*My entry to My Europe Story
My husband knows that tulips are my absolute favorite flowers so it was no wonder then that when we planned for a once in a lifetime European Sojourn in honor of our 10th Wedding Anniversary, the first destination was Keukenhof in The Netherlands
I was so ecstatic seeing hundreds of varieties of tulips, alongside daffodils and hyacinths in what is popularly known as the Garden of Europe. My college friend now lives there and having a local guide made our visit in Amsterdam an enriching one, particularly in navigating the Red Light District and in enjoying an authentic Dutch dinner, which included bloedwurst, stamppot and a raw herring, with a side of Heineken, of course.
Paris, the amazing City of Lights, was just a layover for us, so we can catch our morning train the next day to Lucerne, but alas, half of that day was spent in a police station! Halfway through our Metro ride to our hotel, I just noticed that my purse, that was in front of me all along, was open and gone was my wallet. It was not losing a few Euros that made me mad...rather, it was the feeling of vulnerability and helplessness! I spent the rest of that day wallowing in misery, while consuming box after box of Laduree macarons!
Overdosing on sweets had a therapeutic effect on me, as I woke up brand new the next day, overly excited to finally go to Switzerland. Upon seeing the snow-capped Alps, I felt like singing: "The hills are alive with the sound of music..." What do you mean that was in Austria? Opps, wrong country, never mind!
Lucerne was a dream! Fondue or not, I was determined to make my mark on the Swiss Alps. So excited were we that we got off the gondola, even if it was not the summit yet. The operator had to yell at us to get back to make the final ascent . I could still picture him shaking his head in disbelief as the gondola was lifting up yet again. Well, he stayed in disbelief while we approached our Cloud Nine that was Mount Pilatus! The majesty of the Swiss Alps was beyond words! My heart treasured what my lips couldn't put into words.
Then came Rome - la Citta Eterna - the city where all roads lead to! The focal point of this trip! We were visiting our priest-friend in the Vatican, who suggested for us to renew our vows there. We were fortunate enough to recite once again "to have and to hold, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, til death do us part" inside the Parish of Santa Anna, which unbeknownst to us, will be the church where the newly elected Pope Francis would say his first public mass, 10 months later. Since it was totally unplanned, we never booked a restaurant for a reception, opting instead to enjoy a scoop or two of gelato at the nearby Old Bridge Gelateria. Our nun-friend joked that that gelateria was the go-to place of the pope whenever he craves for gelato since that place is a stone's throw away from the Papal palace.
Next stop? The Amalfi Coast and Capri! Those hairpin and death defying turns the bus made from Sorrento en route to Amalfi almost made me lose my breakfast but the breathtaking scenery more than made up for it. The Bay of Naples was indeed a sight to behold! And circling the island of Capri, admiring the Faraglioni Rock Formations made me miss the Philippines. But nothing prepared me for the experience that was the Blue Grotto. The skipper of a small wooden row boat had to time the entrance perfectly so we don't hit our heads against the miniscule opening of the cave. Inside, we were treated to a few lines of "O Sole Mio", as only an Italian can belt, complimented with the blue reflection illuminating the cavern.
Back in Sorrento, Ranie was like a little kid in the candy store. Upon ordering lunch, he requested the waiter if he could see the kitchen. Did I tell you that I married a chef? Anyway, without any hesitation, the waiter led him to the kitchen and it was an experience of a lifetime. Instead of letting him watch the Italian chefs do their craft, they told him to cook! In their kitchen! With them teaching him the tricks of the trade that make Italian food topnotch! It was his Disneyland moment! And the food he made was delish!
Florence made me feel like I was living in a Renaissance dream. I was totally in character of my nerd persona inside Sta. Croce where the tombs of the likes of Michelangelo, Galileo and a monument for Dante are immortalized. While Ranie was just there to perfect his haggling skills in the mercato. And haggle he did, with a few loots to show for it!
Venice was all they said it was and more! Getting lost in the small alleys and crossing all those charming bridges seemed like a must, while hunting for the best spaghetti di nero (in squid ink) in town! The pigeons in St. Mark's Square had ravenous appetite for bread while the gondolas were swaying in the grand canal like they had a rhythm of their own.
And what better way to end a vacation celebrating a decade of love, sacrifices and faithfulness than to sail to the sunset, in a gondola, while holding hands with the love of your life, savoring the gentle breeze...okay, I meant the fragrant aroma of dinner cooking in some Italian nonna's stove! If only he would sing "Volare" to me...
"Sometimes the world is a valley of heartaches and tears.
And in the hustle and bustle, no sunshine appears
But you and I have our love always there to remind us
There is a way we can leave all the shadows behind us
Volare, oh oh
Cantare, oh oh oh oh
No wonder my happy heart sings
Your love has given me wings!"
