GRADUATION IN MONACO

This December, I went back to Monaco to celebrate my graduation. 1,5 years after last setting foot into my university, it was finally time to close this chapter and celebrate the hard work that went into this master’s degree.

December is one of my favorite times of the year in Monaco. Well, if we’re really being honest, every month is my favorite time in Monaco but.. you know 😅 The whole country is decorated so beautifully, so much love is poured into every last detail.

Wherever you go, the entire country lights up at night, it is truly magical. What I especially love about winter in Monaco, is the fact that you can enjoy blue skies and very mild temperatures during the day, but it still gets cold at night. You can easily go out in a T-shirt in the afternoon and then freeze in your coat when going to the Christmas market in the evening. As someone who is used to German winters, this makes it easier for me to still get into the Christmas spirit.

But as I mentioned, the main reason for this trip was my graduation ceremony. In 2023 and 2024, I studied at the International University of Monaco and now it was finally time to come back and celebrate. All the students, their families and friends gathered at the Grimaldi Forum and let me tell you – we had a GREAT time! 🥳

I needed to put this photo in because to be fully honest with you… The throwing of the hat was one of the moments I was most looking forward to from the start and even if it sounds silly, actually a reason for me to sign up for another degree in the first place. After graduating from my bachelor’s, we didn’t have any ceremony at all, so it felt like I really worked for this moment for five years in total. Spoiler: it was worth it! 👩‍🎓

After the ceremony, we of course spent some time taking pictures with all of our friends, families, and fellow students. We knew that this was the day most of us would probably part ways forever, so everyone stayed at the Forum for hours after and we soaked up every moment of this celebratory day.

In the evening, we went for dinner at Maya Bay. It is definitely a known favorite on the lists of restaurants in Monaco, and rightfully so. The sushi is a solid 10/10.

I don’t have any siblings and my boyfriend unfortunately couldn’t join us on this trip, but I was soo so happy to have my best friend there with me. She made this trip even more memorable and everyone thought we were sisters anyway, so my parents pretty much just adopted her for the weekend. Oh, to have friends that feel like family. It truly is the most wonderful thing. 💕

We ended the dinner with some delicious drinks, before heading to the afterparty at Jimmy’z, where I didn’t take a single picture. Always proof for a good time.

The next day, the sun was back out again and so were we. We explored Mareterra, the newly opened neighbourhood that was literally built on the water.

We went for a quick lunch stop at Larvotto Plage. To be able to sit at the beach in midwinter… It makes me emotional thinking about it. I miss living just five minutes away so much.

We obviously couldn’t leave without going for my favorite walk along the Sentier du Littoral, all the way down to Plage Mala. If you ever spend some time in Monaco and enjoy walks by the seaside, this is a must do!

On our last night, we went up to Le Rocher, the oldest neighbourhood of Monaco. From here, you have a perfect view down on the Port de Fontvieille, the small harbour where I spent countless lunch breaks. This is one of my absolute favorite views of all time, I have seen some of the best sunsets here.

No matter where I go, Monaco will always be home. This tiny country is so special in so many ways. Nothing really compares. The memories I made here will last a lifetime, and I know I will always find a reason to come back. See you soon MC, it won’t be long! ❤️🤍