We may be heading towards milder weather, but for me the summer sunshine can’t come soon enough. And while I wait for warmer climes, I’m enjoying reminiscing about the very special trip I took last year.
I’ve not had a chance to tell you about my wonderful holiday in Italy, have I? Firstly, it was a question of should I go at all? Having mobility problems was making me wary of travelling, but how could I not? – it was my eldest granddaughter’s wedding, and the venue for the Big Day was an Abbey in the beautiful region of Tuscany! So, with assurances from Mum and Dad of the bride, hubby and I put ourselves in their hands and off we went!
The four of us drove to the airport and once suitcases, wheelchair and people were unloaded we made our way to the Assisted Travel Desk and then through to security, where we joined the other travellers. Oh, if only people would comply with the rules! It’s not difficult – small containers in a plastic bag, electrical goods separate, individual trays – but no, people were ignoring all this, creating delays and frustration. It may take a little longer, but rules are there for a reason, and surely security is paramount these days?
Anyway, we made it through security and on to departures, and a much needed breakfast. I was then taken to the plane door in my wheelchair and helped to my seat, and on arrival in Italy I was met by staff who looked after us impeccably.
From the airport, we picked up a hire car and drove through beautiful countryside to the wedding venue. This was an old farm converted to accommodation and the wedding was to take place at a ruined Abbey within walking distance. In a nod to our host nation, we had a ‘Pizza & Gelato’ party. Pizza has never tasted so good, and the gelato was served from an old Fiat 500 on a wonderfully balmy evening – what more could we ask for.
On the Wedding Day we met for a pre-wedding buffet before a stroll (in my chair) to attend the wedding service. The Abbey was open to the public so it was odd to have strangers walking around as they took their vows, but the bride and groom took it in their stride, with the bride looking beautiful (and the groom didn’t scrub up too badly either!) The wedding reception later was magical, complete with fireworks and the cutting of the cake all set against the backdrop of the illuminated Abbey. The perfect end to the perfect day!
I wouldn’t have missed all this for the world, and now I know it’s possible to enjoy travel despite my mobility restrictions, there’ll be no stopping me!