4 posts tagged “european vacation”

Tino met us at the café that morning.  He hugged Sandi first and then me.  Holding me close and whispering “Buongiorno, bella ragazza” in my ear.  It sent a chill up my spine.  He smelled of espresso, mint and aftershave.  I breathed in the scent and he kissed my forehead.

“You are in for treat today, ladies!  I will take you to the canal and then to cathedral.  Then lunch.  What else?  I do not have shift at my bar tonight so I am at your service as long as needed.”

Sandi giggled and winked at me.  Loaded statement.  Sandi handed him her list of things we wanted to see while in Venice.

“This is more than one day!  I will have to call sick tomorrow night!”

“You don’t need to do that.  Your boss will be angry.”

“My boss no care once he see how beautiful you two are.”

The day was long and tiring but so well worth it.  I loved being with Tino and he was in fact an excellent guide.  I told him I was keeping track of his time so I could pay him all he deserved later.

“I will tell you the price tonight, bella so you no more worry about it.”

It was getting dark and I was dreading our parting.  So I asked Tino to join us for dinner, my treat.

He had a better idea.  A traditional Italian meal, his treat.  He made a phone call and then we were off, out of town a bit.

We pulled up to what was no doubt a residence.  It was a handsome house with a big front porch and a dirt driveway.  I could smell flowers blooming as I got out of the car.

“Is this an Inn?”

“It is the home of my family.  My mama is making you dinner.”

WHAT?  He had to be joking.  I was embarrassed that he’d impose on his poor mother.

I started to protest and his finger went to his lips to shush me.

“Please, she is happy to cook for you.  She wants to meet you.  Wait here, I will tell her we are home.”

“Dayna, don’t spoil it for him.  We aren’t used to customs of other countries.  He is proud to show you his home and it’s his gift to us to give us a home cooked meal.”

Dinner was delicious and Tino’s family was so generous.  Their laughter was contagious.  Three of his four brothers were there.  His sisters in law were there as well. 

All of the boys resembled their mother except Tino.  He was a young version of his father.  I could see what Tino would look like when he is older.  His father was quick witted and very flirtatious.

“My son tells me he treated you to an evening at the bar.  Tell me dear what you thought of our little disco.”

“I think it’s beautiful and very popular.  Tino looks like he enjoys his job.”

“He will enjoy it more when he runs it.  One must start at the bottom, no?”

“It’s a good idea, yes.”

It finally dawned on me that Tino’s family owned the disco.  That explained the VIP treatment on what I suspected was a small salary.

“You met Enzio, no?  He is my partner’s son.  One day he and my Tino will be the owners of the disco.  I am sending Tino to your States for summer to learn the business of successful clubs in large cities like Los Angeles, Las Vegas and New York.  Do you have clubs in your city that he can visit?”

I thought of the swanky bars and clubs in Seattle and thought that yes, there were a few he could get some pointers from.  I told him so.

“Good it is settled.  Tino will visit Seattle as well.  What month is good for you to take him around?”

I told him any time was fine, that I was self-employed.  I did however tell him that I didn’t have the connections to get him in the audience of the owners of such clubs.  He said not to worry, he wanted Tino to go to the club as an anonymous customer.

On the way home Tino told me that the price of his tour guiding had been met. 

“I am happy you met my father.  He has long wanted to meet someone from your region so that I will have someone to show me around when I travel there.  See, we have made an exchange.”

Sandi said she was tired and was heading to her room.  Tino and I went to the hotel’s bar and he told me of his plans for the summer.  He asked me to join him on the west coast part of his tour.  I said it was a good possibility since it was only a few hours flight to either city on his list.  

“It is late.  I must be going soon.  Please, will you meet me at the café tomorrow?  We can take a drive into the country for a picnic – just you and me.”

Tino walked me to the elevator.  Before the door opened he was kissing me passionately.  He said goodnight and I sighed as the door closed.

My phone was ringing when I reached my room.  It was Tino calling from the lobby.

“Bella, I cannot bear to miss you tonight.  I am on my way up to you, no?”

“No, I mean yes!  Get up here quick!”

Tino was a sensual lover.  I marveled at his young age and thought he’d be inexperienced but we ended up being really good together.  The sexual tension had been building up in me for a while now and to be in Italy with such a beautiful man was the topper to my trip.

We spent the next couple days and nights together and when I left to go home I wished I’d had longer to spend there. 

I’ve been home for almost three weeks and it’s been hard getting back into the same old same old here.  I’d love to be on vacation again soon.  I don’t feel like working.  The weather is still cold and wet and as I get into the swing of life, my sweet vacation memories are starting to fade.  Sigh.

The remainder of my trip was fantastic!  After Paris we went to Rome then Venice and then back to London for our trip back to the States.

The weather was only in the low 60’s but it wasn’t raining and that’s a plus compared to what it’s been at home lately!

Rome was interesting seeing the ancient ruins and all the things I learned about in history class.  But I really liked Venice.  It’s beautiful.  So old and intriguing.  And of course that’s where I met the beautiful man I can’t get off my mind.

Sandi decided she wanted to sleep the first day.  We checked into the hotel where we had separate rooms because of the length of time we were to stay.  She was worn out from the trip and we were to be in Venice for 5 days before heading back to London.  It was the most time we were spending in any city on the tour.  I was glad to be by myself for a while. 

I showered and headed down to the local coffee shop.  I got the newspaper and although I couldn’t read it, thought it’d be something to look at while I drank my espresso.

I felt someone looking at me.  I looked up and saw a handsome young man smiling my way.  He had the typical dark hair of most Italians but his eyes were so very unusual.  Denim blue with a ring of golden brown right near the pupil.

He waved at me in a shy sort of way and I waved back and put the paper in front of me.  For some reason I felt a light blush creep up my face.  I was tired and my defenses were down I decided.

“Buongiorno,” was the softly spoken word coming from right behind my newspaper.

I put the paper down and saw my suitor smiling widely showing big straight white teeth.

“Bella ragazza,” he said.  I knew what the ‘bella’ was but not the other part.  So I asked him.

“What does that mean?”

“Ah, she does not speak my tongue.”

“Only a little bit.”

“I shall teach you, beautiful girl.”

“Oh I’m only here for a few days.  I think I’ll be okay.”

“What is a few days to you will mean more to me.  What is your name?”

“Dayna.  Pleased to meet you.”

“It will be pleasure, you shall see.  I am Ciatino, friend call me Tino.

“Okay, Tino.  It is lovely to meet you.”

Tino looked to be about 24 years old.  Beautiful, but too young for me. 

“Come, finish your drink.  I take you to see sights.”

I laughed and told him no thanks.  I understood now.  He wasn’t hitting on me, he wanted to be a tour guide for money. 

“American lady, you cannot be in Venice and not know your way.  Please, let me show you everything.”  He was standing and offering his hand.

“Where would we go first?”

“Ah, bella, that is right, Tino show you sights.”

“Where to?”

“The canal.  It is pretty.  You go get your husband and I will wait here for you.”

Great.  He thinks I have a group for him.

“I don’t have a husband.  My friend Sandi is in the hotel but she is sleeping.  How much for the canal trip for just me?”

“I will collect at the end of the trip.  It will cost you not very much.”

I was nervous.  Was this what happened to women in foreign countries?  Is this how they got mugged or worse?

“I think I’ll pass this time.  I am tired and am going to retire now.  If you want to show me the sights tomorrow, meet me here in the morning and you can take me and my friend.”

“That is good.  I meet you here at 8.  But what about today?”

“What do you mean?”

“Can I take you somewhere else today?”

“The market?”

“Yes, we do that!”

I knew the market was only a few blocks away.  We walked side by side with Tino talking the whole way.  He told me about his family, all his brothers and what they did for work.  I asked him if he made money from tourists like me and he said I was his first customer.  Right.  His main job is a waiter in a bar where he works nights.

At the market we took our time looking at all the stalls.  I bought some fruit and some cheese.  Tino bought a bottle of wine and some bread.  I lost track of him while I checked out some ceramic masks and silver jewelry.  When I caught up with Tino he was talking to a vendor.  They were laughing easily and speaking Italian.  It was a beautiful display. 

“Ah, Bella, this is Enzio.  We are school mates from long ago.  This is Dayna.  She is from Seattle, USA”

Enzio took my hand and kissed the top of it.  His brown eyes twinkled. 

“You are beautiful, like he say.  Will you be at disco this evening?”

“Maybe,” I said, starting to enjoy these young men’s attention.

“You come, bring your friend.  Tino work tonight.  You sit at my table, he serves us.”

They both laughed at this.  I didn’t get the joke.

We continued walking a bit more after the market ended and there was a cute park with a shade tree.  We sat on the bench and took out the cheese and bread.  Tino had a wine opener in his pocket.  This made me laugh.  I told him he is prepared and he said he got it from Enzio, the prepared one. 

“He is good with ladies.  Always has wine for them to share at this bench.”

A-ha.  The handsome Italian men on the hunt for American ladies.

We talked more about Venice and how he wants to see New York some day.  He told me about the cathedrals and all the other things he wanted to show me.  I asked him how much to be my tour guide.  He repeated what he said in the coffee shop – that it would not cost much.

“I walk you home now, no?  I must work soon.”

He walked me to the elevator and put his hand over the button just as I was about to push it.  He leaned in towards my face, grasped a strand of my hair that had escaped my clip and kissed it.  His hand brushed my cheek as he released the lock.

“Please you come to my bar tonight, bella?”  He slipped a business card into my hand and kissed the top of my hand.  I stared in amazement.  His eyelashes were impossibly long.

“Come at 10.  Give the card to Antonio at the door.  He will take care of you, show you Enzio’s table.”

How could I refuse?  Sandi was thrilled that we had VIP status at the bar.  I told her it wasn’t a big deal, that Tino wanted to be our tour guide for money and this was his way of sealing the deal.  She didn’t care.  She was excited to be going out and talked me into dressing up in our swanky outfits for the night.

We exited the hotel at 9:45 and there in front of a town car was a driver holding a sign that said “Bella Dayna”

I couldn’t believe it.  Sandi shrieked.  Asked what I did to poor Tino to make him so mitten.  I was completely baffled. 

The line to the disco was long.  I could tell it was a hot spot in town for it to be so packed so early in the evening.  Our driver let us out and whistled to the door man.  He nodded and the driver walked us over to him.

“Dayna, Sandi, welcome.  Please wait for a moment.”  He talked on his cell phone for a minute and then someone came outside to get us.

It was dark inside and handsomely decorated.  The man led us back past the dinner guests, past the enormous bar

and to a table in the back corner.  It was a big half circle booth with Enzio sitting in the middle.  He was happy to see us, greeted Sandi like an old friend then poured us each a glass of Prosecco that was chilling in an ice bucket surrounded by platters of appetizers.

“Tino will be done working in a couple hours.  Till then you are all mine,” he grinned and raised his glass to us.

A few minutes later Tino appeared.  He looked very nice in his tuxedo-like uniform.  His smile was contagious.

“Bella!  You made it!  I am pleased to see you and your lovely Sandi.  Welcome to my bar.  Please, enjoy and I will be with you shortly.”

I told Enzio how shocked I was to see the driver and town car and the VIP treatment at the door.  I joked that Tino must have some influence around here and scolded him that he’d let his friend splurge on the expense of the car.

“Nicco is my cousin.  He drive for me as favor.  No worries, please, enjoy and don’t fret about Tino.”

The time did pass quickly as more of Enzio’s friends came by for a drink or two at the booth.  Before I knew it, Tino was standing next to me.  He had changed his clothes and looked stunning in a white button down shirt and black jeans.  His hand was outstretched as he asked me for a dance.  He led me to the dance floor where we stayed for close to a half hour.

“Please, let’s go outside for air,” Tino said as we headed out the back door onto a patio with tables and heated umbrellas overhead.

I made a fuss about the expense of the night and asked what I could give him for Sandi’s and my share of the celebration.

“I do not know what you mean, bella.  I will not take money from you.”

I started to protest but was cut off.

“Shhh…” he leaned in and stopped my words with his mouth.  It was a delicious kiss.  The champagne and the dancing and the romantic gestures had gotten to me.  I knew I should stop before instinct took over.

“It is late.  I take you home now, no?  We have a big day tomorrow, bella.  Please, stay here, I will get Sandi.”

We rode to the hotel in the town car, the three of us.  Tino insisted on delivering us to our rooms.  We said goodnight to Sandi and then kissed goodnight at my door.  Another good one.  I started to say something that resembled an invitation inside and Tino put his finger to his lips to shush me.

“My dear, I will see you in the morning.  At the café at 9.  Sweet dream, bella.”

April 20^th – 24^th

PARIS

The train ride was pretty cool.  It took a little over 2 hours and passed through south London and the countryside of Kent and northern France.  Sandi wasn’t as talkative.  Hung over I guess.  That was fine with me.  Even with my excitement, the memory of Rick managed to creep into my head.  I was reminded of the time we took the 3 hour train ride to Vancouver, B.C. and how we cuddled the whole way back.  *sigh*  I would’ve loved to be experiencing this with ‘someone’ other than my friend Sandi.

We checked into our hotel in Paris at about 2 pm.  The staff was so genuinely polite.  I was worried that the French would treat us Americans with disapproval but they were nice so far.  At least to our faces.  I don’t speak French enough to be able to understand anything derogatory being said but whatever, right?  I can barely order lunch in French so if anyone is talking smack about me, it’s my fault for being arrogant enough to come to their country and not speak the tongue, right?  Our concierge got us reservations at a very nice and somewhat famous restaurant for dinner that first night.  We decided to take in the food and nightlife the first night, sleep in and relax all day on Monday then do the sightseeing thing on Tuesday and Wednesday before heading to our next city on our tour. 

So we saw all the normal, tourist-y spots in Paris. I really liked it here.  The weather was "okay" and the city really is beautiful in spring-time.

I'll be updating the rest of my trip soon -

April 16^th

Our plane left on time from Seattle at 5:35 pm.  I was armed with a good, no-brainer novel, some celeb rag mags, and fashion mags.  I had planned on passing the time with them since it was going to be a loooong flight.  Nine hours actually.

Sandi was a chatter box though.  She told me her life story and I mean her whole entire life story from the minute she was born it seemed.  I learned a lot about her and mainly that she doesn’t like to fly and talks A LOT when she’s nervous.  I tried to get her to indulge in some wine with me – for her to calm her down and for me to drink myself into a drunken stupor and hopefully pass out.  It didn’t work out that way.  She was afraid to catch a buzz because she said she’d no doubt throw up.  Great.

Thankfully it was an evening flight and we’d be arriving in the morning so dinner, a movie and sleeping were going to be on the agenda.

After dinner Sandi used the lav so I took the opportunity to slip a couple of motion sickness tablets into her soda while she was gone.  It took less than 45 minutes for her to fall asleep and I was grateful for the quiet.  Terrible, I know, but resourceful you gotta admit!

I got through the entire stack of magazines after dinner.  Celebs are totally boring to me.  I guess I flipped through the rag mags so fast because I really could care less what the rich and famous are up to.  I learned some new beauty tips from the fashion mags and started getting into the novel when Sandi woke up.

She told me all about the weird and scary dream she was having and asked how long she’d been asleep.  (not long enough) I said we had a long time left before we landed (about 6 hours) and that it’d be okay for her to go back to sleep, I’d wake her whenever she wanted.  Thankfully she did fall back to sleep.  I put a motion tab in her bottle of water so she’d get a steady yet mild dose of it to keep her down.  Terrible, I know.

After several more glasses of wine I too fell asleep during the movie and with the cabin dark and quiet I stayed asleep until I smelled food.  It was time for breakfast and that meant we’d be landing in a couple of hours.

On the way to the baggage claim Sandi told me that was the best flight she’d ever been on.  “I can’t believe I slept so much!  I never am able to relax on planes.  It’s weird.”  Yes, very strange.

We checked into a hotel that’s very near the airport at 11:30 am.  I was tired but had to get to the conference that was starting at 1 pm in the hotel’s conference center.  The very reason we stayed at the airport area hotel was because of the wellness conference I was attending.  I knew it’d be tough to sit in there for 4 hours after a long flight but I wanted to get the business end of my trip out of the way first.  So the first two days were conference days.  A half day Thursday and then a full day Friday.  Work hard and play hard after, ya know?

Sheraton Heathrow

Sandi went ahead of me on Friday to our hotel in the city – away from the airport conference one.  That way she could see the sights and get settled in before I made my way over by dinner time. 

I got to our room at about 5 pm.  Sandi was excited to show me the brochures she picked up from the concierge.  She’d made reservations at a nearby restaurant and asked if I was up to clubbing or pubbing.  We decided on tossing the dice and to just see what happened.  We ended up eating some awful British supper and sampling some Brit ale and then as expected, we were tired and didn’t go clubbing.  I thought about the rendezvous that was jokingly offered to me and so even though I was totally beat, I took a cab over to the underground sign in Piccadilly Square as instructed.  I never expected him to show up and I would’ve never known what he looked like, this internet friend of mine but I went anyway – to be able to say I did and to see the landmark for myself.

Underground sign

Saturday was a different story though.  After spending the day looking at the usual London attractions, we got dressed up and went to the fun spots in London.  It was really a great time and so much fun meeting British guys.  Quite a change from what I’ve been seeing these days.  We drank and danced almost all night long and I felt like ass on Sunday as I packed my stuff up and we headed to the train station for our next stop:  Paris.