It was Sept. 14th . . .
It was September 14th 1982 when Princess Grace and her daughter Princess Stephanie were in their car having a "Mother and Daughter" chat, when Grace suffered a stroke and plummeted off the road known as the Grand Corniche. It was September 14th 2000 when we boarded our coach in Nice for a splendid evening of dinner and gambling in Monte Carlo, Monaco. We drove that same Grand Corniche that night. Our Tour Manager Kate and our Driver Rocket (he's a phenomenal driver, honest, his name is more about his appearance than his prowess behind the wheel, which believe me is astounding to say the least) sprung for champagne as we stopped along the Corniche for a photo stop and a toast to Princess Grace. We all had goose bumps as Kate told us that story about Grace, it was really neat.
Nice and Monaco were absolutely amazing. In Monte Carlo, we were just up the road from the Royal Palace having dinner when Prince Rainier and Princess CAroline left the palace for St. Nicholas's Cathedral (a mere 2 blocks away from our restaurant) to go to Princess Grace's final resting place there. 2 in our group, Alex and Monica from Mexico opted out of the dinner and got a far greater treat when they saw the Prince and Princess at the CAthedral. I have asked for, and they have promised me a copy of the picture they took.
Today we are in Florence for a very short stay. Last night's dinner was a blast with much wine, singing and dancing. Boy these Italians really know how to party. Kate our Tour Manager even managed to astound us with a few "Bus Gymnastics" on the ride back to the hotel. Did I mention how great the people on this tour are . . . we have a really super bunch together, we are soooo lucky!
Well this afternoon it will be off to Venice for 2 days and then to Innsbruck and then Munchen! I'm getting closer to the Oktoberfest and my Bavarian blood is rushing through my veins at a faster pace than usual! I really can't wait!
I hope no one is expecting souvenirs, because I haven't bought a single thing and there is only a week left to go. There is so much to see and so little time to see it, I can't wait to come back here. Anyways, I hope chocolate and gummi bears will be enough to appease you all! (Stephanie, stop smiling) ,-)
I miss you all. Take care and we'll talk to again if all goes well from Venice. If I can pry my fingers off the wine bottle and my butt out of the gondola long enough to accomplish it!
Ciao Everyone!
Ricky
More from Ulrica here