Once Within A Lifetime (40 page)

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 their 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?

They arrived late afternoon. It would be time to check into their hotel and get ready for the evening 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.

They
had heard that in 1818, the organ of the church broke down and Priest Frans Grueber worked out some lyrics to be sung with accompaniment of the guitar which became the beautiful tune “Silent Night”.

“
It was beautifully rendered at that time in their native tongue. If we could only grasp that emotion when we sing it.”

The
wonderful coffee houses were a must. The Turks left behind coffee beans and it became a favorite drink of the Austrians.

They
had a list of many things and would start on them tomorrow in the daylight. Their hotel had some very interesting things to do and see to cover the rest of the day. They wanted to turn in early so they could get up and see the sights early.

They
went to the dining room, ordered and got ready to eat some of the delights of the area. They had heard of the place where you could have a life of Double Whipped Cream. It sounded better when you were not already full from a wonderful meal.

The
next day they arose early to get started on the wonders to behold. They got ready for the boat tour and got in line to board. They found a wonderful seat on the deck and sat to relax and enjoy the sights which were in store for them. The narrator called out the various views and structures along the way with any details which may engender interest and understanding. They saw the castles, abbeys, churches and the wonderful baroque buildings. This gave them an overview of the city, and they were writing down things they wanted to pick up tomorrow. This tour would take most of the day, and they would want to start out fresh another day to catch them all.