The first highlight was my experience in the airport. You may be wondering why the airport was significant for me. It was due to the fact that up to my recent trip to Monaco I hadn't flown in an airplane since 1996 when I went to America with my mother to attend a family wedding. You can imagine the tension I was in due to the fact that I didn't know how I would fare with the security procedures which were totally new to me. I flew with Aer Lingus Dublin to Nice, my bags had been checked in on-line prior to the date so when I went to the Aer Lingus desk I handed my passport to the man behind the check-in desk.
My stomach was in a knot because I was worried about the customs and if I would have to be lifted out of my wheelchair and have the cushion lifted up to check for drugs. To my surprise none of that happened and I was also anxious because I have to take medication and I had to fill out lots of medical forms and submit them at least 10 days before the flight so I thought the bags I was carrying would be searched and my personal assistants interrogated but this did not happen.
My friend travelling with me was not so fortunate. Her bags were searched and she had forgotten the limit of 100ml for any sort of liquid. I however was just patted down and told to have a nice holiday.
The second highlight was actually being on the airplane. This was an experience I never thought I would have again.
The third was waking up the first morning in Monaco and having the patio doors of the apartment opened and feeling the heat of the Monaco sun before having breakfast on the balcony.
My fourth and most important hightlight was meeting His Serene Highness Prince Albert II who presented me with a scarf which depicts the Grimaldi family history as designed by Princess Grace. I was told by one of the trustees that it is only something that the Prince himself gives, so please note it is NOT for sale...
;-)
