Drool Over This?

Every good writer does research. Hell, every bad writer probably does too.

But I wonder how many writers stumble across something so luxurious, so lavish and rare and expensive, that they think who the eff has that kind of money?

Enter The Streets of Monaco yacht. While researching for Shattered Secrets, I came across this beauty of a yacht?—a town? a new way of life?—and really pondered my miniscule existence on this planet.

I mean, how can anyone afford a yacht that's expected to cost $1.1 billion—that's right, billion—dollars? Why would anyone need something so large that boasts beaches instead of swimming pools, and has enough room for casinos, racetracks, a go-kart track, and a Hotel de Paris?

And how could something so large only house 16 guests? Does anyone else hear brakes squealing? You heard me correctly. 16 guests. Now, it has room for a crew of 70, but look at that thing! Just really look at it. Doesn't it seem that there should be room for hundreds?

So, if it only houses 16 guests, that means it's meant for a family. This is not a new version of a cruise liner. This is someone's personal craft.

Even though I am not using The Streets of Monaco for Shattered Secrets, I did dig a little further into the yacht to see if it's being built for someone.

It is.

Enter Roman Abramovich, Russian-Jewish business tycoon and the main owner of the private investment company Millhouse LLC. He is known outside Russia as the owner of Chelsea Football Club, an English Premier League football team (Wikipedia).

From a quick Google Image search, I see he totes around a pretty woman. Sorry all you single ladies out there; he's taken.

Me? I prefer a down to earth man. And I'm not saying Roman's not, but judging by his taste in watercraft . . . .

I'll choose my husband a million more times before I choose that.

I'm sure my husband's wiping his brow right now, right, honey?

Anyway. Have you ever stumbled across something while researching your novel that made you think OH. MY. GOD?

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