~While cleaning out her garage, my mother came across several of my college texts and a few of my personal journals from back in the day. One in particular caught her attention. It was a travel journal that I wrote while my mom and I took our first overseas trip together. It was my second to Europe and her first. She first raved about how well written it was and how it evoked memories that she had long since forgotten. "THIS is why I wish I could write like you!" she said. "I had completely forgotten about half of the things we did, and your words brought the memories to life, Mija!" Then she followed with, "Take it home and read it, then bring it back to me so I can take it with me to China next month. I'd like to attempt writing my own entries to preserve the trip in my memory." Then she handed it over to me. I read it over the weekend, and aside from a few misspelled words here and there, I must say that even I, the author discovered some memories that I had long forgotten as well! And so for my own memories' sake and any future ancestor's curiosities, here is the edited e-version of that wonderful trip of trips:
10-4-98 (Day 1) En route to France
The excitement of venturing to foreign lands is overwhelming! So, with style, we headed to LAX in 2 stretch limousines (one just for our luggage!). The champaign we had en rout got to our heads, but it only built up our excitement. It is especially exciting for Mom, who has never touched foreign soil. (unless you count Mexico, but that really isn't foreign to my family)
I had a similar excitement when visiting Portugal almost 15 years ago, however, this is a bit more exciting, since I'll have more freedom.
10-5-98 (Day 2) Paris, France
So far, the city has exceeded my expectations. In just the few hours since arriving, I've absorbed a lot of the historical and cultural richness... Our hotel, "Hotel Regina", is a century old. At the cafe across the street, I got my first taste of French fromage and soup 'a l'olgnon. Across our side street (in all it's splendor) is the Musee de Louvre and the Jardin de Tuileries. Our evening walk took us through the Tuileries to the bank of the Seine. There, I had my first glimpse of the Tour Eiffel and the Arc de Triomphe Etoile.
The French Quarters of New Orleans is the closest comparison to the streets of Paris that I have seen in the U.S., but even the Big Easy pales in comparison to the sights, sounds, and smells of the real French quarters of Paris.
10-6-98 (Day 3) Paris
Today we conquered the city's Metro system. We passed with ease through the Paris underground, arriving safely at our destination: the Galleries Lafayette. We each had things to shop for; my priority was French cosmetics--I found what was needed, and was content with that.
Also, today we took a tram to Montmartre and visited the Sacre-Coeur or Sacred-Heart Cathedral. We lit candles for Dad, Grandma, and Aunt Esther.
For the most part, our meals (breakfast and dinner) were had at the Hotel Regina. Both meals exceeded our expectations. I've never had a better croissant or mousse au chocolat.
10-7-98 (Day 4) Paris
Today was spent at the Musse du Louvre. Of course, there was no way to see all of the art pieces in just one day, but I saw those that were most important to me: the Mona Lisa, the statue of Venis de Milo and the Winged Victory. The Egyptian, Roman, and Greek art was very intriguing as well. I would have loved to see the 18th and 19th century paintings, but time did not permit.
We changed hotels to Novatel, right near Les Halles. We took a very short walk to the Church of St. Eustache, which is the 2nd oldest cathedral in Paris. Again, I lit a candle for Dad, Grandma and Aunt Esther.
Later our tour group joined with us for dinner and an illumination tour of the city.
10-8-98 (Day 5) Paris
Our day began with a Tour of Notre-Dame Cathedral. Candles were lit for Dad, Grandma & Aunt Esther at the alter of St. Joan of Arc, and for grandpa at Our Lady of Guadalupe in the cathedral. This is on City Island in Paris.
It began to rain, but not enough for us to see the Gargoyles spit out water. Later, it was a tour of the Eiffel Tower. I would have liked to climb higher, but weather and time only permitted us to the first level. The afternoon took us to the famed home of Louie XIV--Versailles. The gardens alone had me in awe! (On the way back to the Hotel Novatel, we drove through the tunnel where Lady Di was killed last year...)
After feeling ill all day, I got by on a bowl of 'a l'oignon and water. Even this was a filling meal!
10-9-98 (Day 6) Paris
Our last day in Paris. The others went off to view the wine country. I would have liked to as well, if my stomach agreed with me. Also, I had not had my thyroid medication in 5 days, which took most of my energy away. I should be well-rested and ready for Lucerne, Switzerland tomorrow, and Venice, Florence, and Rome, Italy in the days to come.
On this day alone, I've thought about venturing out (I would have liked to visit the Musse de Orsay), but after being approached by a Frenchman at the Galleries Les Halles, I thought better of it. Instead, I had McDonald's in the hotel room, wrote post cards, this journal entry, and read from my book. Perhaps I'll have the courage to go out tonight.
For now, just watching the city life pass by will do. Hearing horns beeping and sirens blaring... bells tolling...
10-10-98 (Day 7) en route to Lucerne, Switzerland
Today we made our way through Paris' underground freeways and Burgundy country roads. The landscape was phenomenal, especially once we crossed the Rhine River into Switzerland via Basle. The scene was straight out of "Heidi"! Rolling green hills, the Black Forest that was the fairy-tale home of Hansel and Grettle, and the Swiss Alpine mountains were breathtaking.
Lucerne was very still and quiet as we rode into town about dinner time. The lake and mountains were very peaceful. Here, at the Royal Hotel, we were blessed with a lake-view room and balcony. Mom and I stood on the balcony in awe of this beautiful country scene. Tomorrow we will conquer Mt. Pilatus by cogwheel train and ride the gondolas back down the other side.
10-11-98 (Day 8) Lucerne
The Lyon Monument, carved in stone was our morning highlight. Mark Twain was right when he said, "It is the most moving piece of stone I have ever seen." It was something inspiring, that stirred emotions. It was carved by a man called Thorwaldsen, in honor of Swiss guards who died protecting King Louis the XVI of France. The covered wooden bridge was just as beautiful. It linked both sides of the river.
Today's highlight was climbing Mt. Pilatus on the world's steepest cogwheel train. It took a while to climb this Alpine mountain, and just as long to descend on the other side in gondolas. The views up and down were spectacular, but the summit (where we had lunch) was covered in clouds--and extremely cold! After our return, we shopped for souvenirs and ate a wonderful gourmet dinner just down from our hotel.
10-12-98 (Day 9) Venizia, Italia
The morning was gorgeous as we left Lucern on our voyage through the narrow, winding road over the Alps. Again, the views were unmatched. Snow covered the summit, where we stopped for Swiss Cocoa and pictures. We left one side of the Alps, where German was used, and crossed to the Italian side. Gotthard Pass was the summit and transition from German Switzerland to Italian Switzerland. (Very different--the men were much better looking on the Italian side!)
Country highways brought us through northern Italy, past Verona (home to Juliet Capulet) and then past Montegue (famed home of Romeo). Our Venitian hotel is still 20 miles from Venice and the Adriatic Sea, but it is a very nice one. Our dinner was wonderful (lasagna, perch & potatoes) and tomorrow we will ride the gondolas through the canals of Venice!
10-13-98 (Day 10) Venice
The only way to describe Venizia (Venice), Italy, is unbelievable! We took a private boat to the main island (of 140 islets), where we toured an 11th century palace, St. Mark's Cathedral, and the Murano Glass Company. St. Mark's Square was enormous! We crossed over the Bridge of Sighs from the Doge's palace to a 12th century prison. For lunch, we dined on a sidewalk patio (which incidentally, you have to pay extra for!)
Our most memorable conquest of the day was our ride on the gondola, through the canals of Venice. It was as romantic as it was expected to be. The gondolier was handsome, and pointed out the home of Wolfgang Amadeas Motzart's mistress. We were also serenaded by passing gondoliers.
At night, we returned to the island for a wonderful dinner and were again serenaded. Afterwards, we walked through St. Mark's Square, listening to live music, and enjoying the starry, cool evening. Our most memorable evening yet...
10-14-98 (Day 11) Firenze, Italia (Florence)
Michaelangelo's David was first on our agenda for the day. we visited the famed statue at the Art Academy in Florence. We ventured into St. John's Basilica, and religious square, as well as the political square where "David" once stood. We also lit candles in Santa Crocha Cathederal where Michaelangelo, Galileo, and other famed Italians are laid to rest. We shopped in an Italian leather shop for a bit.
Our night before was spent traveling, so our day was short in order to rest for Pisa tomorrow.
Last night's trip was uneventful, except for climbing over the Appenine Mountain range (famous for it's marble).
10-15-98 (Day 12) Florence
Today we wound our way to the city of Pisa. We beheld the famed Leaning Tower of Pisa (the most photographed monument in the world) in amazement. At the Square of Miracles, we bought J.J. a Pinocchio doll.
At last night's dinner, our young waiter, Alex flirted with me a bit, so I asked him to send me a Hard Rock Cafe Florence shirt. He agreed to do so, as long as I sent him one from L.A.--to which I agreed.
On the way back from Pisa, I jotted down my address for him with a post script complementing his "cute" smile and good sense of humor. We shall see what happens...
The rest of the day will be on the road traveling to "the Eternal City" of Rome.
10-16-98 (Day 13) Roma, Italia
Here we are in this ancient city, which dates back thousands of years before Christ, even. We crossed Tuscany country and over the Tiber River to behold our home for the next 3 days. We got a nice view of the Olympic town that Mussolini built in the late 1920's & early 1930's--awesome!
Our hotel is wonderful. Its right across from the city's largest city park.
At night, we had dinner at a restaurant in town. The food was excellent--5 courses. There was musical entertainment, and there was Umberto (our waiter). He singled out a few women (myself included) and gave us a rose, a kiss and a pinch on the behind. At a point in the entertainment, the room goes dark (lights go off) and the waiter makes his way to his 'victim' (me). Then, when the lights go on, he plants a kiss (on the lips) of the unsuspecting bella (me) and hand's them a rose before pinching their behind. Fortunately, Umberto was cute & charming! After dinner, we visited the Trevi Fountain and tossed our 2 coins in. The first for our safe return to Roma, and the second for a wish.
10-17-98 (Day 14) Rome
Today we would have started out at St. Peter's Basilica and St. Peter's Square in the Vatican, but the Pope had other plans and we weren't even allowed to enter the square. Thousands of Poles were visiting the Pope to celebrate his 20th year in the Vatican.
Instead, we toured the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, St. Paul's Cathedral, St. Paul's gift shop (all in Vatican City); and then the Coliseum (took our Globus group picture there), Circus Maximus, the Roman Baths, the Catacombs, ancient city streets, and Castel Gandalfo the Pope's summer home on Lake Albano--just outside of Rome. Our dinner was in the quaint southern town of Lazio.
Our day was packed with fun and laughter. I spent all my time at the Sistine Chapel, just looking at Michaelangelo's very last panel--"The Judgement". I was absolutely awestruck... Tomorrow we journey to Pompeii.
10-18-98 (Day 15) Naples, Italy
On this day (our final day of the tour), we traveled down to Naples. We spent the day touring Pompeii. It was an unbelievable sight to behold. The preservation of the city--including some of it's occupants was amazing. These people were very ingenious for their time.
We got back into Rome in time for our farewell dinner. The food was great and the entertainment matched. Mom was serenaded, and the daughter of one of the musicians sang "Ave Maria". The most beautiful Soprano that I have ever heard, was this young lady's. After dinner, we stopped to take pictures in front of St. Peter's Basilica at night. It was a gorgeous evening, and it was our last bit of Roma, before starting for home tomorrow...
10-19-98 (Day 16) Rome--L.A.
I don't want to go! I need another week! Our plane leaves this evening, so we're heading out this afternoon from our hotel. Hopefully, there'll be more shopping at the airport!
I look forward to Margaret's food and, well, Mexican food in general. But I wouldn't say I'm sick of Italian food. And I already look forward to my happy return!
At least I've got tomorrow off, so that I can catch up on the sleep I'll miss over this 11 & 1/2 hour flight!
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