“I am glad you are a wonderful dancer,” she snuggled closer to him. “I love to dance and would be very unhappy not to be able to do so. That is one thing you know that will please me very much. I am so grateful that we have an air of openness between us; let us be sure to always keep that alive.”
They agreed that it was time for them go up to their room and turn in because it had been a long, tiring day. They walked over to tell the people in the band that they had really enjoyed their renditions and loved the music.
“We are on our honeymoon and the romantic music adds so much to the evening. We have a special fondness for this type of music.”
They went up to their room to get ready for bed. She had decided to wear the white nightgown they got when she bought her wedding dress. As she came over to the bed, he let out a sharp, long whistle.
“How gorgeous you are. That is a truly elegant gown. Come here and let me look at it up close.”
As she did, he began to undo the tiny buttons in the front. As they got into bed they spoke about how happy they were and how much each one added to the overall happiness. In such a romantic state it was automatic for them to draw close and make love again as a seal of their love and joy. Then they lay in each other’s arms, fell asleep to dream of their love and pleasure in each other’s company.
When they awoke in the morning they were still in each other’s arms and held each other, kissed, and loved each other. They arose, showered, and got ready to face the day and begin to see the sights.
Todd called to rent a mid-sized car. It arrived after they had finished breakfast at the hotel. They got the camera, video and all they needed to take with them on their tour of the city. Todd had been here many times; Triessa had been here twice for shows. They planned to see the things they had learned of before that everyone longs to see here, like the Arch de Triumph, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Champs Eleysees and stop to walk by the River Seine that flowed through the city. It actually divided Paris into a left bank on the south and a right bank on the north. There were a number of outdoor cafes and sidewalk eateries that were very tempting and fun. They would be sure to visit some of them. Of course the pastry shops must not be left out. They were an art in themselves. They certainly must visit the Louvre and see the great works of art there. They were now tourists and would really live it up.
“Let’s take our time,” suggested Todd. “If we do not see it all today we can do the rest tomorrow. We are not limited in time. We will take all the time we wish wherever we are. I want us to take it all in together. We have been here by ourselves before but this time we are building our lifetime memories and stories for our children and grandchildren. That seems a long ways off now but it will be here one day, surely.”
“Of course, we will want to take lots of movies and photos and keep our scrapbook up-to-date. We can relive this many times after we’re home and not on a trip. We should have two copies made of everything so we can have one at both places. We can show them to our families as well. I am sure they will be interested in seeing them.”
“You know, that sounds like a really great idea. I am so glad you thought of that now at the beginning. We can take pictures in light of what we will want to do with them in the future. You can be my model and I will photograph you from all your best angles, though they all seem great to me. Oh, my love, this is going to be such joy and bliss. We can get someone to take some photos of us in many places also. I am sure they will be glad to help some newlyweds.”
They stopped at the Eiffel tower and went up to the second level to eat, not for hunger’s sake but for memories. They took photos of each other there as well as in the front.
“At times like this I wish I were an artist,” said Triessa with a deep sigh. “What perfect surroundings this would be for a painting.”
“Yes, it truly would be. You see many out there doing just that. Let us see if they will sell us one.”
Indeed, they did find artists there and got a painting. It was good they had the car so they would not have to carry all these items around. They decided to go to the Louvre Palace and the museum to see the great art all at one time. The courtyard was covered with pigeons, hundreds of them, who were well aware that the tourists think them cute and toss them handouts. They only move aside slightly as people go by them and fly only if frightened. There were hundreds of them there and crumbs barely hit the ground before they were gone. Many did not get that far.
They had taken a lot of time inside the Louvre Museum examining many works of art. It was close to noon, so they went back to one of the little outdoor cafes they had just passed. It was easily within walking distance, and they sat down to order a nice, light lunch and take plenty of time to enjoy it. This done, they decided to move on to see the arch and the very famous street with fantastic shops, the Champs Elysees. Here was where the tempting to buy would be very strong so she planned to keep a watchful eye all the time to see what they might wish to purchase.
Afterward they went to see the Notre Dame Cathedral, a must for Parisian visitors. It was the most famous of Paris’ beautiful churches on the Ile de la Cite, an island in the middle of the city, where the city actually began.
By the end of the day they had seen a lot of the things they planned on seeing. He looked at her and said, “Tomorrow we should take a drive out into the country and find a nice little inn where we can spend the night. A romantic little hideaway to spend a pleasant evening and night.”
“That will be wonderful. I think that is a splendid idea. This way we can take our time and not miss the beauty of the countryside for that is where the people live. The city seems like the hustle and bustle of merchants, tourists and people about their business of the day. It will be good to get out and touch the souls of the people living in quiet peaceful surroundings.”
On this note, they started back to the hotel, planning to go up to the room to get ready for dinner in the dining room and then turn in for a good night’s rest so they could be up and out early in the morning. He parked the car in the parking area for the hotel. They went inside, up to the room to shower and change into something a little more appropriate to go downstairs to eat dinner. They ordered a delightful meal and ate it slowly and enjoyed it thoroughly. Coq au Vin, Leek Salad, Spinach au Gratin, Gratin Dauphinois, accompanied with Peches Melba for dessert which was served with chilled Champagne. It was best to live in the moment; if they did not, they would lose so much. They were planning to savor all they could and let it sink in deeply.
Though this was their time and they were enjoying things very much they knew that one day soon they would be back to the real world and reality. Thus they planned a long time to enjoy this while they were in it.
They ate and went upstairs; they were pleasantly tired and sat around a while in the room to enjoy the time and look out the window to see the Eiffel Tower lit up. It was a magnificent edifice and much of it showed up more artistically at night with the lights on. Flood lights shone on Paris’ many magnificent palaces and monuments at night. It was called ‘the City of Light’. It was a spectacular event which they recorded with their cameras to take home for a review whenever the mood struck. They were also keeping a journal to record thoughts and feelings. They did not want to let them escape for they would not be able to recall them later on. After a while they decided it was time to go to bed and get rested up for their trip tomorrow.
They went to bed and turned to hold each other which they planned to be a lifelong custom, for their love was so strong and powerful. They were quickly and so easily drawn together in the act of love and pure delight. They held each other afterward and talked about their love falling asleep in each other’s arms. They slept very well woke up at seven-thirty and knew they were ready for breakfast. They smelled coffee from the hallway and Todd went to get some from the little table outside the door. It was a regular French custom here, with warm cream and croissants waiting by each door in the morning. They just loved it. They sipped thei
r coffee, had a croissant and then showered, dressed and decided to have breakfast brought up to the room today. This way they could eat leisurely and get ready to go on their trip. They did not want time schedules to build up tension. A little table was placed by the window where they could sit and look at the tower. This was the special treat of this room and that was why he called early to reserve it so they could be sure to be here for this special time in their lives.
They finished and got ready to go on the drive out into the country. It was a very nice day, with some sun and some clouds; this would keep it from getting too hot. A gentle breeze kept it very comfortable and refreshing. Having done this before Todd knew the traffic was very high and congested. One really needed to know where he was going to stay clear of getting run over.
They soon arrived out in the country and found some interesting places to park and look around. There was a little park in the town where they went to walk around. A cute little inn was nearby. He had been there before and they went in to reserve a room and asked directions for the best scenery of the area. They put some luggage in the room and got ready to go for the rest of the tour. They drove around and enjoyed the beautiful scenery stopping where they saw things they wanted to linger over and capture in pictures for their future. They stopped for lunch at a quaint little cafe and ordered a delightful lunch with a cool glass of wine. They ate very slowly; this peaceful, rural setting made them feel like going at a much slower pace and they did just that. What a joy to be able to take their time and enjoy everything.
They spent the afternoon driving through the countryside into and out of little villages waiting for the animals to cross the road with their owners and by the time it was getting dusk they headed back to their little hotel to settle in. They went up to the room changed for dinner and went down to eat a light meal. Lights were coming on in the little town and it looked fascinating like a fairy land scene. After dinner was finished they went outside and walked around to enjoy the delightful air before turning in. They soon went in and up to the room to get ready for bed. They went over and stood at the window to watch the lights shining on the small river which wound through the town near their cottage. What a dream come true to be here in such incredible surroundings with someone you love so dearly. This was just the beginning what a marvelous beginning. They went to bed and planned to make further plans tomorrow for their journey onward.
They held each other and recounted many of the exciting events of the day. They talked and laughed a while held and gently stroked each other and breathed deep sighs of contentment. He kissed her forehead, her eyes, her nose and then covered her lips with his and kissed her long and tenderly. Strong feelings stirred deep within her and he knew of her passion by her deep breathing and the quivering of her body. He held her ever closer as if trying to take her within himself yet he knew if he did he would not have her there beside him to hold and to love. They blended into a divine act of love that topped all they had experienced to this time and it ended with ecstasy they had not encountered. They were spellbound and breathless as they lay there beside each other and sighed deeply and long.
Morning was beautiful and there was still much to see here in the countryside. They got up and got dressed for breakfast so they could go see more of the sights. They planned to stay another night so they left most of their belongings in the room being sure to take along the cameras and plenty of film. They drove around and saw little shops. They stopped at some for souvenirs and went by a lovely little pond with swans floating around as if on air. They were much like hers and it made her a bit homesick. She looked up at him and he knew her feelings. He held her and kissed her gently.
“We will soon be back there, my love, to see your swans and your lovely garden. This is a time to season our love and joy.”
They drove around some more. It was time to get lunch so they drove until they found a lovely little cottage-style restaurant. They stopped to go inside and ordered Trout Almondine with vegetables and a salad. Dessert was a special today, Banana Coupe, served with chilled Bordeaux Sauternes. They asked what house wine was available and if they had any suggestions on what would be best with their meal. The waiter nodded his head and brought them a bottle of wine which he had just opened, an Alsace Riesling. He poured a small amount for Todd to try. He did so in the traditional fashion nodded his head and gave Triessa a taste of it.
She smiled and exclaimed, “It is exquisite, let us be sure we know what it is so we can have some at home. It is perfect in every way such a delight to the palate and senses. The bubbles seem to cascade down the throat and tingle as they go. How refreshing and spectacular.”
He looked at her and shook his head in amazement.
“I love your descriptions; they are so alive and leave nothing to the imagination. You are a pure delight in every way, my darling. I want my love and admiration for you to increase to the highest realm of experience and emotion.”
“Thank you, Sweetheart,” she replied. “You are so complimentary and appreciative a quality of high desire and pleasure. I delight in your love and charm.”
After lunch was finished, they drove around some more and went back to the cottage. It had been a wonderful day and they were filled to overflowing with joy and pleasure. It was time to sit and relish it all, to relive and capture it on their memory forever, so even the smallest detail would not go away. They went up to their room and laid on the bed for a while to rest a little before dinner. They were full with love and emotion and did not feel the need for food, though they were sure that would change shortly.
They changed and went down to the dining room to order. The music in the background was soft and romantic. They smiled at each other and held hands across the table. Her beautiful one-of-a kind-ring sparkled in the light and she smiled at him remembering the famous night she received the first one.
Soon the meal arrived. It was Salmon Alsatian, Asparagus with Maitre d’Hotel Butter, Salad Madras, and for dessert, a Creme Renversee. As they started to eat, they talked of the day and the wonderful sights they had taken in both with their eyes and their cameras.
After the meal they went up to their room, got ready and into bed. They lay there holding each other and soon fell asleep. The exhaustion of the excitement of the day had hit them and they were sound asleep in no time.
They awoke the next day surprised at what happened.
“I had no idea I was so tired,” remarked Triessa. “I must have fallen asleep immediately once I relaxed.”
“So did I,” Todd said, admitting a little disappointment. “It truly was one wonderful and exciting day we can store forever. Are you hungry, my precious pet? I am and I think we should get up go eat and make some plans. Our plane leaves for Vienna in the early afternoon. What shall we do before that?”
“Let’s go back over some of the sights here like the tower and other nearby sights. Let’s just walk around and see if there are some smaller things we missed.”
“That sounds delightful,” he replied. They finished eating and began their journey. “If you get tired, my lovely, please say so and we will get a cab.”
They walked around and looked at the river, the birds, the people bustling about and felt glad to be an onlooker and not in the race.
“This time we have time out, my precious. It is pleasure building time and we shall live it to the fullest and store it for the future.”
They wandered around for the morning looking at all the shops and little cafes. They were packed and ready to go so they went up to the room, ordered a taxi, and he called for someone to pick up the rental car. They went down to the lobby to await their taxi which came promptly. They got in ready for another leg of their journey. They arrived at the Charles DeGaulle airport, checked their luggage, boarded and got ready to head for Vienna. What would be there for them? How would they see it together?
CHAPTER 23
They arrived late afternoon. It would be time to check into their hotel and get ready for the eve
ning after their meal. They wanted to see the sights tomorrow. After all, this was Austria’s capital, which had one hundred fifty-six square miles. That was a lot of sights. They did not plan to see them all, only a few highlights which they had discussed earlier. Their hotel overlooked the beautiful Danube and they planned to take the tour boat which was sailing by at that very moment no doubt the last tour of the day. The evening tours would be glamorous in a special way but one would miss many of the delights of this ancient and beautiful city. The stately Baroque architecture would be striking and regal. They wanted to see the Belvedere Palace and St. Stephen’s Cathedral with the 450-foot tower. It was the ecclesiastical focal point of all Austria. Carriage rides began here and would take them over a large area of the city to cover many wonderful sights.
The Grand Opera House would take them back in time to the days of Mozart, Beethoven, Shubert and Strauss. Music was a very serious thing here since this was the mecca for all the musical geniuses. The atmosphere was two parts oxygen and two parts melody. It could truly be a heady experience. There were so many things here to see, like the Hapsburg castle where this royal family ruled in Central Europe from 1273 to 1918 and the Spanish riding school of the Lipizzaner Stallions, to see their graceful jumping and dancing feats. Then they wanted to see the crown jewels. They must surely visit the Grand Theater where they could dance to the Blue Danube and Tales of Vienna Woods. They were known as the anthems of Vienna. It was said that the Breunsendorfer piano had no equal in tones and made the waltzes a truly heavenly delight. Maybe they could ride on the city’s slowest and largest Ferris wheel, reaching a height of 212 feet and moving at two and a half feet per second. Of course, they must also see the villages with the alpine style homes with glamorous balconies.
Once Within A Lifetime Page 28