to say, nearly the entire drive had scenery like the picture above - big buildings interspersed with small buildings interspersed with run-down hovels.

This trip was a perfect example of “see it to believe it”.  You can read all the stories about the phenomenal growth in China, but it never really sinks in until you are right in the middle of Beijing (or any other city for that matter) seeing the increased level of activity for yourself.  To be sure, this kind of growth wouldn’t be possible without some fundamental drivers.  In my opinion, it comes down to the people in China and their passion for education, but more on that later.

For this weary traveler, all it took was one week to fall in love with China and the Chinese people.  I can only hope to return again soon.