How I learned to climb daunting stairs in Monaco

Recently, while strolling with my dog in Central Park near Bethesda Foundation, I was presented with a decision: take the gentle, meandering path up the hill, or confront the steeper staircase toward the Mall and Literary Walk. This time, I chose the latter.

As I began my ascent, zigzagging between the flights of steps, a vivid memory emerged from my childhood. I recalled my nanny’s voice, guiding my five-year-old self on how to conquer the ‘Escalier des Gaumates’—the intimidating stairs that rose to meet the Boulevard the Suisse, the street of our home. To my eyes, they seemed to stretch toward the heavens.

“Walk up in a zigzag,” Nanny had suggested.

“But I can’t,” I had protested.

“Yes, you can do it. Just try. Just walk in an angle like this," she had explained, demonstrating a diagonal stride that alternated from one side of the staircase to the other.

“It’s your turn,” she encouraged.

I imitated her technique. To my amazement and delight, it worked; the climb became less intimidating. Step by step, I ascended higher, my breath steady and my spirits buoyed by the small victory. 

That day, and in many moments since, Nanny imparted lessons of value. Indeed, I was a fortunate child to have her guidance.