Unforgettable Stories: Exploring Nice, France in 1990 with the Influential Women in My Life

In the fading echoes of 1990, a photograph captures a moment frozen in time — an adventure that unfolded in the bustling corridors of the New York airport. Gathered were four generations of strength, love, and wanderlust: my mom, grandmother, and two aunts. Our destination? The sun-kissed shores of Nice, France, where my brother awaited our arrival.

As I revisit this cherished image, memories flood back like the waves of the azure Mediterranean. The anticipation in the air was palpable, a concoction of laughter, excitement, and the unmistakable scent of adventure. In those pre-digital days, we embarked on a ten-day odyssey armed with film cameras, boundless curiosity and those track suits!

Our journey was more than a geographical one; it was a tapestry woven with familial bonds and shared dreams. From strolling along the Promenade des Anglais to savoring croissants in charming cafes, every step was a testament to the joy of exploration and the magic of shared experiences.

Yet, like any adventure, ours had its unexpected twists. As we navigated the charming streets of Nice, my brother, behind the wheel for the first time in the city, had a memorable encounter with French traffic. In a moment of chaos, his attempt to maneuver through the narrow lanes resulted in an unintended brush with another vehicle's mirror. Amidst the commotion and French exclamations directed at us, I found myself quickly grasping the meaning of "Zut adore, Americans!" — a comical introduction to local expressions.

Despite this unexpected hiccup, our journey continued, marked by the resilience that defines family. The mishap became a part of our shared narrative, a story to be recounted with laughter over future family gatherings. Nice, with its azure waters and vibrant streets, became not just a picturesque backdrop but a canvas where the brushstrokes of our shared experiences painted a unique and unforgettable masterpiece.

The snapshot from that airport encapsulates more than just the beginning of a journey; it encapsulates the strength, resilience, and love that connected us. As the years have unfolded, that trip has become a cornerstone in the mosaic of my life, shaping my perspective on family, travel, and the enduring power of shared memories. 

Our journey continued, marked by resilience and laughter. Fast forward to a quaint cafe in Monaco, where my aunt Barbie and I shared an $8.00 eclair and indulged in a $3.00 hot canned Coca Cola, creating a memorable tableau of gastronomic delight and comical complaints.

The laughter continued as we engaged in a hilarious game of charades with the small-town pharmacist. In search of wristbands to ease nausea for the flight home, our charades skills were put to the test. Pantomiming an airplane and pretending to throw up led to the pharmacist’s amused realization. “Mal de coeur,” she explained, meaning “sick to the stomach” — a moment that transformed a mundane pharmacy visit into a hilarious memory etched in my mind. 

As time has unfolded, only my aunt Barbie and I remain from those captured in that photograph. In a bittersweet twist, the $8.00 eclair, the $3.00 hot Coca Cola, and the laughter-filled charades with the pharmacist serve as reminders of a journey that goes beyond the geographical, weaving the threads of family bonds and unforgettable moments into the fabric of our lives. The photograph may age, but the stories it holds remain evergreen, a testament to the enduring spirit of those who shared in that magical adventure.

So here's to that vintage adventure, where the echoes of laughter and the rustle of boarding passes still resonate. A journey not just across borders but through time, immortalized in the images of nostalgia. In the heart of every traveler lies a trove of such tales, and this one, set against the backdrop of Nice, France, is a cherished gem in the treasury of my memories, a DIAMOND for sure!