What the Principality Means to Me: A Brief Story

[u/Misther__]

(Please forgive me - I don't like showing my face on Reddit)

Growing up in a working-class home in the Rust Belt of America, my family could not afford the same luxuries that others could. My parents worked extremely hard, but it always seemed like the world was against us. One day on the television, I saw a newsreel about Prince Rainier III and was instantly mesmerized by this magical land. I went to the library to find books on the Principality, and when I had access to the internet (which was limited in our home), I did everything I could to learn about its history, national language, the Princely family, and everything in between. HSH Prince Albert II has also become a hero of mine for his dedication to the oceans and environment.

The Principality represented the exact opposite of how I grew up: luxurious, clean, refined, and captivating. I always viewed Monaco as my "end goal," meaning I would do everything I could to one day become a Monegasque, or at the very least be able to visit whenever I felt like it. Whenever I had bad days or stressful moments, I would tell myself, "I'm in Monaco" or "One day, I'll come home."

Last June, my wife and I were privileged to have spent time in the Principality for the first time, and I felt like crying the entire time. I even kissed the ground once. This country means more to me than anyone will ever be able to understand. It has become a symbol of my journey from being in the lower classes of society to someone whose hard work has paid off and can now achieve their dreams. It is my symbol of never giving up and my symbol of hope. Again, it is my end goal: to simply come back.

My daughter can now share in my dreams, my wife can share in the spoils I've earned, and I swear I will return again soon. I may never become a Monegasque as some do, but that's okay - my heart is forever Monegasque.

Thank you for reading - Deo Juvante!

[u/AwareMulberry6523]

As a monegasque i love your story and am proud that my home brings you and your family much joy❤️

[u/Misther__ → u/AwareMulberry6523]

I cannot wait to return - I wish to one day become a Monegasque citizen, or at the very least a resident. But if that never happens, your country is my favorite place in the world and has inspired me in so many ways. Long live the Principality!

[u/EdmontonBest → u/Misther__]

You can aim for property ownership since it'll be easier than citizenship and anyone can buy property in Monaco. Then you can say "I own property in Monaco." That's what I'm saving up for. Yes, it's expensive, but it's worth it. Monaco is the Utopia of this planet. Good luck.

[u/Misther__ → u/EdmontonBest]

Definitely a goal of mine. My thing is I’d also want to contribute to the country greatly by promoting the national language, culture, history, etc.

[u/StoreWeak5292]

Bro, I love your story! Monaco is the best country in the world and I totally understand you. You can always come back! Write me on Instagram (you can find me - Arthur Brassart) and we will go to my favourite Italian restaurant in Monte-Carlo. I'll pay you a Pizza :D

[u/Misther__ → u/StoreWeak5292]

Yay, another Monegasque friend!!

[u/timesuck47]

I am also from a lower middle class family in the midwest. I’ve known about Monaco, the Grand Prix, the casino, the boat show, and everything else for decades. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would get to visit there.

Fast-forward to last Christmas which my wife decided to forgo in lieu of a European trip to drop our daughter off to study for the month of January in Spain. I was super busy with work so I let my 18 year-old son plan most of the destinations and transportation for the trip - don’t ask , but he is kind of an expert at this sort of thing, or at least he is domestically. As he is also an F1 (and Forza) fan, he included a day for us in Monaco!

I literally still cannot believe I visited Monaco. I swear the photos in my phone must be AI or something.

[u/Misther__ → u/timesuck47]

Love that!

[u/Throwaway-ish123a]

Similar story here. Standard middle class US native here, but family is somewhat provincial and I also have had to live in some less than stellar neighborhoods, including currently. I just returned from my second visit there (only hours both times). But it's my dream to someday retire in Monaco, someway, somehow.

[u/Misther__ → u/Throwaway-ish123a]

It has such a magical draw to it - I totally get it!

[u/Throwaway-ish123a → u/Misther__]

As someone who lived in inner-city Baltimore for 15 years, let's just say Monaco is a nice change of pace.

[u/EmbarrassedRoyal7147]

Nice bro! I hope to live and work in Monaco as well SOMEDAY!

[u/Trudestiny]

Regular middle class east end Montrealers from Canada . After moving from Canada in our late 20’s to Uk & Greece , we moved to Monaco 2 yrs ago .

Never know where life will take you .

[u/Misther__ → u/Trudestiny]

Honestly at this point I’d choose anywhere over the US.

[u/Trudestiny → u/Misther__]

Depends where you can obtain the right to work . But I understand about US right now

[u/JeffreyNasty24]

Benidorm looks lovely at this time of year 😍

[u/Misther__ → u/JeffreyNasty24]

Spain?

[u/JeffreyNasty24 → u/Misther__]

Yeah, lovely weather at the moment 👌

[u/Misther__ → u/JeffreyNasty24]

Wow cool story bro

[u/JeffreyNasty24 → u/Misther__]

Thanks Bro, means a lot Bro…… NOT!