The Ni Box, Monte-Carlo, Monaco
"Monte Carlo (French: Monte-Carlo, Occitan: Montcarles, Monégasque: Monte-Carlu) is one of Monaco's administrative areas,[1] sometimes erroneously believed to be a town or the country's capital, just as Monaco-Ville. The official capital is the city of Monaco, which shares the exact same territory as the country itself [2] (Monaco is a city-state).
"Monte Carlo, which lies in the French Riviera on the Mediterranean Sea in Monaco is surrounded by France and close to Italy. It is widely known for its casino. The permanent population is about 3,000. Monte Carlo quarter includes not only Monte Carlo proper where the Le Grand Casino is located, it also includes the neighbourhoods of Saint-Michel, Saint-Roman/Tenao, and the beach community of Larvotto. It borders the French town of Beausoleil (sometimes referred to as Monte-Carlo-Supérieur)." Wikipedia, See Link 2. The newest building in Monte-Carlo is the Ni Box which just opened on April 25, 2010.
"A curvaceous white building overlooking the sea, resembling a transatlantic liner, has been arousing people's curiosity for several months. It's the Ni Box, a new world of amusements dreamed up by the creators of the "Ni" concept, which already comprises the Ni Hotel, the Ni Bar and Ni Tapas.
"Ni Box is a unique experience. It’s a new way to enjoy your leisure time. In a setting of contemporary architecture, which is both streamlined and welcoming, Ni Box is an innovative, creative space, full of surprises and magic. Bare sculptural concrete, huge glass windows, giant portholes and curved walls set the scene.
"With its skating rink, bowling, a "jorkyball" room, a video games area and a discotheque, the amusements on offer at Ni Box might seem traditional, but they're not at all! The ice-free skating rink on the roof, with a view of the sea, makes skating possible all the year round. The bowling alley is bathed in natural daylight and can be seen from the exterior portholes. "Jorkyball" is a new take on indoor football in a brightly coloured space. The video games and simulators are just some of the new amusements waiting to be discovered. The discotheque overlooking the sea has a space that is entirely devoted to movement and music, around a central bar. Finally, to satisfy every appetite, Ni Box also has a new generation McDonald's, with an emphasis on safe and healthy food.
"The Ni Box concept includes an important "peace of mind" approach. Parents can leave their adolescents to enjoy themselves in complete safety in the Ni Box - no money is circulated inside, as everything is paid for with a pre-paid named card, which can also be used as proof of identity and as a loyalty card. Ni Box opening times: 10 am to midnight: from Monday to Thursday and Sunday, 10 am to 4 am: Friday, Saturday and the day before public holidays. NI BOX • 35 bd Louis II • Rond-Point du Portier • Monaco • "(See Link 1.)
Note: For more information on Monaco see Blog Post May 1 and 2, 2010.
Link 1: http://www.visitmonaco.com/en/News/News/Ni-Box-Opens-in-Monaco-on-25-April-2010
Link 2: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monte_Carlo
Photo: Taken in Monte-Carlo, Monico in April 2010 by SW.
