I'm a young 64-year-old woman living in Juno Beach, Florida. Unfortunately, because I suffer from severe rheumatoid arthritis, I'm unable to walk without the assistance of a cane or walker. I must use a wheelchair in order to navigate through airports and malls.

Nevertheless, I look upon my physical setbacks as a challenge rather than a disability, and I try not to let it keep me from enjoying life to its fullest. For example, when a friend who was to accompany me on a trip to Europe last August had to cancel, I decided to go solo rather than postpone. I looked forward to this trip for many months and wasn't going to let anything stand in my way. As a recovering drug and alcohol abuser (sober since 1986), I am accustomed to overcoming daunting challenges. Next to this lifelong struggle, a trip to Europe and Israel was going to be a piece of cake!

My story may not seem at first blush to be newsworthy. However, each day millions of disabled Americans forego activities that would enrich their lives. Thus, my small tale of simple triumphs may well be worth the telling as I chronicle the trip's day-to-day activities.

The Only Way To Fly

Thursday, August 16, 2007
I planned an early morning flight from New York to Paris in order to avoid unnecessary swelling of the feet and a night without sleep. I had a delightful evening in New York City the night before the flight. I chose a hotel close to the airport so I would be well rested for my Air France flight.

Before I boarded the plane, my faithful wheelchair was checked and was even given a handicapped emblem. That was a first.

As I boarded the plane, four crew members escorted me to my seat. "How lovely," I thought, "to receive such fine service."

"Would you prefer the left side of the plane or the right?" asked one of the crew members. "We have only 9 passengers in Business First so you may choose from several seats if you wish." I decided on an aisle bulkhead seat. This gave me extra leg room and an opportunity to observe passengers as they boarded the plane. In my mind, I love to categorize people: extremely well dressed, designer-fashionable, casual-chic, hurried professionals who don't care how they look, and, of course, slobs. I usually smile and make a mental note as to how many people return the smile with the same.

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I had a delightful time with the wonderful male crew, all lean, tall men with beautiful white teeth and sexy accents. (I left the women crew to the other passengers.) We talked, and I ate and joked while I watched a movie. I was in the company of the crew, who kept feeding me very fine food and delightful snacks. Thank you, Air France, for the finest service and a most delightful flight.

Continue reading Karen's travel diary by browsing the links below.

Part 2: [0] Karen recounts her speedy tour through Paris, as well as a startling encounter with pushy locals in Venice.

Part 3: [0] Karen departs for an adventure-filled 12-day cruise trip. She finds that excursions for the "partially-abled" are not readily available, but she discovers a few tricks to putting together her own tour of Venice.

Part 4: [0] Karen begins her Internet research and arranges for six more excursions to the cities of Dubrovnik, Sorrento, Rome, Monte Carlo, among others.

Part 5: [0] In the last leg of Karen's trip through Europe, a magnificent sightseeing trip to Monte Carlo is overshadowed by a startling experience at the airport.